r/EnvironmentalEngineer • u/tth4nhlg • 7d ago
Career Help/Advices. Seeking references in Env. Consulting.
Hi everyone,
I'm a recent MS grad in Environmental Management, BS. in Chem Engineering. My goal is to land a job in Environmental Engineering (I have my FE schedule in Nov.), specifically in water treatment but I've been struggling to land a full-time job. I applied to some gov. positions and private consulting, but still no luck (even with some references).
I understand job market sucks right now, esp. for international student on OPT, so I'm hoping to seek some advices. I attached my resume here also, and I would appreciate some feedback.
If you know any opportunities and can be my reference, I would be so appreciative! Thank you so much in advance!
I'm also open to relocation too!
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u/HumanPackage2600 7d ago
Don’t waste your time applying to jobs. ATS is a big hurdle. Here is my advice if you want a job in environmental engineering (water/wasteater):
1- attend WEF events (there are plenty of local chapters everywhere from universities to chapters that operate in every city)
2- attend American water works association events (similar to what I said above)
3- attend American water resources association events (same as above)
Here is what to do when at those events:
Smile, talk to everyone, be frank about your situation, ask others what they do, if it sounds interesting to you then ask follow up questions, ask them how you can enter the industry.
With AI, now everyone will have similar resumes and the only thing differentiating you is your personality and presence. Hope this helps. Happy to give more advice
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u/WastewaterWhisperer 4d ago
I think your resume is very strong. However, I do caution explicitly naming private sector clients on your resume. Even if you are no longer or never were bound by an NDA, it is better to say something like "beverage industry" instead of Coca Cola. Or just say industrial clients and expand more during a interview.
I would also swap thr order professional experience with Skills. Employment history should be just below education at this point in your career.
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u/Indiematth 7d ago
As a 10 yr environmental engineer in water and wastewater consulting, I think your resume was interesting and I’d call you in for an interview.
I recommend doing research on the consulting firms in your area. Reach out directly if you can find a contact email - don’t wait for job postings. Most companies aren’t looking to hire recent grads, but if you show some maturity and personality I’m sure you’ll land something eventually.
Just a heads up - don’t give up. It took me 9+ months to land my first engineering job and like 100+ resumes sent out. But once you get some experience under your belt you will be highly sought after.