Day in the Life of an Unemployed College Graduate

Here’s a day in the life of what I do as an unemployed university/college graduate who studied mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo. I share my job hunting process, the struggles I face, and what I do to cope with rejection!
I’m making this video because I don’t just want to show you a highlight reel of my best moments on this channel. I feel it’s important to share, see and acknowledge the struggles we face as we try to reach our goals!
If you’re struggling to find a job or an internship, just know that you’re not alone as it can be a lot of work and be mentally taxing! If you have a job or an internship, congratulations, and try to lend a helping hand to your fellow classmates that may be struggling!
MY SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: / tamerxi (feel free to DM me!)
LinkedIn: / tamershaheen (feel free to connect!)
Email: [e-mail]
Discord: / discord (let's chat there!)
ABOUT ME:
My name is Tamer Shaheen and I am a recent mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Waterloo. I like to make videos about university/college, engineering, and personal development. Thank you so much for watching!!

[@TamerShaheen]

Oops...I forgot to add the google docs link in the description. So, here's the link to the technical questions & answers doc from the video: docs.google.com/document/d/19n4TJXMElZ9V1PrBTcVnrO6ZOSzYnQHl6ArwzxZm5Hw/edit?usp=sharing

[@sedled2829]

Congrats man!! I'm on a similar path bro. Mechanical Design Engineering is so fun but crazy hard to get a job in. Im listening to an amazing book called "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer, Its really puts life into prospective. Take it from a Design Engineer/Inventor. Simplification of our own Self talk is KEY

[@alec9212]

Thank you, if you have more please share. There are many in your same situation

[@oyen11]

Thanks for sharing this. Can you please do videos of typical technical interview questions & how to answer it.

[@TamerShaheen]

I made a couple in the past, but I’ll make sure to make more

[@germanvaz7526]

Thank you really!

[@joshuakhokhlan]

As a recent unemployed MechE grad this video gave me hope and motivation to keep on trying to land that “dream job” I’ve spent the passed 5 years studying for. Very happy to have found your channel and hoping I could get access to that google drive with interview tips/questions 🙏 . Keep on posting content!

[@TamerShaheen]

I included the link in a pinned comment cuz I realize I forgot to add it. Lmk if u can’t access it. Glad you enjoyed the video and could relate to it, but good luck with ur job hunt :)

[@yunhong123]

wow this is literally me in looking for a new job after graduation this summer. totally the same anxiety and stresses but you give me another strength to go work on myself and career. feels kinda sad honestly but im relieved im not the only one going through mind roller coaster. congratulations on your new offer! bless you brother

[@TamerShaheen]

Yea I’m glad you could relate, but we just have to focus on the other aspects of our lives to stay mentally sane 😅

[@alwalkemdown7878]

How old are you now and are you still job hunting ?

[@yunhong123]

@@alwalkemdown7878 i graduated last summer 2021 and i got a job february 2022. it took me about 8 months to find a job. i thought i wouldnt be able to get one. but in the end, failures made lessons and i got to be better at presenting myself. now ive been working as a designer at refrigeration company and i cannot be more thankful than now. its about starting and as long as you start it will work out. good luck to everyone

[@PilgrimKat]

*Ah, the algorithm knows me too well* 😂 In all seriousness, this was a really encouraging video. LinkedIn can give a skewed reality and leave me feeling like I'm one of the only people going through the unemployment rejection cycle so, as much as I'm sorry you had to go through that, it's nice to know that there are others in the same boat, and that as long as I keep going the cycle will end sooner or later! 🤗

[@TamerShaheen]

Yes!! Exactly why I made this video. You’re def not alone with the struggles of job hunting 😅

[@vanessa-iv8qz]

omg Tamer congratulations!!!! This is really motivating if you ask me; handling rejection isn’t easy but you talking about diverting the energy into more productive things really gave me fuel to not give up hahaha. Studying engineering is as hard as it is, I can’t even imagine the stress that looking for a full time job looks and feels like. I’m so happy for you. Congrats again!!!

[@TamerShaheen]

Haha job hunting can def be stressful. But I think studying engineering is lowkey more stressful because failing a course is so scary 😅

[@tonynajeraa]

Graduated as an Industrial Engineer this past December and I'm still on the hunt for a job. It's surprising to see how you know so much and you still get rejected. Thanks for the content!

[@TamerShaheen]

Well I was a little picky in my job hunt so it took me a couple months to get a job I really liked

[@tonynajeraa]

@@TamerShaheen At first, when I began applying, I would do that as well but it’s been a couple of months of trying that I start to feel pressured, thinking that I’m being ignored. So I began applying to other job offers just to see if I could get a response. No luck yet.

