New Electronics tech. salary question? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2012, 10:45:18 pm
content: I am roughly 8 weeks away from graduation. It was a long slog, but I'm finally nearing the end. I know it won't be easy to find a first ET gig, but what is the expected salary range for a new ET grad in NJ? I was told awhile back to expect $45,000 to $50,000 or $18 to $22 an hour. Now I got into this to make a difference in the worldso salary means nothing to mebut I did work extremely hard and would like to know salary ranges. I see assembler jobs for 10 bucks an hour, but i would guess those jobs are more for people that didn't get a formal education, right? Thanks for any info you may have.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 02, 2012, 10:51:04 pm
content: Yes, forget assembler jobs, they are always unskilled low paying jobs.Don't forget to shoot for junior engineering positions. Aim low and you stay low...Dave.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2012, 11:39:52 pm
content: Thank you for the help, good info. Its hard to search for Electronics tech. jobs because its such a wide open field. There's no universal name for these jobs. I might not be done with courses altogether though, I might get specific training in Fiber optics, or fiber optic splicing, I may get PLC training to but am leaning against that at the moment.Do you recommend applying for jobs that say 2 years experience even though I don't? Junior engineer I did even think of, thanks for the suggestion. There is a Electronics assembler job close to my house that is paying $18 to $19 and another from $14 to $19 but those are the only ones I ever saw that paid decent at all, the others are $10 or $11. Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2012, 11:50:40 pm
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 02, 2012, 11:39:52 pmI applied for an electronics job that asked for 5+ years experience, and I actually have no commercial electronics experience except my assembly business. I didn't lie about it, I just sent some examples of my work so they could see my level. I got the job.Lesson: apply for everything even if you think you won't get it!

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2012, 11:56:55 pm
content: Excellent advice, sometimes you can feel intimidated by jobs that say 5 plus years. The $18/$19 job says 5 years, but I'm thinking if I had 5 years experience I don't think that is the salary I would be looking at. Anyway again thanks for the help, good suggestions!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 12:16:39 am
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 02, 2012, 11:39:52 pmYes indeed. Especially if you have hobby project experience stuff on your resume (like you should!)Dave.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 12:31:26 am
content: Hobby experience projects? what exactly is that? You mean like when I take apart old home theater receivers? I like doing that, DVD players too, I didn't know you could put that on your resume?

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 12:57:12 am
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 03, 2012, 12:31:26 amWell, taking apart is one thing, but do you mod them or something in addition to taking them apart? Or design your own projects from scratch? That's really what people want to see.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 01:06:09 am
content: No, I'm not quite there yet, but now I might get on that quickly. Sounds like fun anyway, thanks for the suggestion.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 01:23:17 am
content: Yeah an ET doesn't have to know everything in the world, from my understanding...but sure, even if you have some hobby projects, it shows interest: that you're not just doing this because you want a job, but because you enjoy it. People who enjoy their work do a better job.Just my opinion.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 02:02:12 am
content: I agree, I would guess, so you can let me know, but I would guess that an employer wants to see passion from a new ET graduate. I mean no matter what you still need training in what that particular company does.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 02:57:14 pm
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 02, 2012, 11:39:52 pmI wouldn't go within a bull's roar of the Assembler job.In my experience,those places are "at the bottom of the food chain" as far as Electronics jobs are concerned.The prevailing culture in the place I worked at (as a Tech),was "Shut up & do as you're told!"Any indication of reasonable Technical knowledge was looked at as a challenge to the pecking order.If you remember that you are the designated "peckee",keep a low profile,& above all,work fast,you will be an Assembler until you can't stand it any more!As an opinionated old fart with over 30 years as a Tech where I was expected to have a brain,I was like a square peg in a round hole!Of course,as they say "YMMV"!

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 03:13:46 pm
content: Thanks for the advice, and oh yes I will keep a low profile, and stay out of the politics. I will stay away from controversy, and keep my mind on learning from other Techs. Thanks for the advice, if I'm following you correctly?

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 03:43:50 pm
content: No,I'm really advising you to be very careful about the jobs youdotake on.If you reallyhaveto work at such a place,keep your eyes out for a better job where youcanuse your brain,& get out of there as soon as you can!

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 10:11:04 pm
content: I hear what you saying, thanks for the advice.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 03, 2012, 11:14:52 pm
content: Please say what qualification you are going for, its very hard to give advice otherwise.You say 'Electronics tech', but are you doing a trades course, some kind of certificate, an ASEET or a BSEET?

