The field of electronics is wide, and has several under categories. Perhaps the two main categories within electronics education are computer electronics and electronic engineering. However, the field is growing and specialties include telecommunications and medical electronics. But no matter what you choose; be prepared for some advanced mathematical methods and physics.
A Career in Electronics
In order to start a career in electronics, you usually need one or two years in a technical vocational school. Another path is going straight for the
undergraduate degree in pure electronics, or a combination degree geared at your area of interest. As a general rule - the higher your degree, the higher your pay - so going straight for an
engineering degree, or a masters is a way to increase your chances.
Once out of school there is a booming job market waiting for you. You could end up working with anything from designing the next ipod for Apple, or bringing the next generation heart monitor for the health industry to market. It is most often the engineers that get the credit for designing the gadgets you see in the stores, but it is more often than not other electronics specialists that make sure these gadgets reach their buyers and users.
Studying Electronics
It is more and more common to offer electronics degrees combined with other areas, rather than the traditional degrees in pure electronics. This is in order to maximize the versatility of the degrees. Today's employers of electronics graduates require a wider perspective from their employees. They are often required to fit into teams put together from a wide knowledge base, where pure electronics majors may feel ill equipped to keep up with the competition.
Electronics is a common degree offered in most countries of the world. Most schools set themselves apart in some way. It may be a particular combination degree, or a focus on providing a more practical approach to learning. Which one you choose is up to you, your goals and preferences. Either way, an electronics degree gears you up for the future. Just see what the Henley Management College had to say in their forecast 2006:
"Certain disciplines, including electrical/electronic and systems engineering, are seen as particularly likely to be of increasing importance. Looking at particular skills and attributes, there is strong evidence that the top priorities in terms of future skills will be practical application, theoretical understanding, and creativity and innovation."
Educating Engineers for the 21st Century: The Industry view, Henley Management College for the Royal Academy of Engineering, March 2006
