Which college engineering clubs look best on a resume?

I'm looking at engineering programs and want to get involved in clubs that are impressive on resumes. Can anyone share which engineering clubs at their colleges helped with internships or jobs, especially for fields like computer or mechanical engineering?

In my experience, highly competitive engineering clubs are not only a valuable addition to your resume, but they also provide you with hands-on skills, professional relationships, and experiences that align with your career goals. They could make a significant difference when you apply for internships or jobs. These clubs emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, multi-disciplinary interaction, and real-world applications of engineering concepts which are paramount to employers.

1. Formula SAE/Formula Student: This is a great option for mechanical engineering students. In these teams, students design and build a small, formula-style vehicle and then compete in supporting events. If your goal is to work in the automotive or motorsports industries, these teams can provide valuable experience.

2. Robotics Clubs: Robotics clubs offer practical experiences in designing, programming, and building robots. For computer engineering students, they provide practical experiences in machine learning, autonomous systems, and the interface between hardware and software.

3. Programming/ Coding Clubs: These are particularly relevant for computer engineering students. These clubs often compete in coding competitions like Hackathons, where students work together to develop an innovative software solution in a very short amount of time.

4. Engineers Without Borders: This club provides a unique twist to your engineering experience by focusing on development projects, regularly overseas, to help communities with infrastructure needs. This appeals to recruiters who value service and understands the creative problem-solving required for this kind of work.

5. Professional Societies: Student chapters of professional societies, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) among others, provide networking opportunities, seminars, workshops, and access to job boards. They can offer you a bridge to the professional engineering world.

Remember that the most important aspect is not the title of the club, but what you accomplish and contribute during your involvement. It's better to have a significant impact in one club than to spread yourself too thin across many groups. Good luck as you explore your interests!