The Ultimate Guide to Entry-Level Engineering Jobs  

Engineering is a diverse field that uses technology and scientific principles to design, invent, and build structures, machines, and various advanced systems. It’s a broad subject with different areas of specialization, including civil, mechanical, computer science, electronics, aerospace, and chemical. 

You can seek employment in the respective area of studies by acquiring the relevant educational degrees or qualifications. Plus, getting hands-on training and additional credentials in the field is always important to gain in-depth knowledge and experience to find your ideal entry-level engineering jobs.  

Throughout your educational journey, you may have come across things like placement opportunities, resume building, network enhancement or industry standards, so here’s a comprehensive guide that decodes all these things to help kickstart your career in engineering. 

Taking your first step as an entry-level engineer

The market for engineering services in the United States is expected to rise by 3.3 percent in 2022, making it an over $257 billion industry. Over the coming decade, the number of jobs within the different engineering fields will likely rise by 5 percent.

To secure an entry-level engineering job, set yourself apart from other new graduates or entry-level professionals by working on your skills and experience. Keep the following tips top of mind when beginning your career in engineering. 

• Pursue multiple training opportunities, such as an apprenticeship program or internship, to gain industry experience and knowledge.
• Broaden your network by connecting with experienced industry professionals or hiring managers. Use platforms like Design News, Engineering.com, and The Engineering Exchange to connect with engineering professionals and access extensive subject-related libraries and directories. 
• Update your resume and cover letter using an applicant tracking system (ATS) to find keywords and format matching the job description and industry standards, respectively. 
• Contact an engineering staffing agency like Certis Solutions, which provides unparalleled opportunities to work with some of California’s biggest architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies.  

What all entry-level engineers need to know before their first interview

Engineering is one of the highest-paid jobs in the United States, with an average salary of $79,000. In the United States, the median annual salary of aerospace engineers is over $122,000, whereas civil engineers can earn more than $88,000 with relevant experience and education qualifications. 

With the increasing remuneration rate, the field is becoming highly competitive among new graduates, making it hard to find entry-level engineering jobs in the country. This is precisely why you need to excel in a job interview to secure an opportunity that comes your way. Below are a few things that you should know before your first engineering job interview.

1. Career goals 

Setting your career goals is the first step you take to begin your career in the respective field of engineering. Look for entry-level engineering jobs with scope for future development by reading company reviews or connecting with existing and former employees of the company you want to work with. 

2. Requirement needed 

Carefully read the job description to understand its requirements and to match them with your educational qualifications, area of expertise, credentials, and skills. Avoid applying to jobs that don’t fit your proficiency or background.  

3. Strengths and weaknesses 

Most employers or interviewers ask questions about your strengths and weaknesses, mainly because they want to know how you self-evaluate yourself and how well you know your personality traits. This means you must strategize beforehand to discuss your strengths and weaknesses to emerge as a strong and confident job aspirant. Remember, recognizing your weaknesses is also one of your strengths. Use it wisely to set yourself apart from others. 

4. Preferred work environment 

Engineering is a dynamic field that involves a lot of fast-paced work, including team building, design changes, compliance monitoring and maintaining all the set standards. Ensure you understand your job’s physical and mental needs. In an interview, you must tell how comfortable you are dealing with workplace challenges, which shows preparedness and understanding of what the work entails. 

5. Salary and benefits preferences 

Nobody wants to get underpaid, so make sure you browse through available online portals to find the average salary for entry-level engineering professionals to quote negotiable remuneration numbers in a job interview. It’s best to use the industry standard while filling up your salary expectation. 

Interview preparation tips for entry-level engineering jobs

Experiencing anxiety and stress before a job interview is normal, especially when looking for entry-level engineering jobs as a new graduate or inexperienced candidate. To help you overcome your fear, here are a few interview tips to keep in mind to nail your upcoming job interview: 

• Check with the recruiter or talent acquisition coordinator about any interview requirements and other information, and who will be interviewing you. 
• Research the company to learn about their clients, projects, corporate social responsibility, and other relevant things. Also know the role of your interviewer. 
• To create a solid first impression, dress appropriately. 
• Show exemplary professionalism through gestures.
• Always quote examples when answering project or subject-based questions to showcase your field knowledge. 
• Prepare three to four questions for the employers to showcase your interest in the company and its projects. It also shows you spent time researching the company. 

Certis Solutions: work with an experienced engineering staffing agency

When you choose to work with an engineering staffing agency, dedicated and experienced professionals work closely with you to find entry-level engineering jobs in top AEC firms. At Certis Solutions, we understand your personal and professional goals to offer a personalized candidate experience and find a job that matches your requirements. 

From resume building to interview preparation, Certis Solutions guides you through every step of the recruitment process to ensure you get your dream job. We also aim to find long-term career opportunities for all our clients with competitive pay rates. Visit our website to learn more about our services or to find an engineering job in California. You can also write to us at info@certisjobboard.com.

