Engineering jobs to get while still in college?

I'm considering engineering as a major and wondering what kind of jobs or internships I should look for while I'm still in college. What roles could give me good experience for an engineering career?

An engineering internship or a co-op position would be beneficial for gaining hands-on experience. Here's a breakdown of different roles that could offer relevant experience:

1. Engineering Internship: Many companies offer engineering internships to undergraduate students. You'll work under the supervision of experienced engineers and learn about the practical application of your studies. The roles often involve contributing to ongoing projects, providing opportunities to develop problem-solving skills, and experience working in a team.

2. Research Assistant: If your college has a robust engineering research department, consider becoming a research assistant. This could involve working with professors on their projects, conducting lab tests, and contributing to research papers. This would provide valuable exposure to the latest advancements in the field of engineering.

3. Co-op Positions: A co-op, or cooperative education program, blends classroom learning with practical work experience. You might work full-time for a semester or two with a company in an engineering role. This can give you real-world experience and practical knowledge.

4. Engineering Tutor: Tutoring can enhance your understanding of engineering fundamentals by teaching others. This experience can also develop your communication skills, which are highly valued in the engineering profession.

5. Design Teams or Engineering Clubs: Joining an engineering club or competition team at your college would provide the opportunity to work on practical design projects and collaborate with others. Examples might include a robotics club or a team competing in concrete canoe or steel bridge competitions.

Remember to consider how each position aligns with your long-term career goals. For instance, if you're interested in civil engineering, an internship with a construction company or a government public works project could be more beneficial than a role in a computer hardware lab.