[@rabimunif2078]

Bro... I was literally repeating dua Yunus at the end of the video... I felt so relieved at your reaction!!! Thanks for the beautiful video!!! I'm rooting for you on that double backflip.

[@libanfarah9142]

Mashallah 🤟🏾

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that fam 🙏

[@RBLXShadow]

Congrats on the offer man, I'm glad you can put all those rejections and anxiety of being unemployed behind you, wish you the best for your new job!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thanks, appreciate that :)

[@cafux78]

Thank you so much for the content that you upload. It helped me a lot to realize how competitive and hard the real world is, it certainly popped that fantasy bubble I was in.

[@singusbiggle9977]

Wow, you actually got an internship. Lucky you. The two internships I got were cancelled due to covid.

[@lastjager4108]

This ain’t the place to bring your pathetic pity party dog. Stop being jealous and strive to be better. Be great.

[@Dragonik29]

​This video really fills me with hope and makes me think about what my life is like right now. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you very much for that!!

[@_lu_ferro]

As a mechatronics engineering undergrad, your videos inspire me :D. Congrats on your acceptance and I wish lots of other accomplishes on your journey

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that

[@jaimecristalino]

I feel you bro! I know how hard this job application process is for new engineers grads... And don't think landing a job in a big tech as a software engineer is an easy task because it's damn hard! Keep it up!

[@TamerShaheen]

Yea of course, we all struggle to get those jobs 😅

[@numanunal6699]

The software market is extremely competitive and vigorous. Unfortunately. Idk if its even worth it anymore 😕

[@jessiesteele2675]

Hey man glad you got the startup position! It’s extremely obvious that you’re a talented ME, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t give you the role. Best of luck from an ME at Georgia Tech!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thanks, appreciate that :)

[@SalmanAhmed-uc2yt]

I could so relate to this video Tamer. Especially the part where your friends from the computer science major get employed and brag about that on linkedin and it makes you feel you went for the wrong major and that the boat has already sailed。 It took me months to land a job and finally lifes better now. Thanks for your video。Keep up the good work。

[@jayhoovy]

I found this channel randomly; glad I stopped by! Great content!

[@TamerShaheen]

Eyy I appreciate that! I’ve seen your TikToks too so thanks for stopping by :)

[@ajohnson2344]

As a prospective engineering student fresh out of high school, I feel bad for you I hope everything gets better. This is my biggest fear after college graduation.

[@TamerShaheen]

Haha don’t feel bad for me. I enjoyed the job hunting process and I’m happy with the job I got :)

[@RajvirSingh-ew8bd]

Great Video! This shows what ‘actually’ goes into this process. Keep this content coming!

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate it

[@khaled-nidalal-zayyah5638]

this video is one of the most relatable videos I've seen in my life. thanks I needed that🤣🤣

[@Ronvict]

I felt happy as if I were in your place, dude 😁. That is giving hope. Thank you!

[@aakaarjaiswal5392]

I am in the exact same situation right now. And I can say that as an international student living in the US, the process is even more difficult and stressful.

[@arto00-g2n]

On point. The gym workouts are inspirational thanks for sharing. Very similar for a software engineer job hunting.

[@1HourOf.]

🙂Funny now because when I'm procrastinating, I'm watching your videos. I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago. You not like other Mech Engineering Education Information sources here on KZbin, Your content is really good , don't stop.

[@josebayona7739]

Congrats man. Keep up the good work and grind. God bless.

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that :)

[@amberramirez3849]

this is a great video. I’m currently a junior in Mech E really struggling mentally and thinking of giving up but this video helped me see that I’m not alone in my struggles and we’re all going to get to where we want to be some day. I’ve been on a binge looking for reasons to keep going. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work 😁🙏🙏🙏

[@may0dan]

My brother your pulling strength is amazing.

[@jeremyhiew5930]

Congratulations on landing yourself a job🔥. Really inspiring video especially for someone like myself who also studies mechanical engineering. Currently in the first semester of my second year and barely able to manage my academics😖. Watching your videos really motivates me and gave me a much detail look into mechanical engineering jobs. Keep up the good work💪.

[@TamerShaheen]

So happy you like the content and glad it’s able to motivate you :)

[@Nobody-qb8vk]

Your video is really motivating ,i thank youtube for recommending this to me. And now i also believe that even my cycle of job hunting will end soon.❤️

[@Astro-807]

Captivating story! With many relatable things like LinkedIn posts and using the gym to de-stress Wish you the best in the future!

