16 Engineering Intern Skills for Your Career and Resume

Engineering interns work with experienced engineers to learn about various engineering disciplines and gain hands-on experience. As an intern, you will likely have the opportunity to work on projects that are related to your field of study. However, to be successful in this role, you will need to develop a range of skills that are essential for all engineers. By understanding what these skills are, you can make the most of your internship and set yourself up for a successful career in engineering.

Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is the study of how fluids, such as liquids and gases, move through various systems. This skill can be useful in many engineering fields because it involves understanding how to design machines that use fluids effectively. For example, an engineer who works with hydraulic or pneumatic systems needs to understand fluid mechanics to ensure their designs are effective.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are the ability to examine a situation and find solutions. As an engineering intern, you may be tasked with finding ways to improve existing products or processes. You can use your analytical skills to research potential solutions and determine which ones would be most effective. This is also important when completing assignments because it allows you to evaluate your work and make changes if necessary.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. As an engineering intern, you may be working with a team of professionals who have varying levels of knowledge about your project or task. Effective communication can help ensure that everyone on the team understands what they need to do and why. It’s also important to communicate effectively with clients and customers when providing technical support for products or services.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As an engineering intern, you may be tasked with finding solutions to technical problems. For example, if a machine isn’t working properly, you might need to troubleshoot it and find ways to fix it. This can help you advance in your career as an engineer because many of them solve complex problems regularly.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program that allows engineers to create and modify technical drawings. It’s important for interns to have basic knowledge of AutoCAD so they can complete projects accurately and efficiently. Interns may also be asked to train new employees on the software, so it’s beneficial to know how to use it well.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of heat and its relation to energy. As an engineering intern, you may use thermodynamics when working with mechanical systems that require a certain temperature for proper function. For example, if you’re designing a heating system, you might need to understand how different temperatures affect the materials used in the design.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas and solutions. As an engineering intern, you may be tasked with creating a design for a product or system. Having creativity allows you to think of unique ways to solve problems and develop innovative designs. This can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for full-time positions after your internship.

Minitab

Minitab is a software program that engineers use to analyze data. It’s important for an engineering intern to know how to use this software because it allows them to conduct research and make informed decisions about their projects. Interns can learn how to use minitab by taking online courses or attending workshops at their workplace.

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing is a set of rules that engineers use to describe the size, shape and position of an object. It’s important for you to learn this skill because it allows you to communicate your designs more clearly and ensures that the objects you create are built correctly. Your engineering mentor may ask you to provide detailed drawings of your projects so they can review them and give feedback.

Statics

Statics is the study of forces acting on objects at rest. It’s important for engineering interns to have a strong understanding of statics because it can help them understand how structures react when they’re built and how they might react if there are changes in their environment. For example, an engineer may use their knowledge of statics to determine whether a building will be able to withstand earthquakes or other natural disasters.

Solidworks

Solidworks is a computer-aided design software that engineers use to create models of their projects. It’s important for interns to have knowledge of this program because it allows them to complete tasks more efficiently and accurately. Interns can learn how to use the software through online tutorials or by asking their supervisors to teach them.

Microsoft Office Suite

The Microsoft Office suite is a collection of software programs that engineers use to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Examples include Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations and OneNote for note-taking. Interns should be familiar with the basic functions of these programs as they are likely to use them in their engineering careers.

Time Management

Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet your deadlines. As an engineering intern, it’s important to manage your time well so you can complete all of your projects on time. This may mean learning how to prioritize your work or setting realistic goals for yourself. It also means knowing when to ask for help from your supervisor or manager if you’re falling behind.

Engineering Drawings

Engineering drawings are the visual representation of an engineering project. They show how a machine or structure will look when it’s built and can help engineers communicate with each other about their projects. Interns often use engineering drawings to create models for testing, so they should be able to read and interpret them effectively.

MATLAB

MATLAB is a programming language used in engineering to create and execute algorithms. It’s an important skill for interns to have because it allows them to understand the code that engineers use to develop software, which can help them advance their careers. Interns who know MATLAB may also be able to apply it to other fields like computer science or data analysis.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of your tasks and materials. As an engineering intern, you may be responsible for managing projects or tasks that require a great deal of attention. Having strong organizational skills can help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure you have all the resources you need to complete your work.

How Can I Learn These Engineering Intern Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills necessary to be a successful engineering intern. Firstly, many of the skills required, such as fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, can be learned through coursework at a university. Secondly, analytical and problem-solving skills can be developed through practice and by working on projects. Finally, communication and time management skills are important soft skills that can be learned through experience.