Is becoming a photonics engineer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become a Photonics Engineer
For high school students considering this as their career path, getting involved in college prep and AP courses could be useful. Taking as many science and math classes as possible, including physics, trigonometry, and calculus, will also help with college studies. Elective courses such as computer classes will ensure that the student is up-to-date on knowledge of software and other computer-related subjects.
Photonics engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in an engineering area. Electrical engineering, engineering physics, and mechanical engineering are all acceptable fields of study. These degrees take four or five years to complete. For higher paying positions, a master’s degree may be expected, and in some cases a PhD. Photonics engineers that wish to teach at the college level must have attained their PhD within the same field. The same is required for engineers that desire a research and development position within photonics.
Some other fields of study for students considering a career in photonics engineering are nanotechnology, systems engineering, mechatronics, geophysical engineering, robotics, automation engineering, and laser and optical technology.