A CHOSEN CAREER IN electronic and communications engineering

CURTIN CAREERS CENTRE

A Chosen Career In SERIES

INTRODUCTION
The Curtin Careers Centre, working closely with employers and the university community, sources, develops and delivers career development programs and resources. The purpose of these professional and personal development learning opportunities is to facilitate successful career transitions; especially study to employment and further study and to enhance students ability to develop lifelong skills in managing their careers. The Careers Centre also provides accurate, current authoritative labour market and graduate recruitment information focusing on societys needs and aspirations. The Careers Centre team has written a series of occupation career booklets to enable tertiary students to consider their chosen field in more depth including information on the current labour market, associated professional associations, pertinent job seeking avenues and samples of relevant and related positions. Whilst students are actively seeking information about a particular field they need also be aware of recruitment and selection methods and the need to develop strategies to be competitive in their field at graduate entry level. Self-assessment is an essential component of job seeking i.e. a student needs to be fully aware of their interests, skills, attributes and capabilities to be able to convey this on paper (job application documents) and in person (networking/interviewing/ promotion). The purpose of this occupational booklet is twofold. It will assist students to develop knowledge of trends in employment and current opportunities and to identify existing skills and attributes required to successfully pursue a career in this field. A student may not be aware that whilst using this resource that they are involved in Career Development Learning (CDL). CDL assists students to develop Self Awareness, to Identify Opportunities, to learn how to Make Decisions, to Manage Transition from university and incorporate Lifelong Learning. This involves Curtin students working with the Curtin Careers Centre towards the attainment of required skills and knowledge at a tertiary level to successfully manage the changing contexts of life; incorporating: Personal Management Learning and Work Exploration Career Building

Contacting the Careers Centre...

Feel free to visit us at Building 303 Email us at careers@curtin.edu.au Give us a call on (08) 9266 7802 Or check out our website at www.careers.curtin.edu.au Stay connected to the Careers Centre with Jobs and Events Connect. Access new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events and employer presentations.

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A Chosen Career in electronic and communications engineering

A Chosen Career In electronic and communications engineering
Many of our computer driven instruments and tools, communications systems, and electronic appliances have become such a huge part of our everyday existence and are thanks to Electronic Engineers. From banks, supermarkets, hospitals to the computers we use today, Electrical and Communications Engineers have been an integral element of the design, development and implementation of the systems we use. Due to the diverse nature of this degree, the career opportunities are many. Its up to you to decide where you want to take your studies. Some examples of the many career options, according to Engineers Australia (2010), are Electronics Engineers, Information, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineers and Computer Engineers. Graduates can work in areas such as: Computer modelling Telecommunications systems Hardware and software development Manufacturing Project management Consulting Programming Systems design and installation Software development In light of recent debate over climate change and demand for renewable energy there is a growing need for Electrical Power Engineers. EPEs develop systems to capture electricity through sources such as wind, photovoltaic, fuel cells hydro electrical equipment required for power transmission and conditioning, including storage. EPEs design, analyse, simulate and implement stand alone and grid connected renewable or hybrid energy systems on both a small and large scale Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Curtin University Vaughan Wittorff states. Electronic engineering allows you to be at the forefront of designing and implementing exciting changes that will alter the way people work and live. The fields of electronic engineering, telecommunications and computer engineering are rapidly converging, as computers and other electronic circuits are being linked in larger and more extensive networks. The resulting changes will be far more reaching than most can imagine. (TAFESA, 2010) If you are considering combining your degree or have completed studies in computer science / systems, physics, software, you may consider viewing our occupational booklets on these career pathways to give you more options.

In addition to the career opportunities mentioned above, another pathway is Electrical power engineering. This is the branch of engineering concerned with the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power which is the application of electronics to power devices and large power systems such as generators. 3

What AM I Qualified For?

