If you're a freshman engineering student and you feel like you have nothing to put on your resume because you've never had an internship or a job, here are three easy things you can add.
1. Class projects
Yes, class projects count. If you designed, built, or analyzed anything in your classes using MATLAB, Python, or SolidWorks, you can put it on your resume.
Freshman year you'll probably take an intro engineering design class, and you'll build something in it that's perfect for your resume. Just don't call it "Freshman Design Project." Name it what it actually was, and describe the technical skills you used to build it.
2. Club projects
Any club where you're getting together with other engineers and building things belongs on your resume. That might be Formula SAE, the solar car team, or a robotics club.
I'd avoid joining a club and only doing administrative work like scheduling meetings, taking notes, and sending emails. That work is important. But if you want an internship, you need to show your technical skills.
3. A personal project
Build a personal project related to the field you want to go into. It doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to show potential, and that you're working on the skills employers care about.
I have 134 free project ideas on this site, sorted by major, difficulty, and how much time you have. Each one comes with a parts list and resume bullet starters.
Four things to do your first semester
If you just started engineering school, now is the time to lock in. Here's what you can do today.
- Put every important date in Google Calendar. Exams, quizzes, your school's career fair, and your professors' office hours. That way you don't forget them.
- Introduce yourself to two or three people in every class. The start of the semester is when people want to make friends in class. These people can become your study partners later.
- Find an engineering club you actually want to be part of. I mean a club where you participate and build or design things. Giving your name and email and showing up to a couple of meetings doesn't count.
- Follow along for more tips. I post engineering school and career advice on TikTok as @engineering_sister.
When you're ready to turn this into a resume, read the engineering resume and portfolio guide.