If you’re a college student studying engineering, technology, or applied sciences, securing a summer internship can be your golden ticket to gaining real-world experience and landing a job after graduation.
But with everyone competing for the same opportunities, how do you stand out?
As a recruiting firm that places students and new grads into some of the most exciting industries—from manufacturing to renewable energy to chip design—we’ve got insider tips to help you land that internship and turn it into a career.
Why Summer Internships Matter (Beyond the Resume Boost)
Whether you’re studying mechanical engineering, data science, electrical engineering, or industrial design, internships give you:
- Hands-on experience: Get out of the classroom and work on real projects (think: building prototypes, analyzing field data, or programming robotics).
- Networking opportunities: Meet hiring managers, engineers, and mentors who can vouch for you.
- A competitive edge: Employers LOVE hiring interns full-time. It saves them onboarding costs and reduces risk since they already know and understand the company culture.
1. Start Looking for Internships… Yesterday
Most companies start posting summer internships between January and May. And some of the coolest programs fill up fast.
Where to Look:
- LinkedIn Jobs (search: “Summer 2025 Internship – Mechanical” or “Electrical Engineer Intern”)
- Your school’s co-op portal
- Company career pages (think: Intel, Caterpillar, Siemens, Tesla, etc.)
- Niche recruiting firms like TPD
2. Make Your Resume Pop (Even If You Don’t Have Much Experience Yet)
Even if your only “experience” is a class project or part-time job, you can still impress:
- Highlight Relevant Courses: Are you taking courses in materials science, automation, or circuit design? List them!
- Showcase Projects: Built a robot? Designed a bridge? Developed a mobile app? Include it!
- List Software Skills: SolidWorks, MATLAB, AutoCAD, Python, C++, or even PLC programming? Add them.
- Don’t Forget Soft Skills: Problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills. Employers value these just as much as technical skills.
3. Get Active on LinkedIn (Yes, Even as a Student)
Recruiters are actively browsing LinkedIn for student profiles!
Here’s how to stand out:
- Update Your Profile: Add your degree, projects, and a short “About” section.
- Connect With People in the Industry: Follow companies, recruiters, and even alumni working at your dream companies.
- Engage: Like and comment on posts. Share a project you’re proud of. It shows initiative.
4. Network Like a Pro (Without It Feeling Awkward)
You don’t have to be an extrovert to network. Start small:
- Career Fairs: Whether virtual or in-person, introduce yourself to at least 3 employers.
- Campus Events: Companies often host info sessions (especially for engineering students!).
- Ask Professors: Many professors have industry connections—they can refer you.
Example:
“Hi [Name], I’m a third-year mechanical engineering student at [University] and really interested in automation. I’d love to hear more about your career journey!”
5. Nail the Interview (Even the Technical Questions)
Most internship interviews will ask you a mix of behavioral and basic technical questions:
- Behavioral:
“Tell me about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.”
“Why are you interested in working in automation/manufacturing/R&D?” - Technical:
“Walk me through how you’d design a simple circuit.”
“What do you know about PLC programming?”
“Explain how you’d test a prototype for quality.”
Pro Tip: Practice with classmates and do mock interviews. And don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know, but here’s how I would figure it out.”
6. Follow Up Like a Professional
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview:
- Thank them for their time
- Mention something you enjoyed about the conversation
- Reiterate your excitement
This tiny step can set you apart from 90% of other candidates.
Final Thoughts: Internships = Your Career’s Launchpad
Getting a summer internship in engineering or tech isn’t just about adding a line to your resume—it’s about gaining skills, building a network, and getting your foot in the door.
Start early, be intentional, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We see it all the time: the students who take that extra step are the ones who land the best roles.