As a Curtin University of Technology student you will have developed a number of employability skills and attributes that maybe you have not thought of or recognised in your self. In fact, all Curtin

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A Chosen Career in electronic and communications engineering

What AM I Qualified For?
As a Curtin University of Technology student you will have developed a number of employability skills and attributes that maybe you have not thought of or recognised in your self. In fact, all Curtin University courses are designed to ensure you are given ample opportunity to develop Curtin Graduate Attributes. These attributes are defined as qualities, skills and understandings that Curtin students develop during their time at the university. They are designed to go beyond the disciplinary specific expertise or technical knowledge you gain at university. According to the Graduate Attributes, Curtin graduates show evidence that they can: Apply discipline knowledge, principles and concepts of what you are capable of. If you are having difficulty with outlining your skills or recording your achievements logon to Resume Express from Jobs and Events Connect Job Applications Resumes Module Analyse Your Skills, attend a workshop at the Careers Centre or contact careers@ curtin.edu.au to make an appointment to see a Careers Consultant.

Think critically, creatively and reflectively Access, evaluate and synthesise information Communicate effectively Use technologies appropriately Utilise lifelong learning skills

Recognise and apply international perspectives Demonstrate intercultural awareness and understanding Apply professional skills

Combine these attributes with existing skills gained from life and work experiences and you will start to form a solid picture 4

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Occupations and Roles

Get Access states that constant changes in technology mean that an electronics engineers skill base needs to grow and to be updated. Therefore, professional development is a big part of an electronics engineering career. Keeping up to date with new developments in IT, telecommunications and engineering provides positive career growth and interest in the industry of electronic engineering. (2010) Below are some career pathways you could consider after completing this degree: electrical engineer Electrical Engineering is a broad term for professionals who apply science and engineering to design, develop, manufacture, install, operate and maintain electrical equipment. Electrical Engineers deal with electricity and can work in electrical generation, transmission, distribution and installations. People for the Future (2010) state that Electrical Engineers: plan and supervise generating equipment; supervise construction plans and specifications; supervise operating and maintenance staff; use CAD to assist in the design and drawing of complex electrical systems; decide on the type and arrangement of circuits, transformers etc; make or improve electrical products such as motors, equipment etc; write, interpret specifications and regulations about electric power equipment and its use. Information gathered from the Australian Governments Job Outlook (2010) show that 5 the job prospects for Electrical Engineers are good. Employment for Electrical Engineers to 2014-15 is expected to grow very strongly. Employment in this medium sized occupation rose strongly in the past five years, and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years). Electrical Engineers are employed across several industries including: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Manufacturing; Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; and Construction. The mix of industries employing Electrical Engineers is favourable for employment growth prospects. electronics engineer Electronic Engineers apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects. Electronics engineers design, develop, test and maintain electronic parts and systems used in computers, communications, navigation, industry and entertainment (Job Guide, 2010). The job prospects for Electronics Engineers are good and is expected to grow very strongly. Employment in this small occupation has risen strongly in the past five years, and rose moderately in the long-term.

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Occupations and Roles

Electronics Engineers have a high proportion of full-time jobs (91.6 per cent). For Electronics Engineers working full-time, average weekly hours are 40.3 (compared to 41.3 for all occupations) and earnings are high - in the tenth decile. Electronics Engineers are employed across several industries including: Manufacturing; Other Services; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; and Public Administration and Safety. The mix of industries employing Electronics Engineers is very favourable for employment growth prospects. (Joboutlook.gov.au 2010) electrical power engineer Engineers Australia estimated that Australia would need another 20,000 to 30,000 engineers3, particularly in the electrical power field. (Manpower, 2010) Demand conditions are also estimated to strengthen moderately in the engineering infrastructure market driven by committed investment into electric power. instrumentation and control engineer Instrumentation is the design and use of an electrical system to collect and process data. This includes includes testing, monitoring,measuring voltages, currents, or resistances associated with electrical circuitry. Instrumentation also includes the development of sensor systems and the computer algorithms to evaluate the data collected from sensor systems falls within the range of electrical and computer engineering. telecommunications engineer Telecommunications Engineering is a broad specialisation which includes the design, construct, install, service and support transmission, processing and storage of information through equipment, systems and facilities. Information gathered from the Job Outlook (2010), the job prospects for Telecommunications Engineering Professionals are good with jobs in 201415 expected to grow very strongly and will continue to grow strongly in the long-term. Telecommunications Engineering Professionals have a very high proportion of full-time jobs, almost all working in a full time capacity. For Telecommunications Engineering Professionals earnings are above average.

