re: Finding Your First "Real" Job

here's some advise from an old guy..

maybe think outside of the box. I'm guessing you are probably under 25.Those $100,000 jobs that most of the OT claims they had after graduation are taken.

Take a stab at the steel/pipe industry. Not glamorous in the least, but its a good,steady job.Also a lot of those companies' customers/clients are contractors, engineering companies. A job with something like a PVF company could put you in contact with some engineering outfits.

Also,don't be bashful about asking for help. Don't totally punt job sites,but rank them maybe #5 on your list. Network, get to know people. Talk to your friends--and their parents.MOST people want to help.

Don't despair.Always have something scheduled a week in advance even if its lunch with someone so you have something to look forward to.

Good luck.It'll work.

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I am SO jealous. At LA TECH we do not have a Geology program. I would have done Geology over Physics in a heartbeat.

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goal was for oil and gas but currently in environmental, not going to lie i enjoy it a lot

Do you have a LinkedIn Profile with professional picture ?

Add what you can as far as work / school, you can add your Resume'

There's a "jobs" button at the top to search jobs by area/field.

Also- Contact placement agencies. These will also be on LinkedIn

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I'm recently engaged to a great woman who's firmly rooted in NOLA, so moving would require proving an earning potential greater than her's

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Not trying to be a dick but this will put you at an extreme disadvantage. The market is saturated with hungry out of work individuals that would pretty much do whatever asked of them. Your best bet for a local non-traveling job will be networking with your known associates and old classmates. If relocating is out of the cards you will probably have to accept a job you may think is beneath you. But most of us in the construction/industrial field all shoveled shite at some point. Good luck man.

No doubt that's true and it's definitely a source of strain on the relationship. Ive applied to jobs all over the united states, and I'm not opposed to doing any type of dirty work. Also select yes on all relocation questions. Still not landing any inkling of a potential interview.

I appreciate all the advice so far. Gonna master the mail merge today and keep plugging away.

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Criminal record

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Not sure how this applies to the initial interview process? Are they running background checks before they interview and want to hire people these days?

Applying online is cool, but maybe go in any place to apply. Let them see you.

Or think about starting your own business. Screw being a pawn for others.

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Are they running background checks before they interview and want to hire people these days?

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Some companies will do an initial, not too in depth background check on applicants prior to interviews. If an applicant brings up a red flag, it's not worth bringing the person in to interview knowing they won't be able to pass an in depth background check.

I said CG cause he has that ball and chain that is tied to NOLA...obviously as an engineer.....the goddamned finest fleet in the world would be his best bet...but if you have to go but have restrictions to a region...the CG would work...

after I typed that I did think about suggesting a program in our Navy that would make him a CHENG someday...EDO programs or whatever

ETA: EDO program LINK

base pay for an O-1 is about 36K a year..NOT including the housing allowance and any other special pay you may be entitled too...O-1 to O-3 is basically automatic too...base pay for an O-3 at 4 years is 56K...plus the housing and other entitlements...

you have no experience doing anything in engineering......(I don't care if its petro/electrical/mechanical/nuclear)....but you have a great degree...so go serve your country and gain that "experience"...then go make bank like I said before....plus the military is a just one big "network"...you would likely waltz into a job when you were done.

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knowledge of CAD

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that is crucial for my company.

You're in a tough position, tons of engineers are being let go because of the market that have experience. They are all out searching for new jobs, as well as recent graduates, like yourself. Companies that do need to hire have the pick of the litter.

Experience will outweigh your GPA-

Try looking into oil and gas pipelines. With the down market, companies aren't "exploring" as much, but they are putting money into their existing pipeline systems.

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Tell them your goal, but in the mean time when oil prices are low, you want to work an entry level position to gain knowledge of their business. Pay is not important. You are looking for experiance, and to network. Good luck.

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This