There is a lot of room for specialization in this area, with areas of expertise in microelectronics (computer chips), telecommunications, control systems, and light, audio, and visual electronics. There is currently a global shortage of electronics engineers, which is expected to last for some time. Typical duties for an electronics engineer include:
TARGETjobs Engineering, Computer Weekly, The Engineer, Electronics Weekly, and Electrical Review are just a few of the publications that post job openings online, through careers services and recruitment firms, in newspapers, and in other places that are relevant. According to TARGETjobs Engineering, small to medium businesses are expected to pay graduates starting salaries in the range of £18,000 and £25,000, but larger employers may pay graduates salaries that are higher. Visit our engineering salary round-up to learn more about what an engineer might make.
Both university graduates and school dropouts can enter the field of electronic engineering through various paths. The most obvious route for graduates to enter the field is to pursue an MEng in electronic engineering, but graduates from other engineering disciplines can also do so. Graduates will need an engineering degree. Some employers will ask for a 2. 1 degree but others will accept candidates with a 2. 2 degree. Check out our list of 2nd year engineering employers. 2 degrees.
5 Skills every Electronics / Electrical Engineering student should learn
Examples of electronic engineer skills
Here are some skills an electronic engineer might need:
Hardware knowledge
When designing electronics and electronic systems, hardware expertise is crucial for the majority of electronics engineers. Even electronic engineers who focus on particular systems, such as audio or telecommunications, must be familiar with both the hardware of their own systems and the hardware to which those systems connect. The precise hardware skills required may differ among electronics engineers because most will specialize in a particular type of electronics.
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Any type of engineer needs to be able to solve problems and exercise critical thinking, so this is one of the most crucial abilities. Engineering is frequently about using engineering to solve problems, and electronics engineers are no different in this regard. Throughout their careers, electronic engineers can use these skills to develop new products or features based on consumer needs, identify and fix issues with existing products, or find a solution to a client’s system concern.
Testing knowledge
Many electronics engineers must understand how to test the systems and products they have created. There are various tools and techniques that can be used, and understanding them all can be useful for an electronic engineer. The electronics engineer must be able to test their creations to make sure they function as intended and then address any problems that may occur.
Communication skills
Engineers in electronics must be proficient communicators both orally and in writing. Electronic engineers may write technical documents about their work that must be concise and clear in addition to the need to work well with others. Electronics engineers might have to interact with their group, managers, and customers. Given that engineering is a precise field, this communication must be professional and effective. In addition, electronic engineers may need to simplify complex ideas for non-engineers in their workplace.
Organization and project management skills
To perform the work they do, electronics engineers need to be methodical and organized. Additionally, an electronics engineer’s career path may eventually lead to employment as a project manager, so having effective project management skills can be very beneficial. These two abilities complement one another because being organized while working on a current project component can help you become organized as a project manager when there are more people and project components to manage.
Ability to work well within a team
What are electronic engineer skills?
The abilities required by those who work as electronic engineers, also known as electronics engineers, are referred to as “electronic engineer skills.” Designing and developing electronic systems and devices, such as computers, telecommunications systems, robotics, and electrical equipment, is a specialty of electronic engineers. Though they must understand many of the same topics as electrical engineers, electronic engineers’ expertise is more focused on the electronic components they design and how they function within an electrical system. Electronic engineers can specialize in fields like audio, control systems and automation, and telecommunications that call for more specialized knowledge.
How to improve electronic engineer skills
Some of the best ways to become a better electronic engineer are as follows:
1. Focus on your education
Focusing on your education is crucial for developing those skills because a lot of the work an electronic engineer does is related to the particular technical skills you learn in college and at work. This entails developing those skills through continuing education and additional training opportunities outside of the classroom. It’s crucial to stay current, especially in a field like electronics where technology is constantly improving.
2. Develop your soft skills
Despite working in a highly technical field, soft skills are still crucial for finishing your projects as an electronic engineer. Your soft skills help you do your job well because you need to work well as a team, communicate clearly with coworkers and clients, and stay organized while you’re doing it. You can improve your effectiveness by accepting criticism on these abilities and deepening your understanding of them through classes and reading.
3. Ask for more
Asking for more from yourself and more responsibilities and education from those around you is one of the best ways to advance as an electronics engineer. This could appear as taking advantage of opportunities for continuing education or as reading books that will improve your skills in your free time. This could also take the form of requesting from your manager that they give you new responsibilities or training in order to enhance your current skills.
Electronic engineer skills in the workplace
Here are some ways to apply and develop your abilities as an electronic engineer at work:
How to highlight electronic engineer skills
When looking for a new job, you can use the following strategies to highlight your abilities as an electronics engineer:
Electronic engineer skills for resume
You should demonstrate your skills on your resume in two places: the summaries of your professional experience and your list of skills. You can demonstrate how you applied those skills in your previous jobs under work experience by highlighting how you used your organizational skills to complete a project on schedule or how you used your technical skills on a particular project. Any relevant information about your work should be included in a brief list of your skills, particularly any terms that appear in the job description you are applying for.
Electronic engineer skills for cover letter
You should highlight some of your most valuable abilities in your cover letter, especially if they set you apart from other electronics engineers. It’s not necessary to list everything in a cover letter because its goal is to persuade readers to read your resume. You should mention in your cover letter if you have a particularly strong education, have worked on projects that demonstrate your skills well, or have previously received praise for your performance.
Electronic engineer skills for the job interview
Mention your relevant experience as much as you can during the interview. You can review the job description as you get ready for your interview to see what abilities and phrases they used that you believe apply to your background and qualifications. Following that, you can think of examples of your work and experience that relate to those abilities and key phrases that you can mention in your interview. As a result, you will be prepared to respond to interview questions with examples of the skills you possess that match what they are looking for.
FAQ
What skills should an electronic engineer have?
- Complex problem-solving skills and a methodical mind.
- Critical thinking.
- Strong interest in technology.
- Aptitude for maths.
- Communications skills.
- Strong IT skills.
- Effective work planning, prioritization, and time management
What are electronic skills?
The skills required to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as well as those needed to apply and develop them are collectively referred to as “e-skills” or “electronic skills.”
What do electronic engineers need to know?
Electronics engineers create and develop electronic equipment, such as GPS devices and portable music players, as well as broadcast and communications systems. Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.