Networking and Professional Branding
Return to Job Seeking Best Practices
Build meaningful connections and showcase your strengths through professional platforms. Effective networking and personal branding can open doors to research collaborations, job opportunities, and industry insight.
How to create a strong LinkedIn profile
- Technical summary focused on MAE interests
- Project and portfolio section
- Engineering-specific keywords to include (e.g., CAD, FEA, MATLAB, Aerospace Systems)
- Strong custom headline
- Professional photo
Custom Headline Tips
Your headline appears directly under your name and is one of the first things people see—make it concise, specific, and keyword-rich to attract recruiters and collaborators.
Structure Suggestions:
- [Current Role] + [Key Skills or Focus Area]
- [Degree Program] + [Engineering Interests or Industry]
- [Career Goal] + [Specialization]
Examples:
- Ph.D. Candidate in Aerospace Engineering | Specializing in Flight Control Systems & Autonomy
- M.S. Mechanical Engineering | FEA | Thermal Systems | CFD & MATLAB
- Graduate Researcher | Composites | Additive Manufacturing | NASA Pathways Intern
- MAE Graduate Student | Propulsion | Systems Integration | Aerospace R&D Focus
Tips:
- Use vertical bars (|) or bullets (•) to separate phrases.
- Include technical tools or keywords (e.g., CFD, CATIA, NASA internships).
- Avoid just putting “Graduate Student”—add more detail to stand out.
Profile Photo Tips
Your photo should convey professionalism while remaining approachable. In technical fields, first impressions often come from LinkedIn or company pages, so a clear photo builds credibility.
Do:
- Wear business casual or professional attire (collared shirt, blazer).
- Choose a neutral or clean background (e.g., plain wall, library, lab).
- Make sure your face is centered and clearly visible.
- Smile naturally or keep a calm, confident expression.
- Use good lighting (daylight or soft indirect light works well).
Avoid:
- Group photos, selfies, or cropped photos from social events.
- Overly casual settings (e.g., gym, parties, beach).
- Distracting or cluttered backgrounds like cluttered offices or messy labs.
- Filters or dramatic lighting effects.
- Filters, dramatic lighting effects, or artistic effects—keep it simple and clean.
- Wearing hats, sunglasses, or anything that hides your face.
Crafting Your Personal Brand as an Engineer
- Define your engineering focus (e.g., propulsion, robotics, composites)
- Use a consistent tone and language across platforms
- Develop a short “Professional Bio” or elevator pitch
- Can be reused on LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and email introductions
Setting Up a Personal Website or Portfolio
A well-organized website or portfolio helps you showcase your technical experience, research, and projects—making it easier for employers, collaborators, and advisors to understand your work and strengths.
Choose the Right Platform
- GitHub Pages: Best for code-based projects, version control, or those familiar with HTML/CSS/Markdown.
- Wix / WordPress / Carrd: Good for visually appealing, easy-to-update websites without needing to code.
- Google Sites: Simple, quick, and free for those looking for a no-frills option.
What to Include
Homepage or About Me
- Short bio, research interests, technical focus areas
- Current degree program and institution
Resume/CV Section
- Upload or link to a PDF resume
- Optional: Include a short list of highlighted experiences
Projects & Research
- Showcase your engineering work (capstone, thesis, design teams, lab work, etc.)
- Include clear descriptions, images, and outcomes
- Link to code (e.g., GitHub) or posters/papers if applicable
Skills & Tools
- List programming languages, software, and tools (e.g., SolidWorks, MATLAB, ANSYS, Python, Simulink)
- Use short bullet lists or visual skill charts
Publications & Presentations (if applicable)
- Include conference posters, published papers, or research symposium contributions
Contact or LinkedIn Link
- Provide a contact form or professional email
- Link to your LinkedIn and GitHub for networking
Design Tips
- Keep it clean and simple—avoid cluttered layouts
- Use consistent fonts, spacing, and colors
- Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and loads quickly
- Use headings and bullet points to make content skimmable
Where to Network:
- Engineering conferences (AIAA, ASME)
- Career fairs
- Research symposiums
- Alumni and professional association events (e.g., SWE, NSBE)
How to Network:
- Start conversations based on shared interests
- Ask questions about their work or journey
- Follow up with a thank-you email or LinkedIn connection
Building connections with faculty and researchers—especially at other institutions—is essential for students exploring Ph.D. programs, postdocs, or research collaborations.
