In each of the past three summers, I’ve been looking for permanent work and I’ve finally come to the realization that summer is the absolutely worst time to try to find a job (it has to be, right? Right??). It’s not like I have an unmarketable degree or something – in fact I have two bachelor’s, in Chem Eng and Chemistry. But almost 2 and a half years after graduation, I sit with no job, not much relevant experience (my job experience was in sales, something I really don’t want to go back to – I’m not good at it for one thing) and my patience, although long, is wearing out.
I’m only looking for something entry level, goddamit! Why is there nothing out there that doesn’t require 5 years of bloody experience? Don’t they have to bring new people into the system at some point? I feel like I’m running out of time here – my education is going to waste and you can only account for so many time gaps on a resume before they start to raise serious questions. I’m don’t even think I’m that picky; I’m hoping to stay in a city of at least 50 k people and also to stay away from oil & gas (a moot point as The Patch seems to be in a downturn at the moment). Is it just a summer holidays thing? Isn’t there some industry out there that’s doing well that’s looking for hungry young engineers? Is it really a ridiculous expectation that I be able to look across country for a position without having to choose a city first?
Dammit, I’m so bored I’ve turned to carpentry to fill the time. Stop me before I build again.
'Cause that’s when I’ve been out of work? I don’t think I’m being very picky – see above. Willing to relocate, not fixed on one industry, don’t have to live in a major center… I suppose I should mention that I’m in Canada. I’d go to the States if I got an offer but I think that’s pretty unlikely for someone with my experience level.
Well, money isn’t totally an issue at this point, I’ve got a small nestegg saved up so that I don’t have to choose between food or shelter or anything like that. I just want to get my damn life started. So I’d definately want to stay within what my education was for.
I don’t know if you’re eligible to apply, but the US Govt has a bunch of vacancies for Chem Engineers - many at entry level. I’ve been a Fed employee for a lot of years - there are worse places to work. I’ve also seen a lot of new guys get their 3-5 years of experience with Uncle, then move on to the private sector. You could look at this site.
You might want to look into publishing to fill in the gaps. I worked at a place that published testing materials and text books, and they need people who know about different subjects (like chemistry). It might be worth a look.