Part Time Engineering Job do those even exist? 1

[KSJTam]

Hi, I'm doing my masters in mechanical engineering at the moment and I was talking to a classmate of mine the other day. He was telling me about finding a part time engineering job while he completes his studies. I told him I was doubtful those exists at all, but it sounded like a good idea.

So I'm posting this question here. Do part time engineering jobs exist?

If they do, how would I go about getting one? I wouldn't mind finding some work to boost my resume a bit so after masters I can hit the ground running so to speak. Any tips or advice on what I can do now so I can secure a job after I complete my studies (approx 1 yr + a month or two from now).

If you guys know of any work opportunities, I'm in Toronto, Canada.

 

[Latexman]

They exist, but all that I have seen are occupied by experienced engineers with good to outstanding reputations. I don't think a newbie would have a shot at one.

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[stanweld]

Yes. We have hired engineering interns for summer employment and some have been kept on a part time basis until graduation. Those who were kept on were offered positions after obtaining their degrees. We are doing the same this year.

I would assume that we are not the only company to do so.

We have also hired experienced engineers for part time assignments.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Yes - check out Craigslist

 

[SLTA]

I had a part-time design job because there were two engineers and one couldn't handle it all, but it was too much for two. Worked out perfectly.

 

[patprimmer]

They do exist. They where called trainees or cadetships. Once upon a time they where called apprentices.

Another form is called a consultant.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

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for site rules

 

[KENAT]

Yes they exist, we have someone now who works around his college schedule (so for the next few weeks he's actually nearly full time over the summer break).

As you have no experience trying to get in as more of an internship may be a better route.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[patprimmer]

Oh

And to work part time while studying may only pay a moderate salary. The cost of learning new skills.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm

for site rules

 

[tz101]

If you have the tools to work from home, some places will offload extra projects to you for evening/weekend work. I did this once, and know others who do it to this day.

 

[JedClampett]

The companies like part timers becuase they're 100% billable and they don't pay any benefits, except for a few mandated by law.
But it's still not that easy to find a position, especially in this economic climate.

 

[brandonbw]

I interned at Caltrans during my senior year of college. Paid better than most interns, and still paid better back in 2001 than people I know who have other degree jobs right now. It was pretty simple work, but I remember having to apply to a lot of places and really go after job searching at the time.

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer

http://bwengr.com

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http://bwstructuralengineer.com

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http://bwcivilengineer.com

 

[adamusmc2002]

On my campus we have an aviation research facility that offers part time employment to undergrads and masters seekers, 20-30 hours a week. At the masters level, they reimburse your tuition. This might be an unusual situation, since I'm sure not all campuses have aviation research facilities on campus, but most campuses have some research going on I would assume (?). I'm my recent experience with this research facility, it wasn't something I found through the university itself, but from a classmate in my linear algebra class.

 

[NickE]

I just re-entered the engineering workforce, after a 3.5yr hiatus, to work part time at 20hrs/week. This allows me to keep my current small business operating (audio and event engineering) while getting back into metallurgy and manufacturing.

I've been inquiring locally to find this type of opportunity, and really hadn't had much luck. I'm a bit young and only have 7yrs industry experience so finding consulting work was very difficult.

It's a brand new start-up manufacturing company, and I'm billing a rather low rate, but at this point the investment should pay in the long run. There is significant risk that we won't be able to pull this off, but I have a much deeper ownership in the work and it's exciting on a whole different level.

I'd rather not go into anymore detail at this time, next year should be pretty cool though.

Nick
Detroit, MI

 

[Longinthetooth]

Good one, Pat.

A connsultant is someone who tells you what you already know, then charges you top dollar for "his advice".

A lot of managers dont trust their own people, but hang on to every word a consultant will utter. The more expensive the consultant, the more they believe.

 

[stanweld]

NickE,
Good to hear from you again and good luck in your new endeavors.

 

[moltenmetal]

Sorry, never heard of anyone working part time aside from a contractor. The ones who consult after they've retired from employment generally like it that way.

 

[SAITAETGrad]

Contractor is a great option but generally people do not want to train contractors. A contractor needs how to at least be able to make detail part drawings or manufacturing tools without supervision.

Sounds like you went straight into your masters from undergraduate. Great idea but not so good for your part-time employment options in terms of $$$. An internship would be a good option. A manufacturing planner or purchasing type role would be as good or better for learning the business IMO.

Better yet, get your hands dirty and work on the shop floor. Shop floor experience pays just as well and will best compliment your advanced degree. Perhaps too late for you, but I would recommend to any young person looking to enter engineering to first spend some time in a trade if at all possible as early as possible. One can help pay for the other. -Not saying you need to invest in becoming a journeyman or equivalent...just make some money and gain practical experience when you aren't in the classroom.

 

[IanME]

At Northeasern we have an extensive co-op program (regular co-op semesters are 6 months full time, students normally do 3) and companies often keep students on for part time after their co-op semester ends. I know from experience.

So the jobs are out there but let me say a couple things about part-time engineering work as a recent M.E. grad: You don't get the best work, in fact you'll probably mostly get b***ch work (Solidworks, data entry, stuff like that). It might look good on a resume, but the chances you can pick up a really good project and learn a lot is low. However, and this might be the most important bit, it does allow you to gain networking connections. There's no better source for employment than people you've already worked with and no better recommendation than one from the workplace.

Any tips or advice on what I can do now so I can secure a job after I complete my studies (approx 1 yr + a month or two from now).

Talk with everyone you can at your school. Old professors. Student Employment Departments. Advisors. Other Students. Connect with all of these people on LinkedIn. I honestly think that's the best advice I can give. Oh, and see if your school has any sort of intern program, I'm sure they have connections to local businesses.


Best of Luck,
-Ian


"All models are wrong, but some are usefull" - George E. P. Box

 

[abusementpark]

I worked part-time as an Engineer Intern while I completed my master's. I would bump it up to full-time during summers and other school breaks.