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Occupations and Roles

Telecommunications Engineering Professionals are employed across several industries including: Information Media and Telecommunications; Transport, Postal and Warehousing; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; and Wholesale Trade. Other career pathways to consider are: Embedded Hardware and Interface Developer Mobile Device and Wireless System Integrator IT Project Consultant Computer Systems Engineer If you are looking to work overseas, manufacturing and nanotechnology would provide more career opportunity. Manpowers report on Engineering Trends and Outlook (2009) states that engineering construction activity has been rising strongly over the few years as shortage in generation capacity is being addressed. As the focus on green energy increases, this will drive a need for large scale investment in electricity infrastructure maintaining a strong growth over the forecast period, averaging a growth of 4.0% per annum over the outlook period to 2013-14.

the labour market There are excellent employment opportunities in this fast growing area, but the demand for electronics engineers differs according to the area of speciality. TAFESA states that there is an expanding market for the design and testing of integrated circuits for devices such as mobile phones, modems and instrumentation and as a result of this, new specialist design companies are being created to service niche markets. The demand for electronics engineers who focus on the fields mentioned about has increased, in particular, Western Australia. Electronics engineers are also at the leading edge of the development of wireless and data networks and communications and this has resulted in increased employment opportunities in this field. The mining and resources sector has also experienced increased opportunities. 7

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Occupations and Roles

Proportion of Graduate Engineers Employed as Professional Engineers, Electrical Engineering

APESMA 2010 Graduate Engineer Employment Survey Report

2010 Commencing Salaries By Engineering Discipline

APESMA 2010 Graduate Engineer Employment Survey Report

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Graduate Programs AND ASSOCIATIONS

Graduate and Vacation Work
Graduate programs are available to final year students and recent graduates. Applications can open as early as February/ March of each year. Programs can be from one year to three years in duration, depending on the discipline. Graduate Programs generally offer training and development, job rotation through various departments of the organisation, challenging roles, mentoring, and social and networking opportunities. Vacation programs are available to penultimate and final year students and can be offered in either Winter or Summer. Winter programs will be approximately four weeks in duration and summer programs can be up to twelve weeks. Vacation programs offer paid positions and training pertinent to your discipline, the application of theory to the workplace and may also lead to selection for a Graduate Program. Applications are generally open in Semester I for Winter Vacation Programs and this can tie in with the advertising of the Graduate Programs. Summer programs are often advertised mid-year, June to August. Both public and private sector employers target final year students from all disciplines. Have a look at what they have to offer. See http://ww.graduateopportunities.com. au and http://ww.unimail.com.au for an A-Z listing of employers offering graduate and vacation programs. Note: You may not wish to apply for a Graduate Program but the position descriptions will give a good indicator of what type of graduate and graduate skills/ attributes employers are seeking from prospective candidates. If you believe that 9 you meet this type of criteria, it is likely that you are already in the professional employability stakes. If not, then you know what you have to do leading up to your graduation - increase your employability stakes. Some graduate programs that are available in the field of Electrical Engineering are: Western Power http://www.highlychargedcareers.com.au/ NAB http://www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/ nab/Careers/home/3/3/ IBM http://www.ibm.com/employment/au/

professional development and associations

It is very important that students know their professional associations and affiliations. There are often student membership options which provided you with valuable industry specific information and professional development opportunities and open you up to a vast network of professionals in your chosen area of expertise. Some professional associations in this field are: The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (WA Section) Engineers Australia

