Hello,
I am a 3rd mechanical engineering major who is heavily interested into going into the nanotechnology field. I chose mechanical engineering because it is a very broad and powerful field. I have heavily interested in nanotechnology and I would love to pursue that field for a career; however I am having little to no luck actually getting anyone to even talk to me.
I have done my research and I have learned that nanotechnology is a field heavily associated with M.E.s . I have talked to retired defense engineers who have stated that the field isn’t new to them because they have worked with nano-tech for decades; however it is now gaining the interest of other industries.
I have quite a bit of M.E. project experience; however I am have the worst luck trying to gain nano-tech lab or research experience. I have contacted hundreds of professors across, companies, labs, universities etc, across the country but I have received very little replies.
I have contacted many people in my university (professors, career center, etc), companies around me, and some former engineers but none have been of much help. Few have told me to just stay on the path of typical mechanical engineers and stick to cars, boats and “stupid” toys as they put it. It seems as if other professions dont want engineers to come into their field.
I have tried to connect with people on linkedin; however very few have replied and the ones who have are not engineers and have no idea what I should do. Most just say best of luck and move on while I keep searching for an opportunity.
How can I reach out to the scientific community…I feel as if there is a force field allowing certain people in but not me.
Is there anyone who can help me? Or should I do as others say and give up on this path?
I am at my wits end and I am ready to give up. I do not want to continue chasing and empty dream and I am losing motivation very fast.
What should I do? How do I network? How can I better adjust myself to the American industry which is soley based on who you know not what you know?
Sorry if I seem upset… I am just not able to mentally keep up anymore.
Thank you for reading and replying