How do I Become an Electronic Engineer?

Electronic or electronics engineers are professionals in the engineering field who develop electronic components, systems and devices, ranging from integrated circuits and transistors to global positioning systems (GPS) and digital music players. To become an electronic engineer requires knowing about the capabilities of electrons. Such knowledge can be acquired through various paths of specialized engineering training.

To become an electronic engineer at the entry level, one must have at least a bachelor of science in electronics engineering technology. Students at this type of program learn how to research, develop, design and implement electronic circuits, signals and systems. Other subject areas include mathematics, physics, computer technology, microprocessors and programming environments. The program usually takes four years to complete. Although associate degrees in electronics engineering technology are available, they are generally designed for electronic engineering technicians, the people who assist engineers in their duties.

People who wish to enhance their chances of getting hired in the electronic engineering field or increase their earning potential can go for a master's degree. Some four-year institutions of higher learning offer a dual degree option. This usually consists of combining a graduate electronics engineering degree with a master of business administration (MBA). With courses in subject areas such as finance, microeconomics, management and marketing, students taking this path learn how to become business leaders and executives in their field.

To become an electronic engineer of the highest level of training requires getting a Ph.D. in electronics engineering technology. This program is not required for entry-level positions in the field, but for those who wish to become professors, researchers and scholars in electronics engineering, it is a must-have. Examples of colleges and universities that offer this degree include the University College London in the United Kingdom and the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

Acquiring social skills is also needed to become an electronic engineer. Such professionals usually work with teams of other engineers, so they have to learn how to work with others, especially in a field that demands a high level of technical know-how. Electronic engineers also have to demonstrate the ability of preparing technical documents or communicating technical concepts in a way that is relatively easy to understand. Most prospective electronic engineers seek to gain employment in places that range from research and development (R&D) departments and telecommunications companies to governmental agencies and academia.