Australian Telecommunications Users Group (ATUG WA Branch) Australian Computer Society WA

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The JOB SEARCH & Getting Started

Set up a Desktop Folder and add a Favorite Internet Explorer folder. Download jobs of interest for future reference. This allows you to keep a track of who is hiring in your field and the types of positions available. NOTE: Dont just save the link as the details will disappear once the position has been filled. Copy the advertisement or any additional files onto Word and keep in your desktop folder. *This is also a useful tip for when you begin working in your field, keep an eye on pertinent positions at all times. Look at positions available around the country and not just in Perth. This will give an idea of who is recruiting and where and differing salary scales. Register with websites for specific job alerts Consider search terms e.g. electrical, engineer, power, communications, computing etc. This will ensure that email alerts of appropriate jobs are sent directly to you. If positions on the job search websites give the name of the recruiting company go directly to their website and check for other employment opportunities. Apply directly from the company website if possible. and to the selection criteria. NOTE: Selection criteria may be included in a JDF as for government jobs or may be hidden in the advertisement. If no set selection criteria are asked to be addressed target your letter to the position. Dont just limit yourself to reviewing entry level or graduate positions, look at the variety of positions in your field at various levels and view the requirements. This will let you discover what will be expected of you at higher levels and the type of experience that you will hope to gain at earlier stages in your career. Consider lifelong learning and developing your career.

Specific Job Search Engines

Check out appropriate organizations/ companies in your field and look for Career or Employment pages. See the Careers Resource Officer for assistance if required. Attend the Curtin Careers Festival (held semester one each year) and other career related events throughout the year to gain more information on the employers hiring graduates in your field. This information is also available online at www.careers. curtin.edu.au . You should be investigating individual employers throughout your studies to be able to identify those which you may wish to work for when you graduate. Some specific job search sites are: http://www.miningemployment.com.au/ jobs/Surveying http://www.aiqs.com.au/ http://www.engineeringjobs.net.au

General Job Search Engines

http://ww.seek.com.au http://ww.careerone.com.au http://ww.careerjet.com.au/ http://mycareer.com.au/ http://www.jobsjobsjobs.com.au/

(all provide hits on the above search terms)

Review job advertisements and job requirements pay attention to the job description form (JDF) or job requirements

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FURther information
further your career with postgraduate study
Postgraduate study can enhance your career opportunities by allowing you to develop more specialised expertise in a particular area. If you are considering careers in academia, or industry-based research and development, you will almost certainly need to complete honours and undertake a postgraduate research degree (Masters or PhD). Some management roles also require postgraduate coursework or research experience. It is also possible to complete shorter coursework degrees (graduate certificates and graduate diplomas) in a wide range of areas. These allow you to expand your career options by gaining knowledge of areas that may be specialized or unrelated to your undergraduate degree . Competition for graduate employment is intensifying so postgraduate qualifications are increasingly important to prospective employers in some industries. In many cases, salary is also indicative of your level of study. Postgraduate study may be greatly enhanced by the knowledge you gain from being in the work force before, or during your study. Many postgraduate courses are offered in a range of delivery modes to accommodate the needs of students who are working and studying at the same time. Look for courses that allow you to enrol part-time and/or as an external student. Some postgraduate courses you could study at Curtin are: Masters of Engineering Science (Communications Networks / Telecommunications and Networking) Masters of Engineering Science (Electrical Engineering) Graduate Diploma in Electrical Utility Engineering Master of Engineering (Renewable Energy Electrical Power Systems)

