Good with electronics, what to study?

[DrFaroohk]

I've been toying with the idea of going back to school. Life sucks for the unemployed when you have no degree or higher education of any kind.

I'm good with electronic things. I have a knack for them. Taking them apart, fixing them, connecting the wires, etc....even with no real training there's a number of things I can do to a computer, for example.

But I find it confusing when you look at the programs a school offers and I have no idea what they are. If I was going to study something like that in a college or tech school, what would the major be called?

[draggar]

I majored in Electronical Engineering (for a semester) in college and alot of it was hands-on circuity.

Also, as a computer hardware major (officially) there was a lot of hands-on with electronics to (digital ICs, wiring, making BUSses, FOX trainers etc..). It is a lot of fun (for me at leasy - I love those electronic kits for kids).

If you're good with PCs you might want to look into certifications (they can help). If you really want to go for it all - get your CCNA and you'll be worth a lot. Everyone is going towards web programming and MCSE but CCNAs aren't too common.

If you're really good, go to an electronics supply store and buy components and invent something (years ago I designed a hand-held speakerphone for cell phones - 6 months before bluetooth became widespread).

[Der Cute]

You'd actually have to look @ the classes IN THE MAJOR. Schools don't really have a consistent naming scheme.

You'd be good at looking for Electrical Engineer, Computer Hardware Technician, and possibly Network Administration (depending on how PC-computery you want to get).

If you feel comfortable with electricity in general, start with your local IBEW. Not kidding. There may be a shortage of electrical people around - especially with so many of them getting older. Start with IBEW - ask one of the union reps if they've got time to chat.

Then next, go to 2 or 3 local community TECHNICAL colleges around you and make an APPOINTMENT (yes I'm yelling) for the educational advisors. You can't just walk in - they are so cram jammed it's not funny.

I'd also hit up the unemployment office. Make another appointment with the front desk - tell them what specifically you're seeking - Lookign for electronic/ technical field education, hands on, how far you want to go with PCs vs circuits ...and ask about all the special programs they've got now. Due to the recession, there's more money for training than people expect.

Oh.
Biotech. A relly of mine works at a hospital and fixes things for them. The EEG/ EKG machines? Tunes them up. That's another place you could go talk to/ work at - always need someone who's good with hardware and hands - and healthcare never dies.

Cutenoob

[BlaqueKatt]

Oh.
Biotech.

just a nitpick-biotech(biological technology) is what I do, in lab, with petri dishes and test tubes....

[Rapscallion]

Maybe look at something that allows you to create battery operated boyfriends?

Seems to be quite a popular suggestion in the Life Advice section.

Rapscallion

[gremcint]

You could get your A+ certification it would be alot shorter and cheaper.

[TheSHAD0W]

http://www.openbookproject.net/electricCircuits/

Read through these carefully.

[Evil Queen]

You could get your A+ certification it would be alot shorter and cheaper.

DataJager did this before returning to college to finish his CS (Computer Science) Major at tech. He says he has helped him understand CS a LOT better.

Most my friends are either electrical or mechanical engineers. (The latter lets you blow up stuff!)

[fireheart]

OK...in terms of electronics and computers...

Don't know how much different it'll be as far as Ausland goes, but this is a rough list of degrees and/or qualifications my friends and SO are either studying or have studied:

A+ certification.
Electrical Engineering.
Software Engineering
Computer Science
Information Technology
CISCO Networking. (don't know if that's available in the US)

[mikoyan29]

Electrical Engineering would be a good choice if you are good in math. One of the pre-requisites would be Calculus (through differential equations I believe). So if you are not strong with math, I would not advise it. If you are not good with math, there is nothing wrong with trade school and a good electrician can probably make some pretty good money.

[trailerparkmedic]

If you are not good with math, there is nothing wrong with trade school and a good electrician can probably make some pretty good money.

Electricians can make great money. My uncle is one, and he makes enough to afford to live near New York City and his wife was able to stay at home and raise the kids. He also loves his job, which is worth much more than money.

[mikoyan29]

Electricians can make great money. My uncle is one, and he makes enough to afford to live near New York City and his wife was able to stay at home and raise the kids. He also loves his job, which is worth much more than money.

That's why I don't get the stigma attached with people who end up in trade school or in an apprenticeship. Decent Plumbers make really good money because people always need them. Same with electricians, carpenters, etc. Heck, I've run across tool and die makers who are more intelligent than many engineers (degreed) I know.

[Evil Queen]

Eh, I was an electrician for 6 years. I do admit, the money is good, the work is pretty darned easy. But it wasn't for me. (I dislike being electrocuted)

Being a carpenter is nice too. Dad, up until the economy tanked, make and upwards of $35 an hour. More if he worked weekends.

HOWEVER, the economy still hasn't improved enough to warrant such a trade. And you don't really go to a school for this. You get hired on at a construction company and learn from your coworkers.