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that 😊

[@moamenkamal]

You are really honest person and showing the real side of life. Keep Going my friend

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate it brother

[@KiranJagpal]

The quality of this video is insane!! 🔥Congrats on the offer Tamer!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you!!

[@infinitenoticications9315]

Not gonna lie, this video already makes me kind of stressed as someone doing first year engineering (no clue what the interview questions were even about lol). 😅 At least there was a nice ending though 😄

[@xtomy_887]

Same thing here man. After watching videos like these I am always a bit discouraged because as a first year engineering student I feel like Tamer has a ton of internships, projects, knowledge and connections under his belt, and it still took him three months to find a job.

[@TamerShaheen]

Don’t be discouraged guys! In first year, I was lost, confused and had no internship experience either. I kinda just learned how to get internships over time. But, to know where to find internships and how to prepare for them…watch my video titled “How to get Engineering Internships.” Also, the questions I was asked in my interview were based on second and third year engineering courses, so it’s totally normal if you can’t answer them yet.

[@xtomy_887]

@@TamerShaheen I appreciate the reply a lot. You’re such an inspiration. I’ll take a look at that video

[@hamzamohamed7935]

Congrats man.... I like how you deal with rejection.... Mental hardness 👌

[@TamerShaheen]

Thanks, just tryna be patient

[@curtisxblue]

Appreciate this vid! Congratulations!!!

[@TamerShaheen]

😊😊

[@jhonnyaizarodriguez9121]

Increíble! Soy ingeniero electromecánico recién graduado, tus videos me ayudan a practicar mi inglés y a ver una perspectiva muy interesante, escribo mi mensaje en español para que veas hasta donde ha llegado tu canal soy de La Paz - Bolivia 🇧🇴 , espero que ya tengas o que sea pronto el empleo de tus sueños. Yo tuve la suerte de tener pequeños trabajos pero justo ahora estoy desempleado, realmente me encantaría poder trabajar en las baterías de litio, saludos y mucha suerte, seguiré viendo tus videos 😄.

[@haniabukar857]

I hope you get a job soon, my brother graduated 1 month ago masters degree in mechanical engineering but luckily landed his dream job a year ago. So wish you all the best

[@deepakshinde2288]

So much motivating is this feeling anxious for past 2 days as I joined soc analyst and it's my first month and got a ascalation from senior manager . But now feeling great it happens

[@everyoneandtheymama]

WHY IS THIS SO ACCURATE!!!!

[@sagarhembrom8725]

Bro in love with your content...

[@ay-pn8jy]

As a Chemical engineer student , I really really love your channel , thank you so 🙏

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that :)

[@tuna2611]

I'm 2 years in on being unemployed. Also a mechanical engineering graduate. Cant seem to get a job even though I've been applying almost every day. Not sure if its because of the pandemic or because of me.

[@BrunoSilva-ur7sb]

Nice vid and congrats on your new job!

[@maxgermano6570]

Congratulation for your nice Job Sir. Damnnn, it's was amazing.

[@gianlucavendel]

Hey Tamer, I just wanted to let you know, that I really enjoyed your video. I am in the same situation as you right now and your video spent me motivation to keep going. I am planning to start my youtube channel in this free time as well so even that was motivating to see in your video. Keep up the great work man!

[@Loganreeder26]

Holy cow dude, those pullups were almost muscle ups and they looked so effortless.

[@holidayseason1205]

Editing skills on point

[@TamerShaheen]

Thanks :)

[@ExcelTutorials1]

It sucks out there. I feel you with the job search grind.

[@oyetemsanthony5359]

So lovely I need more video from you

[@nigelsukhnandan6528]

The gym thing is real😂. And the new software engineer hype is also making me reconsider choosing mechanical engineering

[@TamerShaheen]

HAHA

[@nigeltims8781]

Really enjoyed this video! Congrats on the new job!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thanks :)

[@Xela99122]

I am struggling through this process right now. Although its nice to know im not the only one

[@offsetyrn4285]

Cant wait for the job update

[@ahah1163]

I can relate, however I am a different case altogether. Unfortunately, I don't have a positive message to share. Graduated a decade ago where everyone was coming out of a deep recession, back in 2008. I got a job in a different industry altogether and stayed for years, until a huge construction company poached me after I kept telling them no several times. The role was not engineering but my hope was that I would somehow change departments in the long run. Previously, I tried to follow some master courses but gave up along the way. I recently found out I was let go, therefore I am left empty handed once more. Even with some experience under my belt in construction, companies are ignoring me. I'm seriously questionning whether there is a true labour shortage. Anyways, such is life. I will reach out to the former company I left and hope to resume my previous duties after a long vacation. My engineering dreams are shattered and at my age there is no room for mistakes. Advice I can share: don't accept ridiculous roles in order to get a buy-in, befriend all the managers and do as told, once people start leaving, it's also time to look elsewhere.

