Here are seven basic steps you might take to get started in the direction of an electronics career:
- If you are still in high school, take any related courses that are available. For example, most physics courses provide information needed to understand the basic concepts and theories behind electronics. If vocational classes are offered, you might complete an introductory electronics class, even if you plan to pursue postsecondary training in the field. That way, you can gain some hands-on experience in working with electronics devices.
- In addition to high school courses, other kinds of training programs may be available to you. If you are still in high school, don't wait until graduation or late in your senior year to do this, but try to plan ahead. If you are an adult who has completed-or dropped out of-school, why put things off any longer? Go ahead and start looking around now for the training that can improve your future.
- Once you decide what kind of program and school seem best for you (for example, a community college or a trade school), fill out admission applications or any other required forms.
- Apply for financial aid if you need such assistance.
- Once you are admitted, go to class, apply yourself, and earn a diploma or degree in an electronics field.
- If you prefer an alternative approach, apply for a job with a firm that offers its own on-the-job training program or cooperates in offering an apprenticeship program. Then work diligently to complete the program.
- Remember the importance of credentials. When you gain credentials, which indicate you are qualified to work in electronics, you can be on your way to a successful career!
Getting a Job
The next step after gaining educational credentials is to locate a job for which you are qualified. This may happen quickly and easily, or it may take weeks or months of effort. Because of the demand for workers in electronics, most persons with the right qualifications should have less difficulty in obtaining a job than do those in many other fields. At any rate, the process requires initiative. It is up to you to find out about job vacancies and then pursue them.
Identifying Job Vacancies
One of the best places to locate job openings is the classified section of any newspaper. This is particularly true of daily papers serving larger towns and cities.
Following is a representative classified ad that appeared in the Washington Post.
Electronic Tech: Candidate will be responsible for repair and maintenance of electronic security systems consisting of microprocessor and PLC based locking control systems, CCTV systems, perimeter security systems, intercom systems, etc. Positions available in several cities. Allow for travel in U.S. Experience in field service or electronic security desired. Will consider recent electronic or EE graduate.
In addition, companies planning to hire new or replacement workers often post job announcements on bulletin boards or in other public places. Any firm's human resources officer or personnel office also will provide this information on request.
Another source of job information is your local employment service or job service office. These offices are supported by state or local governments to provide assistance in locating jobs.
A school or college you have attended also should provide assistance in job searches. To obtain help, contact the school's placement office or career counselor.
Doing Well in Job Interviews
A standard procedure in seeking a job is filling out a written job application. If this is required, be sure to do the following:
- Take your time in filling out the form.
- Answer all questions completely and honestly.
- Be as neat as possible. If time and circumstances allow, type the application. If this is not possible, write neatly and legibly. Use a pen, not a pencil, and remember that you are trying to make a good impression.
- Check your work closely for errors in spelling or grammar.
- Prepare a neatly typed resume in advance, and attach it to applications or use it instead of application forms, if allowed.
- For persons you list as a reference, make certain you have contacted them in advance to (a) get their permission for such usage, and (b) make sure they will be prepared to give you a positive recommendation.
If you are lucky, a completed application will be followed by a job interview. It is here that most jobs are won or lost, with the written application serving only to get you to this stage. To do your best in interviews, take measures such as these:
- Be on time. Lateness only makes a bad impression, and it may cost you the job.
- Avoid being too eager. Even if you think you need the job badly, try not to show it. A calm, professional manner works best. Act interested, but not desperate.
- Dress neatly. Appearances do count, so make sure you wear clean, neat clothes.
- Engage in a two-way conversation. Although it is the interviewer's job to ask most of the questions, ask some questions of your own. These should dwell on the nature of the job, not on issues such as wages and benefits, which can be discussed in more detail if you are offered the job. Show that you are interested and capable of asking intelligent questions.
Will your interview lead to a job? One never knows in any given situation. But it only takes one success! Then you can begin working in the electronics field, with all the potential such a move holds for a truly interesting career.