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2012, 12:27:44 am
content: Yeah its a certificate course, I should have mentioned that, sorry.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2012, 06:41:03 pm
content: OK ... usually certificates are about half an Associates.. depending on the certificate ~ 1 year course.Theres heaps of stuff you could do. I agree with the other posters about assemblers. Having said that though, if they are the only jobs available you should take it until you find something better. On the plus side though, there will be little expected of you, you'd get to see how a manufacturer operates and how technicians and engineers are treated/work. Your soldering skills would also improve I'd guess.Otherwise you could look for something like a technician job doing repair work, and engineering assistant spot (doing something like PCB layout or Autocad wiring drawings, or doing quality control or testing), a traveling salesman for a component rep or just use it to continue on to your AS.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2012, 07:25:15 pm
content: Yeah I was thinking of taking the "Industrial electronics and electrical maintenance" course at my school, after this. With my credit I'd have one full semester finished already, smart move in your opinion? That is A.S. degree by the way.Most jobs that pay decent that I see say certificate/2 year degree. I'm a bit confused, I thought a certificate course from a credited institution was all that was really needed for the decent ET jobs?I wonder how long it would take to finish 3 semesters in the "Industrial electronics/electrical maintenance" course working non stop, 5 days a week? How hard does the math get when getting into the A.S. program? I also have to find a local community college that will allow me to take a "Lab", what is a electronic/electrical lab anyway? I have lots of good community colleges nearby, I just don't know if they'd let me take a lab?Wouldn't finishing the ET certificate course, and then passing the ETA's CETa exam and becoming certified be enough to get a pretty job, if not a really good job? Thanks for the help.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2012, 11:47:32 pm
content: Actually now that i remember my school calls its a "career diploma" not a certificate. Make any diff. or no? They have degree programs, career diploma programs, and certificate programs. this is in the "Career diploma" part.

author: gregariz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2012, 10:57:28 pm
content: you need to do what is best for you.My take is you should forget doing any other certificates etc unless they lead to a specific job. You already have enough paper to get a technicians job. If you are interested in being an engineer.. just find a college and do the BSEE and get it over with. If your math is crap, an alternative maybe to go straight to an AS and then continue on through to a BSEET. (BSEE is probably preferred in industry to a BSEET so just be mindful of that)

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 12:54:16 am
content: Thanks, I sent you a PM, for specific questions I have.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 11:18:06 am
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 04, 2012, 07:25:15 pmUsually you won't do any calculus unless you do a degree.So the math should be pretty easy, as there is usually little focus on it unless you do a degree. But that will likely vary a lot between countries and courses.QuoteUsually a class called "lab" in electronics would involve practical stuff like using scopes, meters, soldering, troubleshooting etcDave.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 06:36:10 pm
content: Thanks for the help. I am confused at what to do. I have to concentrate on the course I'm in now, rather than what is next, if there is a next. Thanks again for the help.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 12:22:52 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 07, 2012, 11:18:06 amBack in the day,when I did the Tech Officer (Bridging ) course in the,then,Telecom Australia,it was supposed to be Diploma level.We certainly did Calculus in that course,so I always assumed they did in the normal Diploma.There weren't enough bright young lads & lasses going through the normal Diploma course,so they had to "Retread" some of us OFs!It was a real pressure cooker type thing,we were supposed to have a work day off each fortnight to study---Hah!The poor old Boss had a hard enough time covering a whole State worth of Transmitters with his normal staff,so thestudy days got lost along the way!

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 06:32:17 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 08, 2012, 12:22:52 amYes, it used to be like that, but I am lead to believe that Diploma courses these days have no calculus in them, and it's been that way for a long time now.Dave.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 06:34:36 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on August 08, 2012, 06:32:17 amDumbed down!

