Hello everyone,

I am a general engineering major with a concentration in EE graduating this December from a small STEM school in California. I am actively looking for jobs and even went to the SWE conference and I have to say the job market is looking very tough for new grads. What is your take on the market?

Thanks, appreciate it.

So this is a bit of a story but I'll keep it as short as I can.

I graduated with a BS of science in Industrial engineering with a manufacturing minor in 2015. I had worked automotive engineering internships 6 months out of the year during college so already had 2 years of exp.

I worked in medical manufacturing as a manufacturing engineer for 2.5 years, then switched back to automotive engineering at a bit of a salary cut as it went from a 45 minute commute to 10 so I was okay with the cut. Plus it was paid overtime. However 3 months later they moved the department an hour away. And we had just bought a house 6 months prior. So I quit, thinking it would be simple to get an engineering job again. (This was late 2017).

That didn't happen so I got half my masters in lean management online before funds for that ran out, started a mildly successful bakery small business in mid 2020 that closed in early 2023 due to grocery inflation.

Then filed bankruptcy twice (business and personal) and had appendix cancer and a diagnosis of a genetic condition called ehlers danlos.

So I'm disabled to the point where working in a office would take everything out of me but working at home where I can stretch and sit in bed or wherever is comfy for me works.

However I cannot for the life of me find a 100% wfh job despite having an engineering degree and experience. And with the election/tarrifs/ rising inflation I have to find something as we are OK budget wise right now. Bills are paid and we have food but like less than $50 in the accounts afterwards as I still have student loans to pay and small amounts of debt we kept from the bakery (car loan).

And I am not eligible for disability since I didn't work long enough.

I have tried LinkedIn. I've tried indeed, I've tried all the random remote job boards online that influences talk about.

Does anyone have legit remote job boards for industrial or operational engineering?

Thanks.

I have 7 years experience in the same field of engineering (water/wastewater) so I have a reasonable frame of reference as to what is good behaviour on projects. I’m currently on a medium/large project as the main design engineer. The structure involves the design reviewer and the design/project manager. I am 31 (F) and the two men are ~60 (M). We all work for the same consulting firm. The PM does not have the technical background to lead or review the design. The design reviewer is great but the PM has quickly become a road block. I need a lot of input from other disciplines for my design. I’ve given the PM the details of who he needs to be setting up meetings with but he keeps saying “leave it with me” and having one on one chats with men in private. He doesn’t really want me communicating with the design reviewer directly (or anyone else senior). I have now asked him to cc me in all emails relating to the design so I’ll see if he does that. He keeps on assigning me admin talks including taking minutes for his poorly run meetings. When we do site walks to determine the alignment, I’m being cut out of conversations and treated like a nuisance. There was a sexist joke cracked on site by another man and he laughed loudly. We are only 2 or 3 weeks into the project and I’m wondering if I just ask to move off it (despite really wanting the project experience). My consulting people manager is new (late 30s man) and is unlikely to back me. From my work experience, this will only get worse so I’m considering shifting jobs. Thoughts? Any other ways to deal with it?

Hi everyone,

I'm a high school student interested in applying to engineering schools, but I have a few questions and concerns. When you applied, did you highlight your passion for engineering in your application? Additionally, did you have any extracurricular activities (ECs) that aligned with engineering?

Unfortunately, I don't have any ECs specifically related to engineering, and I'm worried this might hurt my chances. Do you think I still have a shot at getting into a good engineering program without engineering-related ECs?

Thanks in advance for your advice and experiences!

Hello,

I have been working as a process engineer for about two years and are looking to change role, mostly due to no job growth in my current role. I have a phone screen interview soon for a QAE role but I realize I don’t know much about it. Does anyone here have experience as a QAE? How is it? And is it considered good to go from a process engineering role to a QAE role? How is the environment for a woman?

