How to get a job in engineering and technology
How to get a job in engineering and technology
With the potential to earn over 30K as a starting salary, why wouldn't you consider a career in engineering or technology?
Watch the video above for the five steps to getting a job in engineering and technology.
It's probably not the first time you've heard about the skills shortage within STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) industries. According to EngineeringUK, there is a need to fill around 200,000 engineering roles each year through to 2024 in order to keep up with demand. It's a similar story for the tech industry, with much needed digital skills sought by a range of businesses across the UK and not nearly enough graduates to meet the level of growth in the sector.
With attractive salaries on offer, it's surprising that there aren't more university applicants considering engineering or technology. Graduates have the potential to earn around £30,000 per year. Here are some example starting salaries:
- Site manager: £30,000
- Data analyst: £29,000
- Project manager: £32,000
- Software engineer: £33,000
If you're looking to get into these industries, our five simple steps should help you increase your chances of getting the perfect engineering or tech job.
1. Find something you're interested in
There's a huge range of subjects to study within engineering and technology – perhaps in areas you might not have even considered. From electrical engineering to maritime studies, computer science to product design, why not find a subject that interests you? The more you enjoy your course, the more likely you'll succeed in it.
2. Stand out from the crowd
Don't just show up to lectures, take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities available at uni. These will look great on your CV. They'll show potential employers that you're enthusiastic about your subject, have good time management skills and are able to successfully carry out projects within a team. Activities outside of traditional learning could include studying or working abroad, helping to build a race car or taking part in a hackathon, to name just a few.
3. Talk to the right people
Taking a year out for a placement in industry is a great way to make important connections with potential employers. Job fairs, as well, offer great networking opportunities – you never know, a conversation might just lead you to the perfect job. Look out for other opportunities at university that'll help you make meaningful connections.
“When you become an engineer, you learn skills that can be applied in so many different disciplines. I knew that at the end of my course, I could do pretty much anything and I loved the freedom of that.”
– Jessica Buckley, studied computer technology at LJMU
4. Get yourself out there
Gain as much knowledge as you can, explore your options and look for hands-on experience. Our careers service can help you get to where you want to be.
5. Change the world
Once you're prepared, there's an exciting world out there for the taking. Unleash your skills and talent and do something amazing: build the next skyscraper, fight cybercrime or take to the seas as a ship's captain.
More videos...
- Employers talk about engineering and tech graduate jobs within their companies – Watch video
- Students, alumni and employers explain why it makes sense to study engineering at LJMU – Watch video
Are you good at problem solving? Technically minded? Have good numeracy, IT or design skills? Can you analyse and interpret data? Consider studying engineering, the built environment, maritime, mathematics or computing.
