When Ian Hoffman, of Quogue, graduated in spring with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, he applied to nearly 70 companies for an entry-level job.

The University of Connecticut graduate was concerned he lacked internship experience that could have given him an edge in the competitive job market. So he was surprised when he received a $70,000-a-year offer from P.W. Grosser, a Bohemia-based environmental engineering firm, based on his degree and passion for problem solving.

“I got the job, I would say, less than a month before I graduated,” said Hoffman, 23, who helps design septic systems and oversees projects at P.W. Grosser.

Engineering firms nationwide and on Long Island are tapping new graduates like Hoffman as the industry is struggling with a shortage of experienced eng

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