TIA

Reposting this from /askhr since one of the comments said I’ll get some good results here. Pretty much what the title says. Asking for a friend(21F) who is not active on Reddit and we don't work in the same company. We are at a major city in North America and people from our friend group are all in mechanical engineering. Our university provides opportunity for all engineering undergraduates to take on a year of engineering internship before graduating. I and others in the friend group (F, 20-22) work in relatively large companies that are either public sector or has branches overseas for engineering roles. She took on a mechanical engineering role working in a smaller scale company(still over 2500+ employees), but was asked to clean dishes in the common area/sweep the floors on a regular basis. The cleaning/sweeping usually takes around 2 hours to a full half day. This is honestly unfathomable to me as you'd think a company this scale would have a paid role specifically for this. This was not on the job description and the other male interns were never asked to do this. She’s the only intern in her department, other sub-departments have male interns but were never asked to do this. My heart breaks for her every time I see her telling us all she did at work is cleaning, she hates it but there's nothing she could do. Reddit, please help.

Hey all! I recently transitioned from an aerospace company that provided uniforms, specifically flame resistant shirts + pants. Loved the pants cuz I had so many pockets to carry my daily tools I use all the time.

My new job I’ll basically be doing the same thing (commissioning machinery), and was told to dress casual.

I’m looking for pants that are durable, many pockets, and are boot cut (I wear steel toes)

Any recommendations? I’ve found a few pairs of pants but they’re all over $140 and I’m not down to spend that much on just 1 pair lol. If anything I’ll invest in a few pairs of Carhartt overalls.

Thanks!!

So more of a venty-rant post. But I am just so frustrated.

I just spent the last 4 days in a room full of guys and 1) they made a LOT of inappropriate jokes and they would just look at me and be like "It's funny right??? :D" and 2) they talked A LOT about the election, fully assuming that everyone in the room had voted for the same person and it made things so fucking awkward.

But the biggest reason I am frustrated is because we went in with X goals and we exceeded X goals and we reported it out and leadership was still like "Yeah but you guys can still do XYZ too right?"

FFS, can it ever just be a good job done? We exceeded our goals, GREAT JOB? No, it's always "Why wasn't it done cheaper? Why wasn't it done faster? Why didn't we do more? You know, yeah good job, but what else can we add on, right?"

This type of shit fucks me up, it just makes me stay in the imposter syndrome mindset. I am doubting everything I've done over the last year. It seriously makes me feel like I don't know what the hell I'm doing, and I hate this feeling.

Does anyone out there actually just say good job genuinely and that's it?

I’m still in the interview phase, but potentially have a role where I’d have a woman as my boss for the first time in my career. The problem is that I’ve already accepted another offer. I know there’s nothing legally binding about it, it very explicitly states that either I or the company can end our contract at any time with or without notice. The roles are very different, so if I make it to an offer I’ll be making pro con lists for each but I’m thinking they’ll be about balanced, just very different. But as someone younger in my career (late 20s), it feels like it’d be really nice to have my boss be a woman, and just see her in a management position and see how she leads a team and all that. Was just curious if any of y’all have feelings about how much having a boss who’s also a woman makes an impact?

I currently work as a Senior Software Engineer at a research company. Over the years I've had different jobs and worked with different teams in my current company, and I have noticed this as something that usually comes up for the women, but not for the men.

I think it's entirely subconscious and not meant to be malicious btw, but nevertheless something to notice and be aware of when possible.

The first time people meet me, whether at a start of a project, or as a newcomer, they treat me differently than (I believe) they would have if I was a man. Basically, either they have way lower expectations, or they don't want to put me on the spot by being demanding (which they don't seem to be doing towards men in similar situations). You could even say people are "nicer", in that they are more helpful/understanding etc, but to me it just comes off patronising.

Now that I am at a senior position in my job I often have to collaborate with other teams or external companies, and I've noticed that I always have to "assert my dominance" way more aggressively than men have to, in order to be listened to/taken seriously.

Once people get to know me, and realise I am good at my job, it's all great, same with people who already know me from previous projects for example.

But those first meetings, I always have to be so pushy. Nobody directly asks my opinions or expertise, even when I am the expert. Nobody waits for me to lead the meeting even when I am the most senior person in the room and my job is to lead the team. I have to interrupt people, and directly say sth like, "thanks for taking the initiative, but actually there is a specific agenda we need to go over at this meeting" so that it is clear that it is my job to lead the meeting. And as time passes, this doesn't happen anymore after a few meetings, when everyone has absorbed the fact that I am the technical lead.

But I have worked in project before with male technical leads and it wasn't like that for them. They were simply assumed to be competent from the start by everyone, ironically, even if they really weren't.

Heyyy,

I am currently based in Canada, and will be starting my first corporate job on January 6th. I need to know what to get, especially since it will be in winter, and the journey from home to office, is bound to be treacherous, so I am curious on what to get, and how to dress up for the scene. I would also appreciate suggestions on stores to checkout, with the consideration that I am a student, on a student budget.

Thanks in advance!

P.S I am a girl!

I am an industrial engineering student, I just landed my first interview for an internship with a major retail and grocery company. However, I am unsure what to wear for it. I do own a navy blue work dress that is knee-length. My default outfit is the aforementioned navy blue dress, tights, and black flats. However, I feel like I would be too dressed up. Should I purchase a blouse and some slacks? It is an in-person interview.

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I told my therapist I am having doubts about my job despite being good at it and enjoying a hybrid schedule. Yesterday I got told I’m getting promoted and a huge 13% raise. My boyfriend said it’s not surprising because I’m apparently “charming and smart”, but I’m not sure what to do with my life. I feel conflicted because I essentially hate working in an engineering environment, having to suppress myself and be nice to sexist men. Another thing is I’ve been aggressive about not spending any money on myself besides the essentials. My boyfriend basically treats me to any nice experiences. I’m making really good money but I see it as a trap everytime I spend, it means I have to work more. Anyway, I need advice. Or more therapy. Or books to read. I am missing meaning in my job but feel trapped. Working toward a 12 month emergency fund and with the raise and my frugal living, it will become readily and quickly. And i dont know what’s next. Have zero interest in marrriage, another travel or anything until I get this sorted out.

Hi everyone. I think I might have an insane joke issue at work. I work with mainly men (5 vs 61) in software and while it’s all fun and games, it’s starting to spiral a little.

My manager made a joke a few months ago around when I started about how someone was getting fired. When I asked who it was he took the opportunity to joke saying it was me. I knew it was joke since, I’m still there and he laughed afterwards. I didn’t laugh, since it wasn’t funny but now for whatever reason it’s ramped up to nearly a daily comment. I tried to mention it to my assistant manager, who used it to make a jab at my manager rather than ending the joke itself. It’s also worsened to the point that sometimes they ask for my opinion and use it to make a jab that I have dumb takes, or dumb thoughts. I brought up the discontent for it around someone higher up than my manager and he honestly laughed with the rest of them.

I feel like I’ve had years of thick skin for this from other male colleagues who just cannot for the life of them get passed that women can be equal or better than them. I’m not sure if the joke “respectfully, can you stop the you’re dumb and fired joke so HR can stop getting complaints” line is too far, but I think it’s already a little too far and honestly I know I should say something but it’s my first big engineering job and I’m not sure what to do.

You know...when you are really busy and it's not your job but you always end up doing it.

PSA for those studying engineering or in the early stages of your career:

Prepare yourself to go bowling. Bowling is one of the very few “social activities” allowed in engineering. In order to maintain your team player status, bowling must be done with a smile and 100% positive attitude. Do not be so bad at bowling that your teammates are dragged down by your performance. You may be good at bowling, but only if you act surprised by your performance and ask your colleagues for advice.

Hey everyone,

I recently lost my job due to the downturn in the German automotive sector, and it’s been a wake-up call that maybe I should explore a new path. I have over 7 years of experience in automotive testing (primarily ADAS and HIL testing), and while I do have some management experience, I've always gravitated towards technical, engineering-related roles. Honestly, I can’t picture myself doing anything other than engineering, but I also wonder if it might be time for a fresh start.

The one area that does genuinely excite me is travel, though I’m not sure how to turn that into a realistic career move. I’d be open to transitioning into a different tech field, but I'm not sure which ones would be the best fit or most feasible given my background. Has anyone here been through a similar transition or have any ideas for new fields I could explore that could leverage my skills? Open to all suggestions—tech, travel-related roles, or anything you think might be worth a shot. Thanks! Ps: I live in Germany and ready to move around Europe.

im a recently graduate of mechatronics engineering i am looking at finding something about automotive industry such as porsche bmw mercedes or something like that can someone give me ideas?

