Chapter 1

Careers in Electricity and Electronics

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

Figure 1-6 Sample letter of application. © 2014 Cengage Learning

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

Gaining Experience in the Workplace (cont’d.)

• Job shadowing– Work experience program– Allows observation of work environment and

necessary skills in practice• Mentoring

– Partnership with a trade professional who shares knowledge, perspective, and skills