Is it common for engineering students (burgerlijk ingenieur ir.) to do (payed) internships during the summer?

[Sutan]

I am about to finish my first year of engineering science (burgerlijk ingenieur) at KU Leuven and was wondering if it is common for engineering students to do internships during the summer to get some experience, out of interest or for some money? I know that I don't know enough after this first year to start somewhere in the summer but I was wondering if this happens in later years of even after your second or third year? I am planning on doing electrical engineering next year and am eager to know if this is something that is done by students in my situation? And if so, is it payed, in what sectors are you probably going to end up, etc...

 

[CanadeseITer]

Some people do, but 20 years ago most didn't. A lot were trying to pass their exams the second time around.

Their used to be, and I think still is, quite a demand for new fresh engineers. Unless you're going for the most competitive spots, it's also not required.

Quite a few students had a small business on the side though, doing all kinds of tech related stuff.

 

[Sylverscythe]

As far as I know, it's quite uncommon to do internships that are not taken into account by your program. Usually it's optional or obligatory to do at least one internship during the master program, which is worth ECTS. Usually these are not paid, but that depends on the company and internship length.

 

[Nineshots]

We had someone do an internship at our company. Unpaid. And after that, during the summer that person came to work for us as a paid job student. Maybe you can try that?