[@sanumkashif2279]

Informative speech and video

[@mourice1669]

Graduated in 2019 dec at 30yrs old i have had rejections for two years 2020-2021, just got a first paid internship in my field in Feb this year😃i hope it translates to a Full time Job

[@dulymdas9180]

dont give up bro ur times coming

[@TamerShaheen]

🙏🙏

[@onceappuonatime]

Tamer, you the man!

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that 🙏

[@abdulhakimal-zekri6148]

Congrats Tamer u deserve it 👏 I think I might have a chance to get one of those jobs in future😤(I am a level 4 ME student ) thank u very much for your videos all of them are helpful and motivating

[@TamerShaheen]

Yea I’m sure you can do it!! Where are you studying ME?

[@abdulhakimal-zekri6148]

@@TamerShaheen Sana'a University Yemen 🇾🇪 it might be difficult to study in this country due to the war but iam trying to cope with other universities abroad 😀 thanks for asking i have questions🙃 is there any intrenships that cover the travel cost depending on experience with intrenships couse in my country we some how are behind the world 🌎 couse of war and some reasons if u want to do an intrenship the only place to do an intrenship is working in a factory as technician and not any technician 😅 won't do any thing just watch

[@GimmeMonie]

The worst feeling in the world is not having a job, and the second worst feeling in the world is having a job.

[@MBB-LLC]

Congrats man and good luck to all your endeavors. :)

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that :)

[@kevinperera3568]

Out of curiosity tamer, could you share that list of common mechanical engineering questions that you mentioned at the 4:05 mark?

[@johnfrye8292]

The fact that you get rejected from jobs with all your experience and projects makes me feel like I have no hope for internships

[@TamerShaheen]

You def hope. I was prolly a little picky since I had experience when applying, so keep that in mind.

[@Zinbou1]

Comgrats man !

[@Gobir]

Congratulations on your job 🎊. May Allah grant you best of it!

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate it

[@ExcelTutorials1]

Good luck on the job hunt man!

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you!!

[@mohamedalsharweni1974]

So happy for you ❤️✨

[@TamerShaheen]

Thank you 😊

[@roodyg5352]

I do things so similar but with computer engineering lol subscribing!

[@benitoloaiza566]

Bro been 2 months no job I graduated 4 months ago :( I am really depressed

[@langelihlexaba3141]

I am an Electrical Engineering graduate looking for a job in Renewable energy 😂.... I can say it's not enjoyable at all bro but I'm now feeling motivated after watching this video

[@numanunal6699]

Congrats brotha

[@subarnakhorshed8112]

How can you be so productive! I can't even move my body out of the bed

[@01JR]

Hey, Tamer. Glad you're doing well now. May I ask how you managed financially while you were unemployed? Thanks.

[@muhammadsyed5496]

Bro, you live right next to me. I recognize that LA anywhere if it is the one on Hurontario with oceans its walking distance from me

[@TamerShaheen]

😳😳 join me for a workout then

[@spacechaser2843]

Royal mech i loved it

[@samirhussain458]

Awesome video man, Mashallah!

[@TamerShaheen]

Appreciate that 🙏

[@nicolascordobaprado3455]

Hey Tamer, I really like your videos, it really helps for my first year in mech. eng. undergrad and congrats for the job offer! I am curious as to what type of clubs were you in during uni?

[@TamerShaheen]

I worked on Waterloo Formula Electric for a few years, but that’s about it. I spent a lot of time on personal projects too.

[@karnvirbhangu334]

This is why I prefer the medical field guaranteed a job more prestigious job overall and flexibility to move anywhere in the country and open your own practice. No need for job hunting. But provided it is competitive from the beginning to the end. Good form on the bench thooo

[@hamzojan3624]

lease come back to this page and refresh for a new link. Comment: It appears like as though nobody in society looks out for the employment seekers . It's a uphill struggle. Why aren't young adults taught on how to correctly land a job ? It’s such a crucial issue.

