How to become An Electronics Engineer

• Electronics and Communication Engineer

What do Electronics Engineers do?

An Electronics Engineer would typically need to:

• Analyze customer needs and determine electrical system requirements, capacity, and cost to develop a system plan
• Use computer-assisted engineering (CAE) to design electronic components, software, equipment, products, and systems to perform engineering tasks for commercial, industrial, medical, military, and scientific applications
• Develop and use maintenance, inspection and testing procedures for electronic components, equipment, instruments, and systems to ensure they meet safety standards and applicable regulations
• Supervise technicians, craftspeople, and colleagues in addition to carrying out project and budget management
• Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems to improve technical performance
• Evaluate operational systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair to eliminate causes of malfunctions or changes in system requirements
• Design and use methods to control pressures and temperatures and to manage waste in manufacturing industries
• Write specifications and draw up theoretical designs to create user-friendly interfaces
• Write technical reports and keep up to date with developments in technology and safety regulations
• Represent employer at conferences, meetings, boards, panels, committees, and working groups to present, explain, defend findings and recommendations, negotiate compromises and agreements, and exchange information

Electronic Engineers are generally based indoors in an office or lab. Some projects may require you to work in factories or workshops or visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of sophisticated equipment. Travel within a working day can be frequent.

Overnight absence from home and overseas travel may be required, depending on your employer and the nature of the business. There are increasing opportunities to work abroad. Dress code may be business casual unless otherwise specified.

Most Electronic Engineers work full-time.

Electronic Engineers find plenty of opportunities, even with smaller employers. Work in a sensitive, security-related industry is not open to foreign citizens or applicants who have a criminal record. You will need to pass security clearance for work with a foreign country’s Ministry of Defense.

Electronic Engineers are generally employed by:

• Telecommunications Providers
• Mobile Phones, Radio, TV & Satellite Companies
• Manufacturers & Providers of PCs, Tablets & ATM Machines
• Scientific Researchers in Acoustics, Optics, Physics & Nanotechnology
• Medical Device & Instrument Manufacturers
• Aviation & Aerospace Companies
• Manufacturing Sectors of Programmable Logic Controls (PLCs)
• Industrial Machinery Developers

Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for Electronic Engineers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.

• Need for continuous education
• Managing work/life balance
• Determining a suitable career path
• Clarity in communication
• Coping with rejection and job transitions

Aspirant Electronic Engineers can attend engineering summer camps to help plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school.

Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education. Cooperative programs combine classroom study with practical work. Internships provide similar experiences and are growing in number.

High schoolers interested in studying Electronics Engineering benefit from taking courses in drafting, physics, and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Interested candidates require a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering or a related engineering field.

Accredited programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Relevant courses comprise digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. Some universities offer a five-year program that leads to a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Electronics Engineers do not require licenses for entry-level positions. However, a voluntary certification from an objective, credible, and reputed organization is often seen as evidence of their drive and motivation, giving them a leg up for raises and promotions.

There is plenty of scope to specialize within the field, with areas of expertise including audio, visual and light electronic equipment, control systems and automation, microelectronics (computer chips), and telecommunications.

Electronics Engineers may advance to supervisory positions in which they lead a team of engineers and technicians. Some may move to management positions, working as engineering or program managers. Preparation for managerial positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced Engineer.

You may also choose to move into other roles within the industry, such as marketing, recruitment, sales, training. A postgraduate degree (master’s or doctoral) allows an Electronic Engineer to work as an Instructor at some universities, or in research and development.

Candidates with the requisite knowledge, experience, and credentials will have the best job prospects.

Most employers offer in-service training to their Electronics Engineers. Short courses for specific needs may also be available. It is important to check what your employer is offering as you might need to seek out opportunities yourself.

Internationally-recognized qualifications such as Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered (CEng) Engineer status will prove invaluable in improving your career prospects and earning potential. An Engineering license of professional stature, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later on in one’s career. Licensed Engineers are called Professional Engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.

You will be expected to carry out continuing professional development (CPD) activities such as training courses, work experience, academic study, volunteering, attending events, and self-study throughout your career. Professional organizations can help with logging and reporting your activities.

Electronic Engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware. They create, design, and develop everyday devices such as mobile phones, portable music devices, and computers.

Professional courses in drafting are helpful because electrical and Electronic Engineers are often required to prepare technical drawings.

Printed circuit boards are almost always green because they are made from a glass-epoxy, which is naturally green.

Electronic Engineers turn dreams into reality. A good Engineer makes a design that works with as few ideas as possible. Could that be you?

When you innovate, you create new things that boost your economy. And when you create new industries, and that becomes part of your culture, your jobs can’t go overseas because no one else has figured out how to do it yet.