4 replies to this topic

[paul2752]

Where should I start to get in Chem. engr networking?Is it too early for students?

[Bobby Strain]

You should focus your energy on your studies.

 

Bobby

[Art Montemayor]

Bobby is giving some of the best advice available to all Chemical Engineering students.

 

There is no such thing as "networking" for a student looking for a job.  If you build up your grades, the employers will come, forming a line to interview you!  They are always looking for graduates who they perceive as being excellent problem solvers.  You prove your ability to solve problems (and I don't only mean solving mathematical equations), and you will find that interviewers will be coming after you.   Right now, your studies are your career.  Focus on that and show that you can excel as an engineer and you will have no problems in creating a good reputation as a class "A" recruit.

[paul2752]

Wait, so you are saying I just need to focus on studying and getting internship/Co-Op experience? i know it sounds real stupid but I was thinking that being involved in student org like AICHE student chapter will help me

Edited by paul2752, 29 May 2016 - 06:32 PM.

[Art Montemayor]

Paul:

 

After 5 years in the AIChE while I was in college, I found out that it was mostly a social, academic event.  The leaders and policy makers of the AIChE were - and I believe they still are - mostly all academia guys.  No one in the AIChE ever asked me or was ever interested if I ever got interviewed or got a job.  I got all my interviews and job offers on my own effort.  With all respect to AIChE, I never got any help in finding a job from them or through them while I was an engineer for 55 years.  And I was a dues-paying member for many years.  I am not complaining nor intend to criticize them or the organization.  That was never one of their jobs or part of their mission.  Academically, they do their job and they hold very good conventions and issue excellent papers.

 

But the way to ensure that you will draw attention from industrial interviewers or department heads is with your grades, your academic standing (GPR) and the interest and rapport you build with your profs and instructors.  That's why I strongly sponsor and backup what Bobby has stated.  Being the president of the local AIChE is great.  It's something to be proud of and an accomplishment.  But being the one person who bests the rest in Thermo, Unit Operations, Plant Design, and Kinetics classes is by far what draws the most attention when the industrial interviewers hit your campus looking for good co-op and scholarship prospects they can count on as "winners" and reliable future engineers.   Brains alone don't make good ChE grades.  It takes a lot of hard, dedicated study and religiously keeping up with all the homework and lab work.