research at Curtin
Higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). For more information, please visit: The research activities within electrical engineering include the Communications and Signal Processing Group (CSP), Communications Technology Research Group (CTRG), Renewable Energy and Power Systems Research Group (REEPS) and the Instrumentation and Control Systems Research Group (ICRG). Key research partnerships include those with the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Integrated Engineering Asset Management (CIEAM), CSIRO Intelligent Grid Cluster, Western Australian Telecommunications Research Institute (WATRI), Australian Research Council and various government and industry bodies. Computing at Curtin has an active research program with a large and growing band of PhD students. Several researchers in the Department are well known internationally for contributions to their fields. We also host the only ARC Centre of Excellence in WA for research into large scale pattern recognition. The Department of Computing is active in research and has a full graduate program. Research at Curtin: http://eec.curtin.edu.au/research/ 11

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Further Information
Work Experience
Gaining work experience is essential to your career development. Here are some of the benefits: Insight on the working environment and relevant industries Development and acquisition of new skills Creates career networks and integration into the labour market Please see Jobs and Events Connect for a full schedule of upcoming workshops. http://www.careerhub.curtin.edu.au You can email us at careers@curtin. edu.au or phone (08) 9266 7802 to make an appointment.

An opportunity to demonstrate discipline knowledge, skills and abilities Highlights and informs career choices

No matter what type of work placement you are on accident insurance is essential. Accident insurance covers you if you hurt yourself on a work site. If a work experience opportunity is not paid the employers Personal Accident Insurance does not cover you. The Curtin Careers Centre provides students free appropriate accident cover.
Additional Resources Research and Development: Research positions can often require Honours or a four year degree. If you have an interest in this area, keep an eye on university positions. Some universities allow for email alerts. See http://ww.australian-universities.com/ list/ for access to all Australian Universities. Still Confused? If you are a current or recent Curtin graduate and you are still unclear about your career directions and the opportunities available for you please contact the Curtin Careers Centre for an individual career counselling session with a professional career development consultant. Just call reception on +61 8 9266 7802 to make an appointment.

Professional grooming and development By viewing position descriptions you will get a clear idea of what will be required in a specific role for a specific industry or field and you can start to address any skill shortages prior to completion of your studies. Employers look for students who are all-rounders. These are students who, whilst still performing well academically, can also demonstrate an interest in their chosen field beyond textbooks. The Curtin Careers Centre has many services to assist you in finding a work placement. These are: Download the How To Guide for Gaining Work Experience to give you all the tips and hints you need to find a placement http://www.careers.curtin. edu.au/workexperienceprograms.html Attend a Work Experience Workshop conducted by the Careers Centre.

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Example positions
Graduate electrical engineer

Market leader Great Projects Great mentorship

Our client is a specialised company in technology infrastructure deployment. Due to the demands of ongoing project work, they are currently seeking a graduate Electrical Engineer to join their Sydney design office. In this role you will work within the electrical team to successfully coordiate and manage the electrical, mechanical and earthing design process for various projects. This is a graduate role which will commence as a 12 month contract. Candidates should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The company can offer travel, a wide variety of project work, and security within an organisation known both for the quality and loyalty of its staff.

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Example positions
electrical protection system engineer This large Government Agency Infrastructure group is urgently seeking an Electrical Protection system Engineer to manage the Electrical Protection section of their Asset Operations group. In this long term contract role, you will provide professional engineering and technical specialist services for the safe, effective and efficient operation of the organisations Electrical Protection System. Reporting to the Systems Control Engineer, working relationships include Energy suppliers Protection equipment suppliers and internal electrical and maintenance engineers, Distribution Managers and Project Managers. Key Accountabilities and associated tasks in this role include : Oversee the high voltage protection systems of the entire Groups electricity network. Responsible for the effective day to day operational management of the Protection Section, its staff and resources. Lead and oversee the activities of the protection technicians and engineering support staff for effective management of incident operations ensuring the Protection and associated support systems are restored to safe and reliable operation in a timely manner. Administer the ongoing development, regular operational tests, and maintenance of the groups Protection schemes and related equipment or systems, including provision of routine status reports. To be eligible for this role your qualifications will include : Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, majoring in Power Systems and be eligible for graduate/corporate membership to the Institution of Engineers Australia. Post graduate qualifications (or evidence of formal study) in electrical protection systems. You will have a knowledge of : Specialist technical knowledge of high voltage electricity distribution networks. Extensive knowledge of high voltage protection systems. Knowledge and understanding of the interaction of the electricity network and protection system. You skills and experience will include : Strong interpersonal skills. High level oral and written communication skills. Well developed analytical problem solving skills. Proficient in the use of personal computers, including the use of commercial electrical analysis software. Have substantial knowledge and experience of electrical protection systems technology and operational protocols as used in an electricity distribution network. 14

