<p>I'm a second year college student but since I switched my major to engineering I'm finishing up my first year engineering sequence. My major is chemical engineering and I've taken most of my non-engineering classes (gen chem, organic chem, both physics, calculus sequence, linear algebra/diff eqs) but my only engineering classes have been the first-year sequence that teaches you Matlab and does one big design project and one mini programming project.</p>
<p>I'm looking for a little advice on finding that first internship, especially in chemical engineering, when you really don't have too much engineering-related experience. My GPA is decent (3.29) so I know I can get my foot in the door. I'm not looking at major companies at this point, but mostly at smaller places or less-competitive internships. I'd like to do something this summer that is relevant to engineering and can be put on my resume, not working at a restaurant for minimum wage. I'm not too picky about what kind of internship it is, I'd be happy doing most things. There is a spring career fair coming up soon at my school that I am attending.</p>
<p>You seem to have the right attitude, which is the best thing you can do. I would bombard career day and talk to as many people as possible. Memorize a quick 30 second speech about yourself. Dress nice, make eye contact and be confident. All you need is one person to say yes. I’ll say this again, don’t be picky. The number one reason I see why people struggle at career day is they talk to 10 different companies and call it a day. Get there when it opens and leave when it closes.</p>
<p>In the event that I don’t get an internship, which is a real possibility, what kinds of things can I do for the summer that would look good on my resume? If I didn’t get an internship I would obviously find a part-time job of some sort, but what other engineering-type things can I do that I can stick on a resume and talk about later?</p>
<p>Definitely milk all resources at the campus career center. Also make sure friends and family know you are looking. Some engineering student do summer research at their own campus or elsewhere (REU program - application deadlines I think usually in Feb). Good luck! </p>
<p>Talk to professors about possible undergraduate research positions that are open over the summer. Send resumes out to local companies and see if they need any help at all. Work for free if you need to. Just get that experience.</p>