The earlier you get experience, the more job prospects will be available to you. As an engineering student, an internship is invaluable and might lead to amazing graduate roles.
From professional development to broadening your chances in a competitive job market, there are many ways to find an internship.
This article will walk you through how internships shape your engineering career, what to expect during your placement, and how to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Why Search for Internships in Australia?
Practical exposure
A classroom or lecture hall environment is good for theory work, but it does not compare to hands-on experience.
For electrical engineering, for example, you might be shown software you wouldn't learn at university, like CAD, GIS, or Autodesk Inventor. It improves technical ability and makes you an attractive candidate. After all, theory is only one part of the bigger picture.
You will also get feedback. One of the biggest takeaways is the feedback you get from an employer; do not be afraid to ask where you could improve!
Improve your soft skills
Since internships place you in the industry environment, you will learn more than technical skills. Soft skills such as cross-functional communication, problem-solving and time management are always useful to sharpen.
Actively participating in meetings, collaborating with diverse teams, and interpersonal communication mean you are improving a skill set employers seek in new graduates.
And with more graduates than jobs, an employer isn't going to choose one candidate over another based on engineering talent alone.
There are many competencies that influence the decision-making process. An internship gives you and a potential employer an idea of how you'd use soft skills, such as thinking on your feet.
Build a network
An internship is an excellent way to build a professional network and maintain industry connections in a working environment. It doesn't matter if you're interning remotely or on-site; the relationships you form are key to developing your career. It's about who you know sometimes, not what you know from a degree.
Use the time during your internship to make friends and contacts. Exchange ideas, explore new concepts as a team, experience mentorship, practical knowledge, and potential job offers or recommendations in future.
Boost confidence level and initiative
Taking on real responsibilities (not just theory-based scenarios) helps you learn how to handle professional challenges.
For example, you might present solutions, manage documentation, or complete design deliverables such as stimulating power systems and becoming proficient in a wide range of software.
You'll also adapt to professional environments, learn working ethics, present yourself in a professional manner, and prepare for the expectations and culture of a workplace.
Apply your current knowledge in real life
How does your academic knowledge apply in the real world? It is such a rewarding aspect of an internship to put degree knowledge into motion.
A civil engineering intern might work on ES data management and GIS development and be able to conceptualise the real-world applications of the experience. Reinforce your learning and appreciate your field of study.
Career pathways and opportunities
A career path isn't straightforward. Career interests change sometimes. You might try out a sector and realise it's not your thing. An internship gives you the chance to explore engineering specialisations.
The work experience makes you a more competitive candidate for full-time positions after graduation because you've already demonstrated capabilities in a real-world setting.
Let's look at the different types of internships you might be interested in as an aspiring engineer.
Chemical engineering, which could involve working in labs, designing or formulating new products. This kind of internship puts your chemical knowledge to the test with real-life experiments and situations. For example, you could be part of a group formulating an environmentally friendly pesticide.
Civil engineering involves working closely with town planners to keep areas operating. This internship is very practical, so you might wear a hard hat and a high-vis shirt on the job site!
Mechanical engineering internships involve machinery or building things (think robotics!). The designs of these engineers help people live their lives more conveniently.
Environmental engineering internships help you learn how to utilise and protect the natural world. In future, you may be given the chance to test soil on an upcoming building site for creating a waste management system that works.
Electrical engineering interns work with detailed circuits in devices or more complex operations like power lines. As an intern, you get hands-on experience, which is essential in your early career.
Career Guidance for Students
- Focus on communication skills, such as representing yourself to internal and external teams. If you're an international student studying in Australia, improve your English communication skills to articulate your ideas clearly.
- Stay curious and keep a positive learning attitude. Ask questions (even if you don't think it's a good question) or engage in group discussions.
- Be proactive and take initiative with your tasks. Look for ways to contribute beyond what is expected to set yourself apart and show dedication.
- Learn from every experience. Even the smallest, non-exciting tasks add value; approach every task with an open mindset of growth and learning.
Read: Breaking Down Engineering Internships and Their Prospects.
Overall, an engineering internship program is a great stepping stone for your professional future. Looking to gain hands-on experience or want to fulfil your degree's requirements for industry placement? Premium Graduate helps you find a world of career possibilities!
Looking for an Engineering Internship? Speak to Premium Graduate
We are not your average industry placement partner! Ready to take the first step in your engineering career? Enter a world of possibilities with a placement provider that goes beyond the ordinary.
At Premium Graduate, we:
• Connect you with hidden and off-market internship opportunities
• Provide tailored pre-placement preparation and career guidance
• Have a network of over 6,200 host companies across Australia
• Maintain high employability outcomes — with over 72% of placements leading to permanent roles
Our engineering internships span a wide range of fields, including civil engineering internships, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering, environmental, and more.
Strengthen your resume, develop your technical skills, gain real-world experience, and take a confident step towards your professional career after graduation.
Contact us today to learn more about available internship opportunities, industry-focused graduate programs, networking opportunities and how we can help you build your pathway into the field.