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 08:26:32 am
content: I am currently doing an Advanced Diploma course here in Sydney, and I can tell you that there is calculus in the course. There is a Maths 1 (core module) and a Maths 2 (elective module) and the Maths 1 involves calculus, along with other topics I did in the early years of high school ie. simple equations, trig etcThe Maths 1 module is also a part of a regular Diploma course too, although it is 'Electronic and CommsEngineeringDiploma so I say that justifies having a maths subject as one of its core modules.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2012, 08:41:01 pm
content: I'm just concentrate on my course, or what is left of my course and forget about what is next. I just finished my Base number systems book, WOW complicated, but as interesting as it gets. Now I know what the ones and zeros mean in digital electronics, TOTALING fascinating, well to me anyway. Its all simple, confusing and complicated at the same time, if that makes sense. Once you work with these systems I'm sure it gets super easy, but for a beginner like myself, its confusing, but fun. I should of taken this course 15 years ago, I'd be a Master certified technician by now. This is all fun to me.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2012, 03:50:13 am
content: Base logarithm is the interesting ... but better leave it to the machines for god's sake,we would sure be prone to make mistakes on 2^64They do that every 100's of picoseconds in a >2GHz cycle every second ...we take ages to do that

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 03:17:18 pm
content: Hey guys another question on this matter, how much does getting CETa/Associate certified electronics technician certification to gaining employment? Will employers really take notice? At least get employers to take a long hard look? My plan is to study for it the day i graduate and take the test with a few weeks or so. Thanks for the help.

author: Michael Weston
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2012, 10:45:11 pm
content: Call the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce at (609) 989-7888, explain to them you will soon be an EE graduate, and ask them to tell you the salary range you should expect. Theywillknow, or they are not doing the job they are paid for.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 12:35:10 am
content: The chamber of commerce would know something like that? I thought they deal with business issues only?

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 03:40:45 am
content: Quote from: Michael Weston on August 11, 2012, 10:45:11 pmYou have to ask the right question though. The author of this thread is not going to be an EE graduate...

author: Michael Weston
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 04:47:08 am
content: Quote from: IanB on August 12, 2012, 03:40:45 amOops!I misread the originally post. I thought I read "EE" when it was in actuality "ET". My apologies.In that case, call the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce at (609) 989-7888, explain to them you will soon be an Electronics Technician graduate (be sure to mention your new degree if you are getting one), and ask them to tell you the salary ranges you should expect for an Electronics Technician from entry level through highly experienced. If you do exactly that, you will get the information you need.The web site for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is:http://www.njchamber.com

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 10:13:59 am
content: I didn't even know the OP lived in"Joisey"

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 05:41:00 pm
content: Yeah no EE for me, that would be a too much for me to chew. I am thinking of going for my Associates degree in Electronics technology but that would be it for me. If I can make a decent salary as an ET, I would be happy enough. I mean if in 5 or so years I could be making 60 plus would be perfect. Everyone's definition of a "good salary" is different though. An Electronics engineer in Jersey makes big, big money, average salary is like $100,000, that is beautiful but I don't have 4 years of schooling in me, no way. Thanks again for the help.

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 06:14:36 pm
content: Quote from: etstudent on August 12, 2012, 05:41:00 pmDO NOT sell yourself short. Yes, you should go toward a formal Associates Degree. That is a minimum requirement for the better technician jobs around here (or many years of experience). You will surely find a job with a certificate, but you will have much better opportunities with an Assoc. degree.But once you have that, if you get into any reasonable sized company they are likely to have some form of tuition reimbursement. Using that, you can take one class at a time, and eventually end up with an EE. It may take many years but you'll get there, and it's worth the effort.A few random thoughts about looking for tech jobs ...Here in the US I never hear the phrase "Junior Engineer". Look for Engineering Technician or Engineering Assistant.Assembly jobs can certainly suck, but they can definitely get you in the door. If the company is assembling electronics then they have technicians somewhere, and you'll be in position to snag those jobs when they pop up.Most companies that hire engineers also have technicians, and few post technician jobs on on-line sites and some don't even print them in the paper. If you see a job posting for an EE, and the company looks cool, send a cover letter and resume to the HR department seeking a tech job. Costs nothing but a stamp to try.Good luck and congrats on what you've accomplished so far!!

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2012, 09:11:03 pm
content: Thank you JohnS_AZ, o appreciate your post very much. Great advice as well, I really do want an Associates degree, but higher that I'm not quite sure. If I could get some kind of tuition reimbursement I'd JUMP on it. I'm gonna do some serious searches here, I like what you said that where there are engineers there are techs and most likely won't post those jobs. Great advice i had not heard before, thank you.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2012, 10:26:16 pm
content: Ok here is where I am now. I am almost certain to take the AAS Electrical-mechanical systems and maintenance program. With my credits already from the ET course and some other training I have had I might have a lot of the credits done already. I might only need 23 to 30 more credits, I'm not sure exactly yet, but I could get an AAS. Just amazing to me, amazing. I was a guy that never even thought about higher education till last year and now I could be going for an associates. Electrical and mechanical maintenance is actually the route I really wanted to take. I would like to work on plant/factory equipment. Of all the jobs I check for on the internet, nothing comes up more than maintenance techs. They all start at over 20 bucks an hour too, most 25 to 30 an hour. I am really excited now, I had no idea a degree would be so accessible.

