<p>First topic:
Is it possible to get an internship after freshman year? I have been selected for two interviews already, but when I get there they say they are not hiring freshmen. I know it is good practice and everything, but I am getting a little frustrated. I don't know whether I should keep applying for interviews and taking up my time or just wait until after sophomore year.
I was also told that a freshman would have the best chance with a small gas company. If this is true what are examples of small natural gas companies that might hire?</p>
<p>Second topic:
This one might sound a little crazy. PSU is offering a "off-road equipment" minor that I have been looking into. It is something I would be interested in, and I thought maybe it would be something that employers noticed. Any advice on whether this would be worthwhile or a waste of time? Don't be afraid to say it is a stupid idea.</p>
<p>They tell you they aren’t hiring freshman after they selected you for an interview?</p>
<p>I’d say keep handing out resumes and keep talking, it is possible to get an internship, and you will be in great shape heading into your sophomore year if you can get one. If you don’t, that’s nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>As for you minor, if you are interested in it, go for it. Just don’t expect it will help you get a job, because in all likelihood, it won’t.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I will take it into consideration if more opportunities arise. And I will also look more into the minor and consult more people.</p>
<p>Dude you want to get as many interviews as possible. If anything they are just great practice. You’re never going to be wasting your time at an interview. You probably spend 30+hrs a week on academics, what’s a few hours brushing up on your interview skills? In the end your performance at the interview is what is going to get you the job. </p>
<p>And yes you can definitely get an internship after freshman year. If you can’t get a job with a producer, look into labor jobs with service companies, that’s the next best thing.</p>
<p>I would very annoyed if I was selected for an interview and then told when I got there they weren’t hiring freshman. No way I’d ever take a job at that company.</p>
<p>Don’t be disappointed! I’m a junior/senior petroleum engineering at PSU too. It’s hard to get a field internship as a freshman especially I know the junior class is at maximum enrollment and more competition from other engineering fields (industrial, chem, mechanical engineering etc…). It means you would have a poor chance to compete against those upperclassmen. I didn’t get any internship during my third year but I have secured one for summer 2012. My advice is relax and take summer classes to lighten up your load. Trust me, it will get harder if you follow the exact schedule structure for PNGE. I highly suggest that if you don’t get anything in your sophomore year, then you make sure to go down to TX and work as a manual laborer in the oil patches to get some field experience. That should set you apart from majority of your classmates!</p>
<p>Also, there is nothing but a plus for doing a minor. If you have any additional question, feel free to PM me and I’ll share more insight.</p>