3 Resources to Find Environment Resources Jobs

California is set to outpace other states by adding more than 58,000 environmental resources jobs by 2030 to the country’s green economy. These employment opportunities will likely attract innovation, investment, and green job creation in the Golden State. 

The government’s rising interest in environmental development projects is one of the key reasons for the growing number of jobs in environmental resources management. The Employment Development Department (EDD) of California projects that the demand for environmental scientists will increase by 11 percent in the next five years, creating over 1,600 job openings. 

Curious about how you can grab information related to environmental resources jobs, research, and training material in California? Read the blog to learn about three valuable resources for all employment-related information. 

Top resources in environmental resources management

1. Webinars and conferences 

Webinars and conferences offer the best way to polish your skills and build your knowledge. Attending these events allows you to learn from experienced industry professionals and experts. As an environmental resources professional, you’ll have a platform to learn about the shift in the current environmental industry, the need for compliance monitoring, adhering to governmental standards, laws and regulations and much more. 

You can use this information to showcase your work competencies and in-depth industry knowledge to stand out among other job applicants. Some of the top environment-related webinars in the country include:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tools and resource webinar series 
• National Association of Environmental Professionals annual conference and training symposium 
• LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) environmental job informational webinar 

2. Networking societies and organizations 

Regardless of your engineering field, networking is important for growth, guidance, and opportunities in general. It helps you connect with industry professionals that can refer you to different environment resources jobs and environment monitoring projects in California and all over the world. Industry experts can guide you on the right path to career advancements and new opportunities. 

Moreover, engineering is a competitive field, and it’s always great to know people who can validate your achievements and credentials, setting you apart from other candidates. You can join the following organizations that will help broaden your network:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP)
• National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)

3. Engineering staffing agencies 

Technical staffing agencies remove the stress, anxiety, and struggle of finding an environmental resources management job by connecting you with your desired employer. Staffing agencies like Certis Solutions share an impeccable relationship with leading companies, which helps bonafide professionals get placed in their dream job. They also provide information about the latest market trends and upcoming environmental projects. 

Kickstart your engineering career in environmental resources with Certis Solutions 

Certis Solutions is an all-inclusive platform that helps you find your dream engineering or environmental job with various reputable companies in the industry. We help you connect with employers not listed on other job portals or employment sites like LinkedIn. 

Our highly trained professionals at Certis Solutions help you find a job that meets both your professional and personal expectations and goals. We provide resume-building services, training and development programs, continual employment opportunities, and interview preparation support to ensure you successfully obtain your dream job. 

With us, you also have access to a broad network of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals across different sectors, including environmental resources, construction, and emergency management. Visit Certis Solutions to browse environmental positions in California. To learn more about our wide range of AEC services and firms, contact us or write to us at info@certisjobboard.com.

Five Construction Sectors Hiring in California

In May 2022, job opportunities in the construction industry grew by 36,000 in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for specialty trade contractors and heavy and civil engineering construction increased to 17,000 and 11,000, respectively.

California is also experiencing a rise in construction activity, which has given birth to many jobs across various job titles and roles within the industry. The significant reasons contributing to the rising demand for construction professionals include the aftermath of natural calamities like earthquakes and wildfire, technological advancement in the Silicon Valley, increasing housing demands, and infrastructure development.

The Golden State is a ripe opportunity for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals looking for construction jobs. Read below to know which top companies and sectors are currently hiring in California.

Getting started in California construction: Who’s hiring?

As per the BLS report, employment in the construction industry is 40,000 higher compared to pre-pandemic times in February 2022. Construction roles currently in demand in California include project manager, superintendent, project engineer, quality control engineer, site safety and health officer (SSHO), estimator, civil design engineer, and construction manager.

Some of the top California construction companies currently hiring AEC professionals across different construction jobs are:

• Ahtna Design-Build
• Deacon Construction
• DesCor Builders
• Brown Construction
• Blue Northern Builders
• Flory Construction
• Teichert Construction
• SB James Construction
• Z Squared Construction
• Colin Construction Company

Top construction sectors hiring professionals

1. Commercial

Even after a global pandemic, the commercial industry in the United States continues to contribute to its economy and development. Employment in the commercial sector is rising with the construction of new commercial buildings, including offices, retail stores, churches, service stations, and hospitals.

According to the U.S. edition of the “Economic Impacts of Commercial Real Estate,” the new commercial building development contributed approximately $1.2 trillion to the country’s GDP, making it one of the highest paying sectors for AEC professionals looking for construction jobs. The commercial sector also contributed to 8.5 million jobs in the United States.