author: JohnS_AZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 03:32:19 am
content: That's great! You hit one of my hot buttons. :-)My first job was as a manufacturing tech, and over the course of 15 years ended up in manufacturing engineering. I am a HUGE proponent of manufacturing engineering, but it depends on where you interests are. When I was heading down the electronic engineering path, I was learning electronics and a little bit of software. But on the manufacturing engineering path, you learn ..electronics, software, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanical systems, control systems, power, plumbing, virtually every technical system in a factory. I always wanted to know how EVERYTHING worked, so it was ideal to me.Another up side to that, in manufacturing engineering, the end product is irrelevant. Your skills will be valued by companies making circuit board, or air planes, or paper plates, or coffee cups. You'll have a LOT more oppurtunities to explore your career.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 03:45:50 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 12, 2012, 10:13:59 amFor heaven sake! I live in New Jersey and not a single person says anything remotely like "joisey". God.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 06:42:59 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 15, 2012, 03:45:50 amThat hit a tender spot!I wouldn't know,not ever having been there,but it seems to be the way other Americans hear it,as it is always written like that when they are teasing you folks about your pronunciation.Of course,in Western Australia,(or "DUBYOOAY"),we all speak clearly,& with no problems with pronunciation.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 07:51:26 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 15, 2012, 06:42:59 amAnd in nothing but the clearest and most perfectly enunciated SuffAfreeken accents!

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 12:31:12 pm
content: Thank you JohnS_AZ, thank you. This is the direction I REALLY wanted to go. Plant/factory technician/mechanic. There are zillions of jobs in this field that are going unfilled because I think most people think of manufacturing as crappy, low paying jobs plus there are not enough trained people for these jobs. I could be on my way to something very good.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 02:22:57 pm
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on August 15, 2012, 06:42:59 amHaha I'm only joking.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 02:42:57 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 15, 2012, 03:45:50 amThat's because they're all old family Italian

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 05:08:11 pm
content: Fun, I know, but lets get back on topic a bit? Thanks.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2012, 09:06:08 pm
content: What other questions do you have..?

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2012, 04:41:30 pm
content: Nothing in particular, I was just kidding. Making fun of NJ is easy these days, have you seen our Governor? He thinks he's a wiseguy from the Sopranos or Boardwalk empire!

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2012, 06:15:37 pm
content: Yeah he's a major douche. Seems like everyone out of state admires him, but nah, he's an ass. I agree that NJ isn't perfect and that we have a lot to fix but he's too much at once.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2012, 06:34:55 pm
content: Yeah i DON'T want a political discussion because they turn UGLY and FAST. I was talking about his ego, or his image he thinks he has. Its a bit, just a bit.Anyway I am glad we have Thomas Edison state college here, really anyone can attend, but I am feeling good about going into the AAS Electrical-mechanical systems and maintenance program. I think this is a perfect transition from the ET course to go into. I want a real degree, something I never thought I'd be going for!

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2012, 06:06:50 pm
content: I just saw a TE billboard on the Turnpike the other day. I'm a senior in high school so I'm going to try to get into Rutgers electrical engineering, that or TCNJ where my brother went for Civil... But yeah I've heard good things about Thomas Edison. Is that for adults only or something?

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2012, 06:32:39 pm
content: Oh if you can get into Electrical engineering it would be the smartest move you could make. Rutgers is very, very good too. My brother-in-law went there, but not for EE. He told me though their EE programs are outstanding and very respected. If i could go back to HS, and talk some sense into myself at the times, I'd scream at myself to get into Electrical engineering. A guy I know finished school and stepped directly into an 80 grand a year job. I do what i can to make up for lost time, Electrical and mechanical maintenance.About Thomas Edison state college, it says for adults, but i don't understand what that mean exactly. I mean will they not allow a 19 year old to enroll? In any event i hear great things about them. They were ranked by Forbes mag as a top 20 schools for use of technology or something like that. Its a real good school I hear, and respected by industry.Good luck on your decision for schools and what to do. EE is a GREAT choice!

