Typically that ' s exactly how you do it with a 401 k . You can usually also set up automatic transfers and investments with an IRA or taxable account too . Just watch out for fees . <| sep |> If you have an engineering degree , you are probably at least 21 yo . Time to stop letting your parents dictate your life . Maybe you can take a job in a related field to build up work experience . After a year or two you apply for a job that is ideal for you and makes use of your training . This does require some patience but it is likely to pay off in the long run . If someone is trying to get a job right out of college , a frat membership might help because that person would have little work experience . But if you can show that you have real world experience , an employer with any sense would see that you are more qualified than a fraternity chad right out of school .