2. Multi-family

California has witnessed a rise in multi-family construction by 17 percent in 2021 with 52,800 units under construction. Despite the global pandemic, rising material prices, and irregular supply chain, new multifamily construction projects continue to grow, offering numerous employment opportunities to AEC professionals. 

Moreover, the increasing demands for different types of real estate construction have given rise to local construction jobs in the state. Other factors, including compliance monitoring and maintaining the federal standards and policies, give rise to construction jobs in the sector requiring professionals for project management, risk compliance, budget, and cost estimation.

3. Public works

The Public Works Department also offers wide employment opportunities to design, construct, maintain, and operate the state’s infrastructure, including transportation systems, wastewater systems, public roads, and bridges. If you’re looking for construction jobs in California, below are a few projects worth checking:

• Delta conveyance project
• The tapestry project in Summit Valley
• Bakersfield high-speed rail
• Los Angeles River Master Plan
• VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II

4. Health care

In 2019, the health-care market in California was the most active in the country, and, currently, it’s growing at the rate of 5.7 percent, generating jobs for construction professionals. The top ongoing and upcoming health-care construction projects in the state include Davis Medical Centre’s Replacement Hospital Tower, Scripps Healthcare’s Mercy Hospital, and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

5. Education

As the number of single-family and multi-family residential units rises in California, the demand for more education centers and facilities has increased, generating employment opportunities for AEC professionals. Some of the top educational construction projects in the state that may help you with your desired construction role include Aggie Square Mixed-Use Project Phase 1-the University of California, Educational Construction in Compton, and Educational Construction in Sacramento.

Find your next construction job with Certis Solutions as we help you work with companies and on projects not listed on other job portals. Our dedicated technical recruiters and consultants understand your personal and professional goals to help you find a job or project that matches your abilities and expectations. Visit our website to learn about different AEC firms working with us and what impeccable services we provide to our clients. 

Top Employer Considerations for Construction Manager Jobs

With the increasing need for renovating and retrofitting hospitals, educational centers, and residential and commercial buildings, the demand for construction workers in California is rising. The primary reasons for the growing construction activities include market disruption, technological innovations, post-pandemic normalcy, and multiplying population. 

Besides the increasing construction work, the trend is to build energy-efficient, environmentally compliant and more sophisticated structures. Hence, the demand for specialized professionals like construction managers is boosting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction manager jobs will likely increase by 11 percent between 2022 and 2030. Read below to learn more about the trending construction manager jobs in California and to find out what expertise and credentials employers are looking for while hiring construction managers for different projects. 

Preparation is key when applying for Construction Manager Jobs

Like every job, you must acquire special skills to perform construction manager responsibilities effectively and efficiently. You can begin with preparation as it is the key when applying for construction manager jobs at your dream companies. 

Along with a professional degree, you must also learn project and personnel management through on-the-job training and development programs. Companies also prefer candidates with additional credentials, licenses, and certifications as they show in-depth knowledge and understanding of the field. 

Try to acquire the following certifications to stand out among other job aspirants:

• Construction Management Association of America’s Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• American Institute of Constructors’ Associate Constructor (AC) or Certified Professional Construction (CPC)
• Project Management Certification (PMP) 

What employers look for in a Construction Manager 

Proven practical experience

A survey reported that 84 percent of employers value practical experience more than the educational credential of a job seeker. Moreover, showing evidence of your ability to work through previous job experience and training gives the employer confidence to hire you as an asset to the company. 

Leadership skills

Construction managers must effectively explain and delegate tasks to laborers, construction workers, office staff, and subcontractors. So, you must be able to demonstrate excellent leadership and communication skills in a job interview as it will give the prospective employer an indication of how effectively you communicate and connect with others. 

Soft and technical skills

You need to be proficient in construction technologies, technical drawings, reading plans and specs, contract negotiations, RFIs, change orders, and client submittals. Along with exceptional technical skills, you must also work on enhancing your soft skills, including communication, team-building, and coordination. 

Close attention to detail

Construction managers play a significant role in ensuring that a construction process adheres to all standards, plans, specs, building codes, etc., which means an eye for detail is extremely important. A proficient construction professional is one who closely looks at the work to spot errors to ensure accuracy, quality, and precision . 

Risk management 

Many interviews ask situational questions to job seekers at the time of the interview to evaluate how they behave in an intense and high-risk situation. 

How a construction staffing agency can help you build a resume 

When looking for construction manager jobs in California, one of the best things you can do is get help from a staffing agency. A technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions uses experience to help you find your dream job at a top construction company.

The dedicated team of experienced and certified technical recruiters uses an applicant tracking system (ATS) to build your resume that matches the industry standard. They use the correct format and properly list your experience, educational qualifications, and additional credentials that highlight your work competencies, setting you apart from other candidates. Search construction manager jobs at Certis Solutions, a construction staffing agency that strives  for long-term employment opportunities for all architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals.