₦airaland Forum

Hello,
If you just get admission offer for Spring 2021 (MS Environmental Science) in University of New Haven or you are there already, dm me please.
Thank you.

Thanks for sharing

pompeiimagnus:
Felt like sharing my experience here since it might benefit intending MS students in the future. I just began my summer internship with an amazing solar energy company in CA, though due to Corona I'm working remotely from TX. My BS was in Industrial Eng, currently on my MS in Mech Eng, now I'm working as a project engineer intern in the development of an off-grid solar project. Some key points I'll like to share are:

1. Try to build a diverse skillset so you can have opportunities in other related disciplines as you can see from my profile. Engineers and IT folks have the edge here due to our training. Corona has shown that any job one can't perform remotely will always be impacted by economic downturns. So try to gain as much IT skills as you can during your MS and select your electives wisely.

2. Keep track of projects (coding, CAD, research, etc) you have done at school, work, or personally. You never can tell when they'd come in handy. In my zoom interview, I impressed my boss by presenting a 5slide PowerPoint which I had prepared about my undergrad solar project. I've also used this project in my scholarship applications to NSBE which I luckily won, and SHPE which I'm hoping to win. When attending career fairs, create one page pictorial illustrations of these projects and take them along with your resume. At my school's career fair this spring, when I showed the recruiter a picture of the project, she told me to expect a call from her because the company was working on something similar.

3. Don't miss any opportunity to meet recruiters and hiring managers at career fairs at your University or conventions by NSBE, SHPE & SWE. It gives you a foot in the door than when you simply apply online. Also brace yourself for rejections, it's nothing personal and I have received tons of regret mails. I only needed one Yes, but I had to earn it.

4. Socialize with Americans as much as you can especially by attending campus events. College students are very social and will warm up to you as far as you are focused, independent and likeable. My conversational skills and confidence have really improved from this. Also, you'd be surprised that you can learn a lot from undergrad students who look up to you as a TA/RA.

Lastly, never ever give up! Focus on what you can control and leave the rest to God. Best wishes to y'all.