Last updated on May 4, 2024

What do you do if you want to leverage internships for a successful environmental engineering career?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in environmental engineering, you might wonder how to make the most of your internships. Internships are valuable opportunities to gain practical skills, network with professionals, and explore different areas of the field. However, not all internships are created equal, and you need to be proactive and strategic to leverage them for your future success. In this article, we will share some tips on how to find, prepare for, and benefit from internships in environmental engineering.

1 Find relevant internships

The first step is to look for internships that match your interests, goals, and qualifications. You can start by browsing online platforms, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn, that post internships from various organizations. You can also check the websites of environmental engineering firms, consultancies, or agencies that you admire and see if they offer any internships. Another option is to reach out to your professors, mentors, or alumni network and ask for referrals or recommendations. You should aim to apply for multiple internships and tailor your resume and cover letter to each one.

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Marcela Hardman

Engenheira Ambiental | Diretora Técnica | Professora Universitária | Mentora | Perita judicial | ESG |
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Primeiramente é importante entender que quem não é visto não é lembrado. Participe de eventos onde contam com a presença de empresas que você almeja oportunidades. Faça network nos eventos, e analise o momento certo para fazer abordagens e mostrar o quão interessado e dedicado você é, e se ponha à disposição para contribuir e demonstre vontade de aprender.

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Tulio Cezar de Aguiar Oliveira

Melhorias Contínuas | SGI |Qualidade | Engenheiro Ambiental | QSMS |
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Encontrar estágios relevantes em engenharia ambiental pode ser desafiador, mas há várias estratégias que você pode adotar. Identifique empresas que atuam na área da engenharia ambiental, como consultorias ambientais, empresas de energia renovável, empresas de gestão de resíduos, entre outras. Participe de feiras de carreira, eventos da indústria e palestras relacionadas à engenharia ambiental. Envie currículos e cartas de apresentação personalizadas para empresas de interesse, destacando suas habilidades e motivação para trabalhar na área da engenharia ambiental. Considere estágios em agências governamentais responsáveis pela regulação e fiscalização ambiental, como órgãos ambientais estaduais e municipais.

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2 Prepare for the interview

Once you get invited for an interview, you need to prepare well to impress the potential employer. You should research the organization, its mission, values, and projects, and show your enthusiasm and knowledge. You should also review your resume and portfolio and be ready to explain your skills, achievements, and motivations. Additionally, you should prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as what are the main tasks and expectations of the internship, what are the opportunities for learning and feedback, and what are the best practices or challenges in the field.

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Tulio Cezar de Aguiar Oliveira

Melhorias Contínuas | SGI |Qualidade | Engenheiro Ambiental | QSMS |
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Preparar-se para uma entrevista de emprego. Conheça a empresa onde você está se candidatando. Entenda sua missão, valores, projetos recentes e sua posição no mercado em engenharia ambiental é fundamental para impressionar os recrutadores e aumentar suas chances de sucesso. Antecipe as perguntas que os entrevistadores podem fazer e pratique suas respostas. Seja claro, conciso e articulado ao se comunicar durante a entrevista. Pratique sua linguagem corporal, mantendo contato visual, postura confiante e gestos adequados. Escolha uma roupa profissional e adequada ao ambiente de trabalho da empresa.

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3 Set your goals and expectations

Before you start your internship, you should set some clear and realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your employer. You should communicate with your supervisor and mentor and understand what they expect from you and what you can expect from them. You should also identify some specific skills or knowledge that you want to develop or improve during the internship and how you will measure your progress. Moreover, you should be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and demands of the organization and the project.

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Tulio Cezar de Aguiar Oliveira

Melhorias Contínuas | SGI |Qualidade | Engenheiro Ambiental | QSMS |
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Definir metas e expectativas claras para sua carreira em engenharia ambiental é essencial para orientar seu desenvolvimento profissional e alcançar o sucesso a longo prazo. Reflita sobre seus interesses, valores, habilidades e experiências. Certifique-se de que suas metas sejam alcançáveis e realistas, levando em consideração seus recursos, habilidades e circunstâncias atuais. Converse com profissionais experientes em engenharia ambiental para obter insights sobre suas próprias experiências, desafios e oportunidades na carreira. Regularmente reveja suas metas e expectativas para garantir que elas ainda estejam alinhadas com seus interesses, valores e objetivos de carreira.

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4 Learn from the experience

During your internship, you should make the most of the learning opportunities and resources available to you. You should observe and ask questions to your colleagues and supervisors and seek their feedback and guidance. You should also participate in meetings, workshops, trainings, or events that can enhance your understanding and exposure to the field. Furthermore, you should reflect on your performance and challenges and document your achievements and lessons learned.

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5 Network with professionals

Another important benefit of internships is the chance to network with professionals in the field and build relationships that can help you in the future. You should be friendly, respectful, and professional with everyone you interact with and show your interest and appreciation. You should also exchange contact information and stay in touch with your supervisor, mentor, and peers after the internship ends. You can also ask for recommendations, referrals, or endorsements that can boost your resume and credibility.

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6 Plan your next steps

Finally, after completing your internship, you should plan your next steps for your career development. You should evaluate your experience and identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. You should also update your resume and portfolio and highlight your skills and achievements from the internship. Additionally, you should explore your options and opportunities for further education, training, or employment in the field and apply for them with confidence and enthusiasm.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jéssica Barreto

Sustentabilidade | Ambiental | Qualidade | SGI | ESG | ODS | Gestão | Projeto | Inovação
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Um conselho para estudantes ou recém formado: Tenha proatividade! A engenharia ensina a resolver problemas, mas são as habilidades que não se aprendem na universidade que definem o profissional que você se tornará. O caminho de criar as oportunidades não são mais fáceis, mas certamente será um acelerador de carreira. A trilha tradicional é preparar currículo, escolher empresas, esperar temporadas de estágio, se preparar pra entrevista, torcer pra ser selecionado. Mas hoje com ferramentas como o LinkedIn, todos tem acesso a pessoas, use esse meio pra conversar com quem já está na empresa pra entender a rotina, cultura, dia a dia, isso poupa seu tempo e investimento da empresa em recrutamento.

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What do you do if you want to leverage internships for a successful environmental engineering career?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Find relevant internships

2 Prepare for the interview

3 Set your goals and expectations

4 Learn from the experience

5 Network with professionals

6 Plan your next steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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What do you do if you want to leverage internships for a successful environmental engineering career?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Find relevant internships

2 Prepare for the interview

3 Set your goals and expectations

4 Learn from the experience

5 Network with professionals

6 Plan your next steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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