Can You Work in the Electronics Industry Without a Degree?
What do Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla, and Thomas Edison have in common? Well, the most obvious similarities are that they were all highly skilled engineers and were pioneers in the field of electronics. But that’s not their defining common denominator. What makes these trailblazers truly unique is that all of them made history in electronic engineering without having a degree.
Times have changed since these forerunners shook the world with their inventions. Today, most employers require a degree in order to work in the electronic engineering field. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have a hope of having a career in electronics without a degree.
The Reality About Electrical Engineering Jobs and Degrees
Electrical engineers develop, test, design electrical equipment and they may also supervise the manufacturing process of electronics. Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for these job positions. However, that requirement is slowly shifting due to the high demand for qualified electronic experts.
In fact, the job market for electrical engineers is expected to grow by 8.6% by the year 2026. This opens the window for highly experienced workers in the electronics industry. Many employers are starting to overlook the bachelor’s degree requirement in cases where a potential employee has provable, hands-on experience.
Furthermore, there are internships, vocational training, and certificate programs available that provide workers with the qualifications and training required to work in the electronics field. These alternative education programs are sometimes accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Jobs in Electronics That Don’t Require a Degree
What if you’re not very technical but still want access to an electronic or technical career? Or maybe you’re a hardcore techie dreaming to work in the electronics industry, but having trouble getting your foot in the door without a degree. In either case, here are a few ways you can work in electronics without having a degree.
Computer Technician
Computer technicians have their fingers on the pulse of electronics by installing and repairing computer systems for organizations or businesses. A CT is also responsible for testing computers and their software as well as repairing and providing maintenance to computers.
This job only requires a high school diploma or an equivalent. However, you can get a jump on your competition by attending a certificate program or going to a vocational school.
Appliance Technician
This might be an appealing job for those who are technologically and electronically inclined, yet do not have a degree. Typically a high school degree or its equivalent is the only requirement for these positions.
However, seekers for these jobs are encouraged to attend technical and vocational education for appliance maintenance such as an HVAC program.
The core functions of an appliance technician are installing and repairing appliances for commercial facilities or residential homes and apartment complexes.
This job demands a strong knowledge of how equipment and electronics work so that proper maintenance and repairs can be done. Appliances can range from refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and heat and air conditioning units.
Electronics Blogger
If you’re not much of a hands-on techie, but love the world of electronics you can easily put your knowledge to work as a tech blogger. Setting up a website is relatively simple, and can be done for very little upfront cost. A good WordPress hosting service combined with your passion for electronics could render a stunning blog that can earn you money without requiring a degree.
Income can be made through advertisements on your blog, affiliate sales, sponsoring products for electronic products, writing electronic reviews and more.
Computer Programmer
Here is another job in the technology field that does not require a degree. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum criteria to land a computer programmer position. However, you can stand out from the crowd of job-seekers if you have a 2-year associate’s degree in information technology.
As a computer programmer, you will write code and help develop software applications. You might also write code for electronic devices. You may be asked to work with software engineers to create, revise or improve applications for computers or smartphones.
Make Choices That Align With Your Goals
While it’s true, getting an electric engineering degree will certainly put you in a better position to snatch a great, high-paying job in the field of electronics. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find satisfying work in this industry.
Lastly, if you really want that dream tech job, yet feel under qualified, you can always rethink your education. In today’s world of flexible, affordable, online academic programs, getting a degree is a lot easier than you might think.
