Mechanical Engineer looking for Career Advice

[Edward12352]

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, and I am looking for some career advice. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and 4 years of experience in the medical device manufacturing industry. Recently, I have begun the journey in becoming an entrepreneur a separate field due to the opportunity I saw. However, this new career is seasonal with very little work to do in the winter months.

In the event I move back to the engineering industry, I want to keep my skills sharp and potentially add any new skills I am able to. I think the easiest way to do this is to continue my education, but I would prefer to grow with hands on experience via internships, job shadows, or short contracts.
Has anyone had a similar experience?

 

[gmax137]

Short term contract work is a thing. May involve travel to work at the employer's site/facility/office. They're looking for engineers that can come up to speed and produce quickly. They can terminate the arrangement with little or no notice.

I've never seen internships or job shadowing by people with a degree plus 4 years.

 

[Tom.G]

Sounds like you are aiming for Consulting jobs. Their duration is often for "Life of Project", that is you get the thing developed and working then move on to the next job. Or maybe a company had spurt of more work than it could handle and needed temporary help.

Here in the States, there are "Job Shop" companies (also known as "Temporary Help") that specialise in temporary placements.

Many consulting jobs I had were cleanup of projects in trouble; a somewhat common occurence was when the previous developer got one prototype working but it was not easily reproducible.

A lot less boredom that way, along with varied experience that widens your future options/offers.

Downside is there are sometimes dry spells with no work, thus requiring that you keep a good cushion of cash for that all-important thing called eating.

Many jobs were by referral from folks I had previously worked with. Make friends with the co-workers, it's surprising how often someone will change jobs and recommend you as an "Expert".

Cheers (and Have Fun!),
Tom