[@nathanorilall3154]

Hey Tamer, can you share your experience how your internship with Tesla was. And I do hope you find a great job soon. Good luck!

[@TamerShaheen]

I’ll make a video like that in the future

[@Simon-beast]

Can you link the document for job interviews? It seems really useful.. Amazing video, thank you for sharing!

[@pich6729]

OMG, I'm so stressed with this situation.😪😪 I'm unemployed now.

[@zariyahcampos3565]

This is inspiring lowkey xD

[@zytpxx5311]

damn im surprised tesla didnt give u a return offer. hopefully u get a job soon brotha

[@StuntedSnail]

Great video! I'm currently living through this right now (also graduated w/ a mechanical engineering degree) and I wanted to ask you how many applications did you typically send out each day/week during your search? I spoke to my career counselor and around 10 was suggested as a good starting point for each week. What are your thoughts?

[@JonathanY123-y1z]

Great question Im also curious about this

[@jakeconrad2130]

Where is the Google doc you mentioned?

[@TamerShaheen]

Sorry, I forgot to post it in the description, but I just shared the link now in a pinned comment

[@andykim1765]

Damn the pull ups are clean ngl

[@TamerShaheen]

Haha thanks

[@ethantrainingyt]

Best day in the life ever tbh

[@TamerShaheen]

Haha thanks Ethan

[@RajvirSingh-ew8bd]

I think you may have forgotten about the link to notes/document. Very curious to see what similarities and differences are there from my notes!

[@TamerShaheen]

Sorry, I forgot to post it in the description, but I just shared the link now in a pinned comment

[@ahmedihab9754]

0:44 ur full of hope man😂😂

[@TamerShaheen]

Haha

[@FinnsLife554]

I uploaded my first video this week. We are going through this journey together hahah!

[@AhmadAlZA]

awesome video like always ! I am a 2nd year and I got a first reply to a posting and of course it was a rejections! I have a 2 questions: how did you go about landing a coop at tesla and why did tesla not keep and hire you?!

[@TamerShaheen]

I got my job at Tesla by connecting and messaging a ton of recruiters on LinkedIn. I also had previous years of internships experience coming in. Also, I personally prefer working for a startup over the corporate culture in larger tech companies.

[@AhmadAlZA]

@@TamerShaheen awesome thank you !!

[@MohammedAhmed-lc3wd]

congrats on getting the job. I was wondering, couldn't u have gone back to one of your previous coops while searching for a job which is pretty common in waterloo or were u jus not interested in previous roles.

[@TamerShaheen]

Honestly, I wasn’t interested in the previous roles because I wanted to work at a startup in California 😅

[@mathew4239]

I tought engineers were in demand 😥 good luck

[@TamerShaheen]

I think they’re more in demand relative to some other majors…but it takes time sometimes and I was also a little picky with the jobs I applied to

[@ahah1163]

@Mathew Unfortunately, that is not the case. Companies rather hire techys.

[@stoneguardian9292]

looks through the camera with the lens cap on "uncomfortable noises"

[@teddyn240]

How did you normally apply for jobs, were recruiters a major help, did you message them about the job before or right after you applied?

[@nafizfaiyaz970]

Love all your videos man. BTW I needed a suggestion from you. Should I do a minor in Computer Science along with my major in Mechanical Engineering to increase my chances of getting a good job?

[@numanunal6699]

Minors aren't that important. Me is better . Go for it

[@TamerShaheen]

Yea I don’t see why not, that’s a solid thing to do. It may be a lot of work, but if ur not sure on whether u wanna work in mechanical or software, then do both.

[@gautambidari]

I gotta ask about campus placements tho. Do they not happen at Waterloo or were they not as appealing to you?

[@_lu_ferro]

I'm curious about the link u talked about in 4:00 (u probably forgot to put in the description), if possible, i'd like to read and learn something with it

[@TamerShaheen]

Sorry, I forgot to post it in the description, but I just shared the link now in a pinned comment

[@_lu_ferro]

@@TamerShaheen no probs, thank uu

[@aguyinantwerp1513]

Why don't you go outside and go to a tech building business, and meet up in person to get a job instantly, I mean 3 months with rejection

[@TamerShaheen]

You can’t just apply in person. I’ve tried that a couple years ago when I was looking for internships and everyone just told me to go and apply online. Especially with COVID now and everyone working from home, going up to ppl irl will not help me at all. Trust me when I tell LinkedIn is the way to go. It took me a little longer to find a job because I was a little picky with the job I wanted.

[@drakey6617]

2:01 is literally the first email?