What do you do if you want to secure an internship in the automotive engineering industry?

1 Research your options

Before you start applying for internships, you need to do some research on the different types of automotive engineering roles and companies. Automotive engineering is a broad field that covers various aspects of designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing vehicles and their components. You may have a preference for a certain area, such as mechanical, electrical, software, or systems engineering. You may also have a specific interest in a certain type of vehicle, such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or electric vehicles. You should look for internships that match your skills, interests, and goals. You can use online platforms, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, to find internships in the automotive engineering industry. You can also check the websites of automotive companies, associations, or magazines for internship opportunities.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

Once you have a list of potential internships, you need to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your qualifications and achievements. Your resume should be concise, clear, and relevant to the position you are applying for. You should highlight your education, skills, projects, and work experience related to automotive engineering. You should also include any awards, certifications, or publications that demonstrate your expertise and recognition in the field. Your portfolio should include samples of your work, such as designs, models, simulations, or prototypes that you have created or contributed to. You should explain the purpose, process, and outcome of each project and how it relates to automotive engineering. You can use online tools, such as Canva, Behance, or GitHub, to create and share your portfolio.

3 Write a cover letter and prepare for interviews

Another important step in securing an internship in the automotive engineering industry is to write a cover letter and prepare for interviews. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific internship and company you are applying for. You should express your interest, motivation, and fit for the role and the organization. You should also highlight your strengths, skills, and achievements that make you a suitable candidate. You should avoid generic or vague statements and use specific examples and details to support your claims. You should also proofread your cover letter for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. To prepare for interviews, you should research the company and the role, review your resume and portfolio, and practice answering common and technical questions. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer about the internship, the company, and the expectations.

4 Network and follow up

The last tip on how to secure an internship in the automotive engineering industry is to network and follow up. Networking can help you find out about internship opportunities, get referrals, and make connections with people who work in the industry. You can network online, by joining groups, forums, or communities related to automotive engineering, or offline, by attending events, workshops, or conferences. You should introduce yourself, express your interest, and ask for advice or feedback. You should also follow up with the people you network with, by sending thank-you notes, emails, or messages, and keeping in touch. You should also follow up with the employers you applied to, by sending thank-you notes, emails, or messages, and asking for updates or feedback. You should be polite, professional, and persistent, but not annoying or pushy.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?