I spent almost 8 years in the Boston rim working for a manufacturer and since moved to the southeast.
If you have a job:
1. What company do you work for and what do they do?
I work for an electrical distribution company that is expanding into the industrial arena.
2. Could you help a recent grad with an application?
I could point them in a direction but don't have any hiring influence. I can give advice.
3. Any suggestions for others?
That first engineering job will determine whether you are a good fit for the profession. Not all people can handle the demands and the trick is the ability to determine where do you want to go from there. A large company allows movement within its ranks and the acquisition of a specialized skillset. A small company, if it is sound allows for acquiring a broad skill set which can be applied to many other career paths.
If you are unhappy, get out and do something else before you are on a career track you hate. It is quite hard to go from one specialty to another once you have over five years experience specializing in an area. Most companies want you to hit the ground running when they hire experienced engineers.
If you like what you are doing and are a new hire, look to master an area that everyone hates doing. It ensures stability in RIF's and enhances your competency and reputation.
Attitude goes a long way. The company does not owe you chit. I have seen so many employees with a sense of entitlement turn into bitter unproductive "victims". There are always choices to be made, money is not everything. I took a paycut to do the job I am doing now because I detested the corporate culture and office politics at my last job. I loved the work, but everything else just dragged me down to the point where I had this large lump in my gut everytime I drove to work.
I am very successful at my new job because I like it and quite passionate about it. Life is too short to do a job you hate. Keep your eyes open, network and remember one thing ... whatever field you are in is a small world. Word gets around and blowing up bridges will follow you to your grave. Bite your tongue and gracefully exit any situation you are not happy in. The respect you earn (it is never given) follows you and always comes around in the strangest times and places.
I had doors open for me by complete strangers because of good things I've done in the past. Hard to do but I am convinced that there is such a thing as karma.
Neemeth's comment about growth is spot on. Engineers that grow typically segue from technical fields into managerial positions. I am quite happy with the technical positions and have no interest in managerial positions.
Final point, whatever you choose to do ... NEVER STOP LEARNING.
Whether technical or managerial, the learning skills mastered by accomplishing an engineering degree can be applied to whatever you decide to do.