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Example positions
graduate telecommunications engineer Ericsson 2012 Graduate Program ITS YOUR FUTURE. JUST IMAGINE IT Ericsson is one of the worlds leading providers of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators. Since 1876, we have been at the forefront of technological innovation, delivering highly sustainable solutions with the capability to both support and shape the world we live in. Ericsson has a number of roles available on our 2012 Graduate Program for engineers with strong academic capabilities and a keen interest in telecommunications. Based in our state of the art offices in Melbournes Docklands, you will be given the opportunity to develop a career as a specialist in one of Ericssons many fields of expertise such as Core Networks, Transmission, Customer Support or Network Rollouts. As you would expect from a global leader, our standards are high and your role will be challenging. Leadership ability, people skills and technical expertise will all be essential to your success and you will welcome the opportunity to travel throughout the Asia-Pacific region to support international projects. We are looking for talented, well-rounded engineers who have the potential to excel not only technically, but to develop into our business leaders of the future. Due to the global nature of our business, exceptional communication skills and a willingness to travel are essential. To be considered for a role on our Graduate Program you must: be a current final year student or a recent graduate have specialised in Telecommunication / Communications Engineering, Network show strong academic performance across all units of study be living in Australia have full and unrestricted working rights within Australia

Engineering or a closely related subject

During the application process, you will be required to produce documents to prove your identity, academic performance and working rights within Australia (for example Citizenship or a valid visa). You will also need to be available throughout April and May to attend interviews at your chosen location and to undertake online testing and evaluations.

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References
Australian Government: Job Outlook. 2010. Occupations. http://www.joboutlook.gov.au (accessed August 4, 2010) Australian Government: The Job Guide. 2010. Occupations. http://www.jobguide. thegoodguides.com.au/occupation/view/233411A (accessed August 9, 2010) Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia. 2010. 2010 Graduate Engineer Employment Survey Report. http://www.apesma.asn.au/surveys/ graduates/2010_graduate_engineer_report.pdf (accessed August 9, 2010) Engineers Australia. 2010. What is Information, Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering?. http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/colleges/itee/what-is-iteeengineering/what-is-itee-engineering_home.cfm (accessed August 4, 2010) Get Access. 2010. Industry Profiles. http://getaccess.wa.gov.au (accessed August 4, 2010) Information and Communications Technology Western Australia. 2010. ICT WA Careers: Career Pathways. http://content.ictwa.org.au/cms/000300.pdf. (accessed August 23, 2010) Manpower. 2010. Engineering Industry Insights Current trends and outlook. http://www. manpower.com.au/research/2009-white-papers.aspx (accessed August 9, 2010) People for the Future. 2010. Career Opportunities. http://www.peopleforthefuture.com.au (accessed August 7, 2010) TAFESA. 2010. Electronic Engineering Technician. http://www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/profile/ profile_OCC122.aspx (accessed August 4, 2010)

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Contacting the Careers Centre...

Feel free to visit us at Building 303 Email us at careers@curtin.edu.au Give us a call on (08) 9266 7802 Or check out our website at www.careers.curtin.edu.au Stay connected to the Careers Centre with Jobs and Events Connect. Access new jobs posted daily, workshop information, special events and employer presentations.

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