Hi all! I have done 4 interviews with several individuals I would be working with, including the hiring manager, their manager, the facility director and HR via zoom. The next step is an onsite visit to tour the manufacturing facility as well as having a bit of a “meet&greet” lunch with some of the folks that work at this office along with the individuals I’ve already spoken to on zoom. It’s only been specified that I wear closed toed shoes as that’s required for manufacturing area. I’m just wondering what kinda fit I should be going for (business pro or business casual). I was thinking it would be okay to wear a nice ribbed long sleeve shirt with black trousers, a belt, and either nice white sneakers like these ( https://a.co/d/4dc0qoV ) or another pair of low heels like these ( https://a.co/d/bZO0yf7 )…I also don’t know if the low heels I showed are okay haha this is NOT a cleanroom (which I know requires the whole foot to be covered). Also I’m sure this type of “interview” wouldn’t require me to wear a blazer as well but any insight would be much appreciated, especially if you’ve had a similar experience. Thanks in advance!

I posted a few weeks ago stating that I was worried about being able to find a job after being out of engineering for 2 years, and I've found one pretty quickly actually! I'm looking for some advice on the job offer and trying to weigh my pros and cons. Ultimately, I'm dying of boredom in my current, non-technical role.

My current role (Product Manager in tech) is/has:

• Boring
• Stable
• Has good pay
• WFH
• Little to no benefits
• Not engineering related
• Little work (I average 5-7 hours of real work per week)
• No upward mobility, but I am up for a promotion soon

My job offer is for a Project Manager / Process Engineer:

• Combines both management and engineering
• Will likely be much more work, both technically and in general
• Comparable pay, but lower (< 10% difference)
• Better benefits (401K match, paid leave, increased PTO)
• WFH but requires some travel (10% in the states, equivalent to 1-2 days per month on average)
• Good opportunity for career growth

Has anybody ever left their steady job for more work and less pay? My friends think I'm crazy for even considering this offer, but I'm growing so bored of discussing marketing metrics and customer attrition. I thought I would like the business side, but I feel like my engineering brain is so bored and tired. It's been great for soft skill development, but I feel like I'm not learning much anymore. Truthfully, I'm also notorious for "job hopping," so I'm trying to make the more right choice. All in all, I don't think there's a wrong choice here, thankfully, but that makes it a bit harder.

I think my ideal job is busy, somewhat technical, rooted in problem solving, and has cross-functional communication.

Any and all advice would be welcome!

Any advice on how to be visible doing good work? I'm currently feeling overlooked and under-credited for my work on a group project.

For context, I'm currently a college senior but I get to take grad-level courses because of my performance. This is for a group project, and I do most of the code implementation and contribute to ideas but I'm not taken seriously because I'm younger than everyone else. I think it's because of my communication skills (lack of assertiveness or being too wordy).

I know this is super early in my career but I think visibility would be an issue if I don't learn how to work on it now.

Hey everyone,

I’m a software engineer who loves focusing on the technical side but often ends up in roles that require constant updates to leadership, project management, and cross-functional coordination—like sourcing designs, working, co-ordinating work with others, and organizing tasks like a team lead. Ideally, I’m looking for a role where I can be responsible for a specific area, work well with my team, and not have to handle the bigger picture or ongoing executive updates.

Would I have better luck finding this type of setup at a startup or a larger company?

On top of that, my partner and I are planning to start a family soon, so I’m thinking about benefits, flexibility, and stability too. Are there certain factors I should prioritize to balance my career goals with family planning?

Any advice or experiences would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks!

I had an interview at We24 for a CS internship with a fairly big company. The interviewer said I would get a response within 3 weeks. Is that the typical waiting period for response times with big companies?

I know this topic has probably been broached quite a bit and I understand it’s very common, however I feel like an absolute imposter at work and it’s getting to the point that I think it’s hindering my career progression.

