Industry Connection

 

Part of being a successful Purdue ME student is making a connection to industry – whether it's through an internship, co-op, job opportunity, design project, or even an international work experience. I'm here to help you make that connection!  Send me an email, give me a call, or stop by my office. I work exclusively with Mechanical Engineering students, so I can help you find the perfect opportunity!

Julia King
Office of Industrial Experience
585 Purdue Mall, Room ME 2188
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-5702
juliaking@purdue.edu

Internships and Co-Ops

Internships allow you to experience several different employers over the course of your time at Purdue. The duration of an internship experience is typically one semester, often during the summer. We also ask that you enroll in a free, 0-credit online internship class, ME 39699. This includes pre- and post-internship surveys for you and your employer, to help both of you get the maximum benefit from the internship.

Cooperative Education (Co-Op) takes this a step further, enabling you to alternate semesters between working full-time with a company, and attending classes.  Not only do you get a proper salary, but you also get months of real-world experience and a strong connection to a potential future employer!  Purdue ME offers 3-session, 5-session, and flex co-ops.  Learn more about internships and co-ops! (Please note: The required co-op courses - ME 29199, ME 29299, ME 39399, ME 39499, ME 39599 are now free - no fees).

GEARE (Study Abroad + Work Abroad)

You want an international experience, but you also want to work in industry.  GEARE enables you to do both!  Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) is Purdue’s premier international work experience program. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to integrate language study, study abroad, cultural training, domestic and international work/research experiences, and global design team projects into the 4-year Engineering curriculum. Students completing the program will earn a Global Engineering Studies Minor while enhancing the intercultural competencies necessary to be effective leaders within the global work environment. Learn more about GEARE! (Please note: The required GEARE internship courses - ENGR 39799 and ENGR 39899 are now free - no fees).

Curricular Practical Training / Optional Practical Training

International students studying at Purdue also have the opportunity to gain work experience while in America.  Learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) and set up an appointment to discuss your options further.

Job Search Tips

Purdue offers so many resources to help you in your job search.  Take advantage of them!  Here are my most important tips for job hunting:

RESUME:

  • Use CCO resources to polish your resume. It makes a difference!
  • Add information that demonstrates leadership ability, communication skills, & teamwork. Employers are looking for these qualities! 
  • Industry experience is important! Focus your efforts on this section. 
  • Include a specific objective: internship, co-op, or full time position.
  • No more than 1 page!

ELEVATOR PITCH:

  • What makes you unique compared to other ME students?
  • Incorporate your uniqueness into your elevator pitch!
  • Get involved! Leverage your unique global experiences, undergraduate research, student organizations, project teams (EPICS, SAE, ME 263/463, competitions, & more).
  • Practice delivery of your elevator pitch until it is smooth, natural, and professional.

NETWORK:

  • Network, network, network! 
  • Leverage your network of contacts from any past industry experience.  Also reach out to contacts developed through volunteer work, professional & student associations, research experience, extra-curriculars, family, friends, etc.
  • Create a professional LinkedIn profile, keep it up to date, & connect to employers.
  • Conduct informational interviews to grow your network. Ask your contacts for additional contacts to further expand your network.

SEARCH:

  • Use your myCCO account! Set your search criteria to be notified of new jobs postings.
  • Job Fairs:
    • Participate in all of Purdue’s job fairs: Industrial Roundtable is world-renowned!
    • Download the Purdue Career Fair+ app
    • Research companies in advance, map a plan to visit key employers, dress to impress, speak confidently, & represent yourself well.
  • Interviews: Research the company thoroughly, prepare questions, & be enthusiastic!
  • Resources:
    • CCO (cco.purdue.edu): Your top job search resource!
    • ME Blog (PurdueME.com): Info sessions, internships, research opportunities, and full-time positions; Subscribe to the PurdueME.com blog to be notified of new postings
    • OPP (opp.purdue.edu): Your Co-Op and GEARE headquarters
    • Indeed.com: Upload resume & search daily

 

Julia King
Office of Industrial Experience
585 Purdue Mall, Room ME 2188
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-5702
juliaking@purdue.edu