1. Chapter 1 Careers in Electricity and Electronics

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Figure 1-1 An automation mechanic needs knowledge of electricity and electronics as well as of computers, hydraulics, mechanics, and pneumatics. iStockphoto/baranozdemir.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Differences Between a Technician and an Engineer The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) –Important organization for electronics engineers

11. 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

12. Preparation for Employment Personal traits to consider when looking at jobs Abilities Aptitude Interests Personality

13. 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

14. Preparation for Employment (cont’d.) Components of a resume Personal contact information Career objective Education Work experience Accomplishments References

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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