EET Degree Description: What is Electronics Engineering Technology?
Electronic devices of all kinds have become a permanent fixture of daily life in the 21st century; in fact, the Consumer Technology Association forecasts significant growth in a wide range of electronics sub-industries, including everything from smart home products to virtual reality systems. Electronic engineering technologists (hereafter referred to as EETs, for short) are some of the front-line workers who make this abundance possible.
How To Become an EET
EETs learn a lot on the job, but finding an employer willing to train one entirely from scratch is a rare occurrence. Virtually all EETs need to learn the basics in a formal school curriculum. Classes on fundamental concepts like circuitry and control systems form the core of these programs, allowing students to handle sophisticated electrical systems safely and effectively.
As electronics have evolved in complexity over the years, classes on programming and the use of diagnostic tools have also become commonplace. Virtually all of these classes feature a practical element on top of the expected academic study. Many EET students take on work placements and internships too, giving them a chance to apply some of the things they've learned in a real-world setting.
It should be noted that EETs frequently use their elective courses to develop different specialties during their schooling depending on the larger industry in which they wish to work. Some choose to focus more on programming and internal systems, while others feel they are better suited to working with wiring and physical components. All trained EETs have a basic level of competency in all of these areas, but those with more education in particular path are able to set themselves apart from the rest.
What Does an EET Do?
As you might guess from the well-rounded skill set they acquire in school, EETs can perform a wide range of duties in the workplace. Their typical primary tasks involves testing, maintenance, and repairs in both the design and implementation phases of electronics projects.
With diligence and proper documentation processes, this reveals any flaws or weaknesses in the design and the trigger events that caused them to fail; in this way, EETs ensure that engineers have the data they need to address any problems with the current iteration and refine it into the best possible product.
EETs may also work under engineers more directly by collaborating with them during the production process, performing basic programming and design duties as dictated to help bring a product concept to life. They may be responsible for tracking down and source the parts the engineers need to create working design prototypes. Sometimes, though, they aren't able to find the exact type, size or shape of part that is called for; that's why they are also expected to fabricate custom versions from raw metal using tools like lathes and thread mills.
Finally, some EETs are occasionally called on to do things like write reports and speak to customers about any issues or possible improvements they would like to see in the products they buy. Strong communication skills are vital in this role, as they must be able to convey the information they discover both clearly and concisely for it to be of use to the overall project.
Can EETs Further their Careers after Working in the Field?
It is important to re-emphasize the fact that EETs and engineers are two very different kinds of workers. There is nothing preventing EETs from upgrading their skills in the future. Electronics engineering technology training is an excellent starting point to build on if you have any interest in a being a fully-fledged electronics engineer. If you enjoy the material and the work it qualifies you to do, you can look into upgrading your credentials later.
Are you interested in becoming an EET? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
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Gainful Employment Information – Electronics Engineering Technology - Bachelor’s
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