Electronic circuit design is a sub-field of electrical engineering and in order to enter this profession you may be required to have a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Depending on the university that you select, there are usually engineering degree programs offered with an emphasis on electronic circuit design. Due to the highly technical nature of this field, you may also need a specific amount of experience, which will vary depending on the company. Most students opt to participate in internships during college in order to gain the experience needed for entry-level positions in this field after graduation.
Before taking advanced courses in electrical circuit design, you will need to enroll in several mathematics and physics courses to prepare you for laboratory work. Advanced courses that you may need to take include communications systems, digital signal processing, electronics, and electromagnetic fields and waves. The courses that are accompanied by laboratory work will help you prepare for internships as well as your future career. Hands-on experience can be extremely helpful as you hone your skills to design circuit boards, amplifiers, and other electrical components.
Lab work is usually designed to familiarize you with the different circuit boards and amplifiers used in the industry including photo-switches and multistage amplifiers. Internships in this field can often allow you to apply your knowledge to the work force by performing a variety of tasks including electronic architecture research, circuit and system simulation, and circuit analysis. These experiences may give you an overall view of the electronic circuit design industry and this can help to narrow your career choices based on your specific area of training. Most internships in electrical engineering fields last at least six months and you may want to begin searching for these opportunities once you begin your laboratory coursework.
After graduation, you should apply for positions with companies that design electrical products and computer corporations. In addition to your degree, there are short-term training programs that you may want to complete to obtain more specified experience. Most electronic circuit design training programs are available at technology schools and can last anywhere from six weeks to two years. Aside from applying in-person to various companies, you may want to consider researching electronic circuit design positions on the Internet. Your local newspaper may also have listings for this field in the classified section, which can provide you with information on positions in your area.
