<p>Oil companies are visiting our campus in three weeks to recruit for 2011 summer petroleum engineering internships. I am trying to write up a good resume but the problem I am running into is that I do not have any previous internship experience. I am also just entering my sophomore year so I will likely have some competition from upperclassmen who have more experience than me.</p>
<p>How do I compete against my lack of experience and against the upperclassmen with more experience?</p>
<p>I know you have got to start somewhere but how can you start somewhere when it seems like employers prefer some relevant past experience?</p>
<p>I need all the advice I can get as far as improving resumes and interviews go on how I can have the best chance of getting the internship along with showing them I would be a good asset to the company?</p>
<p>Also, I am trying to get my first research position this fall or next spring so I need some advice on how to get into research for a professor? What are some tactics I can use to get a position w/ a prof?</p>
<p>Thanks alot.</p>
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<p>How do career fairs work? Do you recommend I send the company the resume in advance through the college job website or should I give it to them in person during the fair?</p>
<p>Do you have any work experience at all? It might not be glamorous, but if you can say you worked at the same fast food place for two years it could demonstrate that you have the ability to hold down a job. It’s not the same as having relevant work experience but it’s something.</p>
<p>Your resume is going to be short and there’s not much you can do about it right now. With time, it will grow. What you can focus on is making it look good. Find a format that is slightly different from the rest, but professional looking. Print it on quality paper.</p>
<p>I don’t know if there’s a big difference (or any at all) between applying online first vs. talking to them first. When you talk to a lot of companies they are going to tell you to apply online. When you apply online you’re really going to need to talk to them in person to be competitive. So, you have to do both and I don’t think the order really matters. It might also be helpful to go to any info sessions the company hosts to further express your interest.</p>
<p>Try to tailor your resume with key words to the exact position or description of the position for which you are applying. Just like above, while you may not have much work experience, the skills you may have acquired from any position as well as any pertinent course work and EC participation may help you tremendously. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I don’t think you will be able to bs your way to an internship. Be honest, show that you are motivated. Start chumming up to a professor, try to find something that you have in common other than PE so you will develop a more substantial relationship. I will be working at getting an unpaid internship with a local oil company this spring even if it is just for basic office help in order to get my foot in the door, that way when I transfer next year, I will at least have one solid reference when applying for a paid internship.</p>
<p>Research with a professor is easy, just email one that does something you are interested. As long as you are not looking to get paid you’ll get the position. As far as internships put down any leadership experience, or competition experience (Math comps, science fairs, ect).</p>
<p>General work experience is nice. I can’t imagine the company would look down on you for not having any work experience in Petroleum Engineering for an intern position.</p>