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I have a master's in mechanical engineering and 15+ years experience wrenching on cars, motorcycles, etc. My specialty is fluid dynamics/heat transferQUOTE
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With just this these two sentence and you are struggling to find employment in Houston, you are doing it all wrong or your expectations are too high for an entry level job.
Last I looked there were almost 40 engineering positions open with my employer, and I am certain other companies like mine are struggling to fill engineering positions in Houston. Houston is about to realize a major vacuum in technical talent in the oil and gas industry. We have been struggling to fill technical positions with good candidates, someone with the right education, some practical (farm or hobby counts) experience and the aptitude and attitude to learn.
Companies like mine are always looking for engineers like described in those sentences. The Master Degree is sometimes a turn off. We will not pay more than entry level pay just because you have a master degree. If you have been expecting more pay with a master you won't get in. You have to be willing to put in some time and gain experience. Then the master degree will allow you to spring into higher positions within that company. Good mechanical engineers can start out at 75-85K per year with nice benefits. If you're willing to relocate to more remote places to put in your time there are jobs out there! Midland, TX is booming. The Dakotas. Permian Basin. Marcellus Shale. All still looking for good people.
If you've interviewed and you're still not getting offers, then your presentation is off. If you're presentation is on point, but you're still not getting in, then there are other issues.
There is only so much coaching one can provide. If the candidate is not learning and improving there is little a career coach can do. Hell I didn't have anyone to coach or mentor me. My parents were about as blue color as can be (janitor and factory worker). I had no circle of family friends who were professionals to bounce ideas off of. I had no siblings who had gone before me....
....but I was eager and willing. I observed and adjusted and soaked up everything so I could move to the next step.... pedigree doesn't mean jack if you don't have desire and aptitude.