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 04:07:27 am
content: First off, I can't believe there's so many of us from NJ in this thread, lol - out of how many US members?...Ok, there's some good advice in this thread (particularly those say that sticking with it pays in the long-run).If I may express two things:1) You mention that 'if' you could go back to your high-school self and... Well, it doesn't sound like you're that old at all actually (year or two out of HS?). What I'm trying to say is, there's always going to be something you could have done differently, but that will also never matter. What matters is what you can (and are going) to do today.2) Don't focus so much on salary when you're starting out (there's plenty of time for that). As long as you're doing something you truly have a passion for, money will certainly come along with knowledge, experience, etc. The financial end often corrupts the innate love we have for what we do or diverts us into something we don't truly have a passion for (the precedent to unhappiness).Good luck, it sounds like you're at the beginning of your journey and let me say that its a great place to be, have fun and much success.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 01:39:00 pm
content: Thanks for the advice. I think electrical/mechanical maintenance is as far as I will go with education. I don't want to get into the math it takes to become an engineer. But hey ya never know down the line, maybe I'll gather the strength to do that. You can make good dough in the electrical/mechanical maintenance field, with PLC experience you can make more money. I also agree it has to be your passion, and its been for a very long time for me. Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate it.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 04:39:25 pm
content: Quote from: StubbornGreek on August 18, 2012, 04:07:27 amYeah. I think there's more of us on here too!I agree with you. I go to high school in Northern NJ. I'm in classes with lots of smart kids. Kids with big aspirations. But one thing that they all have in their minds is "Money money money". "I want the job that will pay the most". Money is not a bad thing to have, don't get me wrong, but I've learned something from adults and people that actually have experience, and that's to do what you actually enjoy. You've heard it a lot, but it's true. If you enjoy something, you'll be passionate about your work, and you'll do a good job, and subsequently you'll get the money you deserve!I play varsity tennis. We have 'managers' for our team that keep attendance and help out. They're all girls. I was talking to one of the senior girls about where she was going to college and what she wanted to do. She said she was planning on doing electrical engineering. Of course, I became excited and asked more. Then I asked her, "Did you like physics? Did you like simple circuits?"....and she said "No actually I really hated circuits. They were so boring"My heart broken, I asked "Are you sure you really want to do that then?" And to break my heart further she said, "Well my dad says it's a really high paying job, so that's why I'm going to do it"...I just left it at that. Moved on to another subject...But yeah. Why do people do this? If you know you don't like something, that's not to say that you can't grow to like it, but why choose it in the first place? Money? That's it? You'd rather be miserable in the activity that will consume the majority of your life than to be happy in your job? What sense does that make?I understand that it's hard to know what you're going to do with the rest of your life when you're 17 or 18 years old, but sheesh, if you will go as far as to say that youhatecircuits, why on earth would you want to major in EE?

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 06:09:53 pm
content: That's weird I love circuits, these lessons actually fascinate me. I can't wait to move on to the next book to learn a new subject, Its like a new adventure with a each book, lesson. Hmm I guess some people were not cut out for this stuff, and I guess I just was. starting a little later, but making up good time, and enjoying it.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 06:27:13 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on August 18, 2012, 04:39:25 pmShe probably won't make it, sadly. An EE degree is a lot of work and it's hard to put in the study hours if you don't enjoy what you are doing. Supposing she does graduate, she will then have a hard time in the workplace. Engineers are very good at telling the difference between people who are invested in what they are doing and people who are just along for the ride.

author: etstudent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 08:55:22 pm
content: I agree, you really need a passion for this. Engineering is out of the question for me, but Electrical and mechanical system maintenance is not. A good place for me I think.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2012, 09:14:48 pm
content: Yeah you'll do great I'd say. If you truly are passionate about something, you'll be successful. ie. You won't let yourself fail.Ian, it's unfortunate. I don't know if she changed her mind, but if not, hopefully she'll learn to love it. Doesn't always happen, but sometimes doing resistors in series and parallel doesn't always excite the senses in a high school physics lab, so perhaps some more interesting applications might help.

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2012, 02:51:40 am
content: Quote from: IanB on August 18, 2012, 06:27:13 pm@FenderBender: You're looking at things from a good perspective. It doesn't matter if you're going to be doing the same thing ten years from now as you do today as long as you love doing (whatever it is).@IanB: Pretty much right although if she squeaks by, there's (unfortunately) always room for loafers at larger companies.