How to Approach Faculty at Other Institutions
Whether you’re reaching out for research advice, to join a lab, or to explore a future postdoc opportunity, follow these best practices:
- Do your research: Read their recent publications and understand their lab’s focus.
- Be specific: Mention why you’re reaching out and how your interests align.
- Keep it professional: Be polite, brief, and respectful of their time.
Subject Line:
Prospective Ph.D. Student Interested in [Lab/Research Area]
Email Body:
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m currently a [Master’s/Ph.D.] student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. I’ve been reading about your work in [specific research area or recent publication], and I’m particularly interested in your research on [specific project or topic].
I’m exploring opportunities to [collaborate on research / discuss postdoc openings] and would appreciate the chance to connect with you or learn more about your lab’s current work.
I’ve attached my resume/CV for context, and I’d be happy to answer any questions or provide more information about my background.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile or Personal Website – optional]
[Contact Information]
How to Join Professional Listservs or Forums in MAE
Joining email listservs and professional networks keeps you informed about research opportunities, conferences, funding, and collaborations.
Recommended Listservs and Forums:
- MAE Graduate Student Weekly – Stay connected with funding, research, professional development, and career opportunities.
- AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) – Offers student memberships, newsletters, and regional updates.
- ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) – Join student sections and communities of practice.
- Engage (ASME online forum) – Community platform to discuss technical topics and network with members.
- NASA TechPort or Research.gov – Stay updated on federal research opportunities.
Strong mentoring relationships can be a game-changer for graduate students in MAE, helping you navigate your academic path, research goals, and career options. Whether it’s a faculty member, alumni contact, or industry supervisor, mentors can offer valuable insight and support.
Identify Potential Mentors
You don’t need to wait for a formal mentoring program—many great mentor relationships begin with a simple conversation. Consider reaching out to:
- Faculty members whose research aligns with your interests
- Alumni working in industries or roles you’d like to explore
- Supervisors from internships, labs, or teaching roles
- Conference speakers or professionals you meet during events
Tip: A mentor doesn’t need to have all the answers. You can even have different mentors for different areas: one for research, one for career planning, and one for personal growth.
Questions to Ask a Mentor in Engineering Fields
Ask open-ended, thoughtful questions that invite insight and conversation:
Career Exploration
- What was your career path like after graduate school?
- How did you choose between academia and industry?
- What do you enjoy most—and least—about your current role?
Technical/Research Guidance
- How did you choose your research focus?
- What tools or skills do you recommend learning to stay competitive?
- How do you approach problem-solving on complex projects?
General Advice
- What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently during grad school?
- How do you stay motivated or manage burnout?
- Who else do you think I should talk to in this field?
How to Build Mutually Beneficial Mentor-Mentee Relationships
Great mentorship is a two-way street. Here’s how to keep it productive and positive:
| What to Do | Why It Matters |
| Be proactive | Schedule check-ins, come prepared with questions or updates |
| Respect their time | Keep meetings focused and follow up with gratitude |
| Share your progress | Mentors enjoy seeing your growth—it helps them guide you better |
| Ask for feedback | Be open to constructive criticism and new perspectives |
| Offer help if appropriate | You may be able to support their projects, events, or outreach |
| Stay in touch | Even after formal mentoring ends, staying connected builds your network |
Social media isn’t just for staying in touch—it’s also a powerful tool for building your professional presence, learning from others, and staying current in the field of engineering.
Twitter / X
- Follow MAE professionals, researchers, and companies
- Stay updated on conferences, job openings, and emerging technologies
- Engage in academic or industry conversations (e.g., #AeroTwitter, #MechEng)
YouTube / TikTok
- Follow engineering educators, companies, and thought leaders
- Watch tutorials on software like SolidWorks, MATLAB, or CFD tools
- Some engineers and students share mini research explainers or design demos
Short-form content (TikTok or YouTube Shorts) can showcase your creativity and ability to simplify complex ideas.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Keep your content professional—assume potential employers or collaborators may see your posts
- Avoid posting offensive, polarizing, or highly personal content on professional accounts
- Review privacy settings regularly and separate personal and professional profiles if needed