what i can do ? 1

[bigghassan]

Hello
I'm a nuclear engineer I had graduated from three month ago and
I have not got career yet and I’m preparing to start studying master in my field. Actually I don’t know what I will do and which branch I must study, I feel my knowledge it’s enough to make me able to work in nuclear field although my graduation rate is 66 % I’m very worry about that . My question for any nuclear engineer is what I must do now if I need get suitable level in our field and if any one felt like me when he was a new graduator. Please help me
With my best regards for all

 

[vpl]

bigghassan

First congratulations on graduating. That is a big first step.

Second, don't worry (over much) about your grades - they were good enough to get you into the Master's program, and, once you get hired somewhere it will be your job performance, not your grades, that gets you promoted.

Third, yes, all of us "experienced" engineers were once in your shoes - brand new, making the transition from college to real work. Some handle it better than others, but we all go through it.

What should you do now? Part of the whole "growing up" experience is finding out what you like to do best. While I can tell you what I did, it may be totally wrong for you. It's scary, but you have to make the decisions now, not anyone else. You do have some resources within your college - check out the placement office. Consider taking one of those "personality profile" tests (to find out if you'd rather sit and do calculations all day or want to be out around people). Talk to the professors in your department - they may know where some other recent graduates have gone to work and can give you a reference. Honestly sit down and think through your strong points and your weak ones. Visit the Corporate Survival Thread on this forum and read through what some other engineers have gone through. Then start getting a resume together and getting it out.

Good luck

Patricia Lougheed

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of the Eng-Tips Forums.

 

[bigghassan]

Dear VPL
First I have great honor for your reply and thanks a lot for your advice. Second I’d like to ask you about the best branch of nuclear knowledge that you prefer for examples (hydraulics, neurotics, radiation applications, nuclear materials...etc) then I will be so happy when you are telling me. I wish that we can share some knowledge if you have time. Finally I don’t have except sending my great thank to you

My best regards

 

[adrianviorel]

Just do not get under the impression that contractors in the nuclear industry are simply letting things at the decision of any newcomer. In fact, the real headache is getting familiar to the procedures, which are extremely strict. I supplied some fittings for a CANDU power plant, and, believe me, papers are weighing more then fittings themselves. So, what I really mean is: Try to really understand not only procedures, but, if possible, reasons that leaded to each demand. In fact, it's about a very tight ISO 9001.

 

[nlaffert]

I am a senior right now at Purdue University West Lafayette. I'm majoring in nuclear engineering and plan to graduate May 06. I am having trouble deciding whether I should get a job or a masters. I have applied to a few places, such as Westinghouse, NRC, Schlumberger, and Areva. I really want a job at the NRC under their NSPDS or some similar anachronym program. I have a 3.52 GPA and want to choose the best option availabe. Also the GE edison engineering program looks promising, but ridiculously hard to get into. A masters here at purdue would also be an easy program to get into, and I could enjoy it, but more so than working...? who knows. My ultimate goal though, is to obtain an MBA and take on more management or executive rolse in the workplace. Please give me some guidance, especially you, Vpl. You seem to know whats up, especially at the NRC, which I hear good things about from a few friends who graduated a year ago from here. Thanks.

 

[adrianviorel]

Just one more idea:Usually, the domains you liked best are the ones you know best. Therefore, you should concentrate your efforts in these directions