Chapter 1 Careers in Electricity and Electronics
Jan 03, 2016
Introduction
• This chapter covers the following topics:• Careers in the electrical and electronics field• The differences between a technician and an
engineer• Preparation for employment• Gaining experience in the workplace
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field
• Automation mechanic– Maintains controllers, assembly equipment,
and other devices– Installs and services machinery
• Automotive mechanic– Tests and replaces electronic components– Knowledge of electronics is required
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field (cont’d.)
• Computer engineer– Hardware engineer
• Designs and tests computer hardware
– Software engineer• Designs and develops software systems for use in
control, automation, business, and management
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field (cont’d.)
• Computer technician– Installs, maintains, and repairs computer
systems– Spends much of their time working with
people– Requires one or two years training in basic
electronics
Figure 1-1 An automation mechanic needs knowledge of electricity and electronics as well as of computers, hydraulics, mechanics, and pneumatics. iStockphoto/baranozdemir.
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field (cont’d.)
• Electrical engineer– Designs products, writes specifications and
develops maintenance requirements– Tests and solves problems with equipment– Works with power-generating or power-
transmitting equipment
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field (cont’d.)
• Electronics engineer – Works with radar, computers,
communications, and consumer goods• Electrician
– Specializes in construction or maintenance– Many trained through apprenticeship program
Careers in the Electrical and Electronics Field (cont’d.)
• Electronics technician– Develops, manufactures, and services
electronic equipment– Works with engineers to set up and conduct
experiments– Most work in private industry
Differences Between a Technician and an Engineer
• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)– Important organization for electronics
engineers
Differences Between a Technician and an Engineer (cont’d.)
• Types of electronics technicians– Bench electronics technician– Computer electronics technician– Field electronics technician– Metrology electronics technician
• Works with measurement equipment
– Senior (or master) electronics technician
Preparation for Employment
• Personal traits to consider when looking at jobs
• Abilities• Aptitude• Interests• Personality
Preparation for Employment (cont’d.)
• Identify skills needed to succeed in a particular job
• Sources for searching the job market– Friends, teachers, or instructors– Classified ads– Internet
Preparation for Employment (cont’d.) Components of a resume
• Personal contact information• Career objective• Education• Work experience• Accomplishments• References
Preparation for Employment (cont’d.)
• Letter of application– Specific to the job– Includes introduction, discussion, and
conclusion– Does not repeat information on resume
• Job interview– Learn about the employer prior to interview
Preparation for Employment (cont’d.)
• Job interview (cont’d.)– Dress appropriately– Send a follow-up letter
• Job offer– Start date, working hours, salary, and benefits– Acceptance or rejection must be timely
Gaining Experience in the Workplace
• Apprenticeship– Learning a craft through hands-on experience
with a skilled worker– Can last several years and is typically paid
• Co-op learning– Combines class learning with full-time work in
job related to chosen career field
Gaining Experience in the Workplace (cont’d.)
• Externship– Short duration – Offers student an idea of work requirements in
a particular career field• Internship
– Mixes education with chosen career field– Supervised work experience