Article: Engineering is a broad and diverse field.  You could be a robotics engineer, a civil engineer, a chemical engineer, or one of many other varieties.  To identify the field you wish to work in, choose the field that interests you the most.  Alternately, choose the field with the best job prospects or the one that enables you to earn the most money.  Check your national department of labor statistics to determine which fields of engineering will enable you to make the most money or increase your odds of landing a job. There are about 40 types of engineering degrees. There is no right or wrong field of engineering for you. Different colleges excel in different areas.  Some schools offer robust civil engineering programs, while others have strong robotics engineering programs.  Run a search online for the best school in the field you’re interested in. The schools with top engineering programs might be difficult to get into.  Write a strong application letter and study hard for any entrance exams you might have to take. Many engineering positions are available in developing countries.  If you think you might want to leverage your engineering education into a position that allows you to work abroad, consider getting a minor in a foreign language, a certificate in international relations, or a similar qualification.  You could also apply for a study abroad program through your school. These programs might connect you with internships while you’re in school, or they might be designed to connect you with a job after you graduate.  Talk to your professors about opportunities for engineering work while you’re still in school. These programs can both help you better understand how engineering looks in a practical environment and can help you get work experience that looks great on your resume. Work shadowing programs allow you to follow an engineer through their day.  Write a pleasant email to the company’s HR or hiring office inquiring about work shadowing opportunities.  Alternately, you could call the company’s hiring office directly.  In either case, ask, “Do you have any work shadowing opportunities available for an engineering student like me?” Work shadowing opportunities allow you to get a feel for a particular company and to better understand how engineers go about their work. Major companies and institutions with engineering departments often have internship programs.  The process by which you secure an internship varies considerably from one company to the next, but it’s often no different than securing a job.  Check the “Careers” page of major engineering firms for opportunities.  You’ll need to fill out the application, submit a resume and/or references, and arrange an interview.  Aim for paid internships whenever possible. During an internship, you’ll be able to gain valuable on-the-job experience. If you’re pursuing a summer internship, you might even get to work in an engineering position full-time. Internships are a great way to network with other people who might be able to provide recommendations at their company or elsewhere after you graduate. You might be able to get school credit for your internship.  Talk to your university advisor about such an option. A practicum is a work opportunity that replaces or takes up a significant portion of your final university year.  These placements carry a competitive salary and provide a deeper, more long-term experience than an internship.  If you do well, practicums often lead to full-time positions after you graduate.

What is a summary?
Identify the field of engineering you want to work in. Select a school that specializes in your field of engineering. Add an international component to your education if you’re hoping to work abroad. Take advantage of university programs that connect you with engineering work. Ask smaller companies if they have work shadowing programs. Apply for internship after 1 or 2 years of university. Do a practicum in your final year of school.