Career change advice-Electronic Engineer

[UnUnOctium]

Are you formally qualified in IT or Engineering?

If you're willing to work in CT, I can most likely get you an interview for a dev position (not your average one).

i personally dont think the pay in IT is better than in engineering...thats jus my experience, me being in IT and most of my friends in engineering, but mayb in you case it was different.

+1. The thing is that a lot of the electronic engineering companies are based in PTA south (techno park) and there's a very unique type of person that prevails there. They hate the fact that they have to pay you but they also hate the fact that they can't get by without you. Glad I got out of that place quick.

 

[ponder]

I used to love programming in high school (turbo pascal ). Would like to try and get into programming but currently have no experience in that.

Then maybe look into development for embedded platforms etc

 

[R13...]

R13, what's the automation market like at the moment? I have a B.Sc IT and currently work on SCADA/security systems for some rather impressive clients, including SANRAL and maximum security prisons. I'm not looking to move yet, but I'm curious as to how wide my options are.

The options are very wide. Mines, FMCG, industry, petrochem, systems integrators, equipment vendors (Siemens, Rockwell automation, scheider electric, ABB, etc), power utilities, near any manufacturer. I'm talking SCADA, PLC, DCS, projects, maintenance, continuous improvement engineering.

 

[RustyPrincess]

Consider Telecoms - so maybe one of the vendors (ZTE, Huawei, NSN, Alcatel) or operators (Cell C, MTN, Vodacom, 8ta, Telkom, Neotel) or even other contracting companies (Atio, Qualcomm, Rorotika, Ranworx, Dartcom etc etc).
Its always changing, and you have the options to do IT and engineering type stuff at the same time, depending on which field you choose.

Otherwise, you could always apply to a bank or some other financial institution, they also appreciate the engineering mind.

 

[NeonNinja]

How much do you earn then?

 

[CrazYmonkeY159]

Then maybe look into development for embedded platforms etc

I HATE developing on embedded platforms, especially the more obscure ones.

Stuck on a problem? dont bother googling it, you wont find any solution.

Its so frustrating. thinking about it makes me want to die.

 

[Azbubu]

I've got an interview soon but it seems to be more of the same as i'm currently doing. I guess I'm going to have to work my way from the bottom up if I'm going to be entering a new field. Are companies willing to hire someone for a job they have no experience in?

 

[krycor]

Sadly abzo the answer is nope.. i'd suggest getting certification in e.g. java albeit you likely can code better than 1/2 the devs doing it haha.. IT sucks in that respect unless you get lucky. Just becareful of what you sign interms of restraints but then you should know that already.

This thread makes me sad because i'd give anything to work as an engineer but stuck in IT and here you guys are complaining and wanting to move into IT.

Consider Telecoms - so maybe one of the vendors (ZTE, Huawei, NSN, Alcatel) or operators (Cell C, MTN, Vodacom, 8ta, Telkom, Neotel) or even other contracting companies (Atio, Qualcomm, Rorotika, Ranworx, Dartcom etc etc).
Its always changing, and you have the options to do IT and engineering type stuff at the same time, depending on which field you choose.

Otherwise, you could always apply to a bank or some other financial institution, they also appreciate the engineering mind.

This is great advice.. btw

To leave electronic engineering for programming is a waste. As an engineer you are supposed to know how to program anyway or at least have the ability to learn it quickly. Why don't you go into automation/control engineering/systems engineering, etc?

Exactly how i feel .

 

[Azbubu]

Recruitment agency has called me with a few positions in embedded systems. Have never worked on that before or have any idea what it entails but will go for the interviews and see how it goes.

 

[Palimino]

Go for your programming love. You will have an understanding of both sides of the equation and understand the limitations of the hardware.

IMO software is the future. Learn how to program. With genralised hardware, functions change via software definitions and trivial (largely) mechanical changes. You should be an attractive proposition career-wise (CV) because you already grasp the electronic part and are no slouch with the software part (just requires refining). Positions would be technical (not banks). Interviewers would have a much better grasp of the technical requirements than banks (for e.g.). Normally a technical person observes the interview to verify that a potential employee has what it takes and is not feeding HR a line of BS (been there, done that).

 

[Azbubu]

So 4 months later and I've got a new job now. Still in Electronic Engineering but a slightly different scope and with more responsibility. Oh and a new city

 

[hawker]

So 4 months later and I've got a new job now. Still in Electronic Engineering but a slightly different scope and with more responsibility. Oh and a new city

Enjoying it?

 

[Azbubu]

Enjoying it?

Only start next year

 

[svw]

Same Dilemma

I am going through the exact same situation. I have a degree in Quantity Surveying and am desperate to change career streams but i just dont know how to go about it: how do i go into another stream, do i need to get another qualification? Help

 

[NeonNinja]

What stream?