Can I still be an electronics engineer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 07:36:09 am
content: Hi there,After completing VCE I graduated from an Advanced Diploma in EE with high marks at RMIT. After that (2010) I started the first year of a 5/6 year double degree in EE and Computer Science (CS). However I just failed the mathematics course that was a prerequisite for continuing my EE degree as planned. The maths department have no leniency, even if you miss out by 8 marks. I have pulled out of the EE degree and am now only doing the CS degree.So... can I still be an electronics engineer after I finish my CS degree?Needless to say that I am a very passionate "electronics engineer" & "computer scientist" - in my workshop at least. I just love designing electronic projects - it's my primary interest.I look forward to your replies!Regards,Johnny

author: the_raptor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 08:10:07 am
content: Honestly if you failed an intro engineering maths course I would re-consider doing CS either unless you are going to put a lot of effort into fixing your maths. If I was you I would remedy the maths problem and change to an EE only course if they won't let you continue the EE/CS. CS is more of a research disicipline than an engineering one.When I first went to Uni I deliberately did IT not CS because my maths skills aren't good enough (thanks to a series of terrible maths teachers that gave me maths phobia and made it hard for me to do maths in my head).

author: Scrts
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 08:19:00 am
content: Definitely YES. The diploma shows, that You've finished the University and have some basics. Thats it, nothing more. You have to learn by Yourself. Prepare to learn all Your life. Passion, studies, hard work and enthusiasm - these are the keys for engineer. Never give up and do Your best.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 11:35:11 am
content: Absolutely. You will never excel in something that your guts are not passionate for.I would also suggest you improve your maths, it's a very useful tool in engineering. Yes, you can use rule of thumbs in most cases but sometimes you really need to do some analysis on your own. Take a self-taught practical approach to your maths if needed. Integrals? No problem! You can design integrators with op-amps.Two books I can recommend: Engineering Mathematics and Advanced Engineering Mathematics by K.A. Stroud.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 11:39:00 am
content: as raptor said... fix your math.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2011, 11:53:26 pm
content: Thanks for your replies!I actually don't find the CS degree difficult, but I won't be doing the EE degree. At least I have my advanced diploma in EE.I suppose my main question would be:Would most employers who are looking for a electronics engineer even consider someone that doesn't have a degree in EE?

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 12:18:35 am
content: Quote from: wasssup1990 on March 09, 2011, 11:53:26 pmMy BE is in CompSys (MCU's) while my ME is in Engsci, yet my current job which is my first real job out of uni is SMPS engineer in Taiwan. I showed them an 8ch buck fan controller I built through self learning during the skype interview and that was enough.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 12:49:03 am
content: Wow, if that got you a job in EE then I should be fine... I hope. Thanks for your reply!In my own time I'll be working on my own projects to hopfully get the same result you did. I'm even considering starting my own business but I have to finish my current project before I think about that. Some components are on backorder.Keep the replies comming!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 02:02:20 am
content: Quote from: wasssup1990 on March 09, 2011, 07:36:09 amYes, of course.There is no legal requirement in this country to have an EE degree to practice EE.And the vast majority of companies do not care, so long as you can do the work.You already have associate qualifications which is usually more than enough.Dave.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 02:32:05 am
content: Excellent!Thanks for replying Dave.So I think I'll just blast through this CS degree and try to come out as an EE & CS at the other end. Well it saves money that way. I'll keep studying hard into the future in all things CS & EE and keep my skills fine tuned.Of course, more replies are welcome. Thanks for all of your replies so far.

author: RayJones
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 07:43:12 am
content: Yes, along the line's of Dave's response.I'm only formally qualified with a Certificate of Technology (Electronics) - apparently equivalent to an Associate Diploma these days.My day to day work is Electronics Engineering.In my workplace, pretty much all the "real" engineers are driving desks in management roles.I'm very happy being "unqualified" and doing real engineering

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2011, 08:06:38 am
content: LOL! That's great RayJones. You are a real EE.The only time I want to be at a desk is when I'm designing something with the use of my concoction of PC software... and of course a good old pen and paper.A little story/boast:When I was doing my final year of AD in EE we were to do a final project, which I suppose is pretty typical. I finished the project a few weeks before everyone else which meant my time there was over. On the final day I shook hands with the teacher (he put his hand out first as I was about to leave) and then I left the building. Good memories there.I think there is still more room for replies.

author: radiocrazier
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 10:46:43 am
content: anything is possible!you can do that!!good luck! thanx

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 01:00:42 pm
content: In some countries the term "engineer" (in the local language, of course) is protected by law, and you can only call yourself an engineer if you have an official piece of paper stating you are one. This includes all combinations like "test engineer" or "software engineer", and of course all the official engineering titles like EE.There it can bring you in trouble to claim you are an engineer, e.g. on a business card, if you aren't. This includes creative interpretations like, "computer science is almost like engineering, so I'll call myself an engineer". Take that into account if you start working for an international company where you might go abroad.Some engineering work in some countries also requires you to have the right piece of paper. This typically includes safety related work. And typically there are long and twisted lists and procedures stating if, which, and how foreign academic degrees are considered equivalent.In some countries even being an engineer by local standards isn't enough for some kind of work. You need to have acquired an additional registration/license as a Professional Engineer, Chartered Engineer or the like for certain tasks on top of your engineering degree/diploma/title.Or in short,Quoteis a bullshit statement.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 01:44:40 pm
content: Thanks for your contribution BoredAtWork. Now I am a bit more wiser.QuoteCan you please explain how these licenses are acquired. Or just link me to a website.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 02:29:23 pm
content: license for PE is not available in links, go meet the board at your local place.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 02:37:03 pm
content: It depends on your jurisdiction.Here in the UK, anyone can call themselves and engineer but it's illegal to carry out certain engineering activities without a licence, i.e. fitting gas appliance or testing and signing off domestic electrical wiring.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2011, 10:18:33 pm
content: Quote from: wasssup1990 on March 13, 2011, 01:44:40 pmSee, for example,http://www.engc.org.uk/orhttp://www.ncees.org/But you should really check your local laws and regulations first to figure out what is possible where you live, instead of starting to look at foreign regulations. Because, when you go for such a foreign license or registration you anyhow need to check if you are allowed to use it at home.In general, stay away from diploma mills and other scams where they sell you all kinds of fake diplomas and titles over the Internet. These days, also thanks to the Internet, holders of such fake diplomas or titles are quickly found out.Maybe you shouldn't focus so much on the title "engineer", but to finish your studies with some title/diploma/piece of paper that has some value in finding a decent job. And then live with the fact that your business card reads different.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2011, 02:41:45 am
content: Yeah I wasn't looking for a license. I just wanted an idea of how they could be acquired.I think it's pretty obvious that a license is required when doing work with gas, electrical wiring or water.I was never introduced to the word "engineer" in any form related to my interests before I was sixteen. As long as I can do what I love doing - whatever label is attached to it - I am happy. It just seems like the title "Electronics Engineer" is what I should be going for since that's what everyone has said.Thanks for your replies.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 14, 2011, 04:17:42 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on March 13, 2011, 02:37:03 pmHere in Oz (most states?) it doesn't matter what qualifications you have, you can't even legally wire up a mains plug without an electricians license. And AFAIK the only way to get that these days is to go through the full 4 year apprenticeship thing.Dave.

author: wasssup1990
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2011, 04:55:01 am
content: Interesting. I have no desire to become and electrician though.I preffer to do the type of work that you seem to do, Dave. Designing electronic devices, not crawling around in a hot attic running cables all over the place and attaching power points to walls.