I’m a structural engineer with 4 yoe in a consultancy and I just feel so behind. I’ve only just got my first proper mentor this year and I can really see what I’ve been missing out on now. For some background, I started during lockdown, and then my whole team left for another consultancy and I was put in a team of civil engineers who worked in the water sector - they had no idea what to do with me so I had to find my own work, and I severely lacked support. I now feel like technically I’m not where I need to be, however my mentor really pushes me which I appreciate. I’ve been leading some designs recently and managing some graduates’ time. I was costing a job on Friday and on the spreadsheet, you can see everybody’s name in the company and their grade. I saw my name at the same grade as the new graduates that I delegate work to. My heart sunk, it felt like all my thoughts about not knowing anything were confirmed to the point I’ve been questioning whether engineering is for me anymore. I’ve definitely grown since when I was a graduate but not that slowly surely? I want to bring this up to my manager as my next career 1:1 is in the next 2 weeks.

Beyond this, I find it a bit difficult to make connections at work for the sake of it and tend to stay quiet in social situations unless I feel comfortable around people. I’ve always suspected ADHD but starting to suspect i might be on the spectrum too.

How do you guys overcome this? I’m constantly second guessing myself and it’s not productive! I feel like keeping quiet and under the radar is killing my chances at succeeding. Any advice and stories would be very helpful

Btw, this community is super inspiring! I love seeing women succeed, especially in male dominated spaces :)

i've been researching on CS vs EE for the past 7 hrs, but each time i'm getting different answers.

atp i want to get hit by a truck. it's been 7 fkn hrs. i can't even contact my advisor. google is playing mind games and chatgpt is just annoying unrealiable. i think i'm losing my mind.

so, if any of you guys know where i should look for these answers, kindly do tell.

or just correct me on the following, i will write the Q's below:

1. Computer Science graduates often face layoffs MORE than Electrical Engineers.

is this correct?

2. lower chances of staying unemployed with an EE degree compared to a CS degree.

is this authentic?

2. EEs don’t necessarily get paid more.

is this correct?

3. we can get a role of Software Engineering with an EE degree but can't do the reverse.

is this accurate?

thank u. that's all.

It’s diabolical to fire someone before the holidays.. And as much as I’m trying to stay hopeful and raise my numbers up I’m scared myself. He was in the organization for 20 years. Nobody is safe. Even 30 factory workers were recently laid off and the production schedule keeps changing!

How to cope with this and stay positive? He was a senior level engineer. I’m still entry level at this organization they haven’t promoted me yet.. but at the same time I DON’T wanna get fired??

I think thats it from me. I think i just give up. I was hired to be a software engineer more than a year ago. I've worked hard, ive proved myself countless of times over and over with the few little jobs I've been asked to do, none of them real software engineering work. Over and over again I've been promised that when we get more software development work I'll get to do it, but each time we actually get something, it gets given to a male coworker, sometimes a senior, sometimes someone my level. Each time I'm expected to help them. This time they went behind my back and had a senior do the job i was supposed to do, all with my advice and input just for 'quoting' the job. When the fix was pushed to production who does the testing and customer communication? Me. When it breaks i find the problem just as quickly if not before the senior developer and tell them what to fix. Yet somehow when the work is given out I'm not the one that gets to do it. Instead im toiling away writing documentation or doing minor fixes and workarounds. Each time im promised real experience developing a production system it's taken away from me and given to a man. When that man struggles or fucks up, I'm expected to help tell him how to fix it but not given the authority to do so myself.

A week ago, at farewell drinks, the male coworker who was leaving tucked my hair behind my ear and grabbed me by the waist andnwouldnt left go. He told me i was passionate like his wife. My only friend in the office saw it and when the guy finally let me go and i said it made me uncomfortable to my friend, he said it was my fault for hugging the guy goodbye. I trusted both of them.

I'm just done, i love the work so much but i never get to do it. I'm always robbed of the simple right of just doing the job i was hired for. Now i can't stop thinking about that man who put his hands on me and the friend who told me it was my fault.

Why did they even hire me? I don't want to be a woman anymore, i dont want to be an engineer anymore. I don't even really want to be alive anymore.