The robotics field is quickly changing and developing. If you have ever wanted to work in the industry, you have a wide variety of careers to choose from. The field encompasses professions like software developers, electrical engineers, software engineers, and others. Because of how much work there is in the industry, both the private sector and governments are looking to employ experts in the robotics industry. There are several steps that will make your skill set in this industry more marketable.
Getting a Degree
Many people involved in the industry are programmers, software developers, or engineers. You will need to plan on getting at least your bachelor’s degree, and if you want to be really competitive, you might need to plan on getting a master’s degree as well. Software engineers are in the highest demand, so you might consider focusing your education around that. If you are thinking about getting your graduate degree, paying for it might be a barrier to entering the field. However, you can take out a student loan from a private lender to cover the cost of your education. Many allow you to receive a longer grace period, meaning you don’t have to worry about paying it back right away.
Experiences That Look Good on a Resume
If you don’t have experience, it is hard to get a job, but if you don’t have a job, it is hard to get hands-on experience. While you are still in school, see if your college offers a robotics club or something similar. Both undergraduate and graduate students often work together to create robots that are then entered into competitions. Or you might just create them to have that experience. It can be a great learning experience to participate in various competitions, and it can look great on a resume.
You might want to get a fellowship or internship as well. Your senior year is a great time to apply for these internships. Right after graduation is a difficult time to get a full-time job. It can be easier to get a paid fellowship or internship than a job, and this additional experience can also look good on your resume. The number of internships and fellowships are often limited in the robotics industry, but more institutions are starting to offer them. That’s because many are starting to expand their research programs in the industry.
Working Hard to Land a Job
Landing a full-time job can be tricky, and it is all about being in the right place at the right time. Networking can also go a long way toward helping you land your dream job. Develop your professional and personal networks while you are still in school. Take advantage of every possible opportunity to grow your network. You will also want to take advantage of every possible opportunity during your internships to further your networking. Sometimes, an internship can become a full-time job, but many times, you will have to think of it as a stepping stone into a full-time one. You can’t control when employers in the robotics industry are hiring, but your network can help you land the right job.
