Too Busy Working to Study

Internship opportunities are crucial for many young engineering students as they embark on their careers. But in a field where job opportunities are in high demand, balancing between gaining practical experience and completing their degrees can become a struggle. 

A recent study conducted by a group of engineers in New Zealand found that many students are too busy working to study. This presents a conundrum for students who must complete a certain number of hours of practical work experience to graduate with honours. With the allure of a full-time job offer from a top-notch company, it's no wonder that some students might choose to put their education on hold. 

On the other hand, companies are also facing a challenge. With a shortage of engineers worldwide, firms are vying to retain top talent among students. This competition to keep interns on as staff presents a problem for both students and companies, as it could prevent students from completing their degrees and leave the industry as a whole worse off. 

The problem ultimately lies in the systems we have in place, which are not generating the best outcomes for all parties involved. This calls for a re-evaluation of the internship structure to provide better opportunities for students to gain experience and for companies to attract and retain top talent. 

One possible solution could be to give students more flexibility in how and when they complete their practical experience. This could include offering online or distance learning options, which would allow students to continue their studies while still working for a company. Additionally, companies could also explore offering part-time internships, which would allow students to continue their studies while still gaining valuable experience. 

Ultimately, it's important to remember that trust is the foundation of engineering, and this includes trusting students to make decisions that are in their best interest. By providing more flexible opportunities, we can help students achieve their goals while addressing the engineer shortage and filling open positions. 

You can watch Cody’s full speech on the TechTALK YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDgXLt0pBa0 

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