becoming a product engineer technologist

How to Become a Product Engineer Technologist in 5 Simple Steps

Are you an inventor? Do you have creativity coursing through your veins? Can you visualize and conceptualize new products? Are you inspired by visionaries such as Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver and Steve Jobs? If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to pursue a degree as a product engineer technologist.

Product engineer technologists are the lifeblood of innovation. They’re the women and men who use cutting edge technology to work behind the scenes to bring new products to consumers. They develop complex design layouts, use 3-D modeling to design and analyze products, and drive innovation in nearly every industry.

Healthcare, computing, aviation, construction, and retail all use product engineer technologists to develop new products and improve existing products—and you could join them if you combine your interest in inventing with a solid education in the mathematical and scientific principles of engineering technology.

Wondering how to get started? Here’s a five-step guide to becoming a product engineer technologist:

Step 1: Understand the role of the product engineer technologist.

As a product engineer technologist, you will work as part of a team to develop and improve products. The conceptualization and design is typically handled by engineers and the application of the design is typically handled by the technologists.

You will be asked to solve technical problems related to the applications of the engineers’ designs, ensure that testing aligns with international and federal standards, and repair, build, and analyze devices.  

Step 2: Identify an area of interest.

Product engineer technologists are currently working in nearly every industry. Determining which industry is most appealing to you will go a long way toward helping you jumpstart your future.

Step 3: Find a college that is right for you.

Finding the right college is perhaps the most important step in your journey to a future as a product engineer technologist.

There are three important things to consider when you are evaluating colleges:

  • Curriculum
  • Fits with your lifestyle
  • Track record of success

Look for colleges that offer curriculum focused on the most up-to-date and relevant topics in your specific areas of interest. Make sure you feel comfortable on campus (or taking classes online). Find a college that offers a schedule that works for you. And then make sure ask whether the college helps place graduates in the field.

In addition, you will want to look for a program that has professors and instructors with strong ties to the profession. Learning from people who are engaged with the profession helps ensure that you will be learning relevant skills, and it can help you make valuable connections that can lead to internships and jobs.

Step 4: Gain real-world experience.

One of the most effective and efficient ways to launch your future as a product engineer technologist (in addition to earning your degree) is to gain real-world experience through an internship.

Internships provide you with an opportunity to work side-by-side with current technologists and engineers. You’ll get to see what your day will entail, do some of the work you’ll be doing after you graduate, and make valuable contacts in the industry.

Ask your instructors if they can assist you in securing an internship or externship. You can also join professional organizations and approach companies in your area to look for opportunities. You’ll need to be able to clearly articulate why you want an internship, present your credentials and interview—but it will all be worth it when you land the internship and gain real-world experience.

Step 5: Network.

For many, networking is one of the most uncomfortable aspects of trying to land a job. It can be uncomfortable and confusing—but extremely valuable.

Leverage your professors and instructors. Spend time with them often and impress them with your willingness to work hard and go the extra mile. Many, if not all, of the people teaching your classes will know professionals working in the areas of interest to you. Impress them and they just might be able to connect you with the person who will hire you for the first time.

You should also join student organizations that are focused on technology and engineering. Not only will you be surrounded by interesting, like-minded individuals, but you will be able to participate in a variety of events and activities that will put you in contact with industry leaders from your area.

Start on the Path to Becoming a Product Engineer Technologist

If you have a creative spirit, like solving problems and can conceptualize products, consider a degree as a product engineer technologist. Learn more about your educational options—and how you can finish earn your Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology in as few as 2.5 years (or an Associate Degree in as little as  1.5 years)—by connecting with the College of Technology at ECPI University today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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