Work experience: How essential is it for those wanting an engineering career?

While the majority (73.8%) of engineers believe it’s important to take on work experience when starting out in your career, 69.4% admit that they didn’t find it hard to secure their first job without any previous experience.

That’s according to the latest research from CV-Library, the UK independent job board.



The study of 1,200 professionals explored this topic and whether it is necessary in today’s working world.

The survey revealed that almost three quarters (76.6%) did NOT take part in an internship or work experience before they started their first job.

Other key findings include:

* The majority (84.6%)of engineering professionals think work experience is still important, with 41.8% saying that it could help you decide whether a career path is right for you

* A further 25.5%say it introduces you to the world of work

• And, almost a quarter (23.5%) believe that having experience on your CV shows potential employers that you’re motivated and passionate.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments: “We’re often told that work experience is vital for getting a job. So it’s interesting to see that engineering professionals were able to land their first role without any previous work experience.

“However, it’s good to see that companies are hiring candidates who might not have a great deal of work experience, particularly when younger professionals are trying to get their foot in the door.“

“Despite the findings, work experience is still extremely beneficial to both candidates and employers and is always an important focus on a CV.

“That said, it’s important to take a candidate’s entire CV into consideration when recruiting. After all, you don’t have to rule out a great potential candidate just because they don’t have any relevant work experience.”

Education system

The research also explored the role that the education system plays in helping young people to gain experience.

It found that half (49.2%) of engineering professionals said they were never told how important experience was during their time in education.

What’s more, 47.7% admit there was no opportunity to undergo work experience while at school, college or university.

The majority (90.8%) believe that schools and universities should do more to encourage students to find work experience and internships while they are studying.

Biggins continues: “It’s clear that more needs to be done across the education system to support students in finding experience. After all, undergoing such placements can help to introduce young people to the world of work and help them to learn valuable skills.”

“If you’re keen to offer these opportunities to students you could consider starting a work experience or internship programme in your company. You never know, you might meet professionals that show great potential and this gives you a chance to recruit those innovative and talented individuals further down the line.”