Training and Advancement

Training requirements vary greatly among the different occupations in the computer and electronic products manufacturing industry. Workers in all fields must have strong technical knowledge and an ability to work in teams. In most cases, advancement comes in the form of leadership and increased responsibility.
Professional and related occupations. Entry into engineering occupations generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although those with 4-year degrees in physics, computer science, or another technical area may qualify as well. Some positions, however, may require a master’s or doctorate degree. Most advanced positions require a certain amount of relevant work experience. Computer systems analysts or scientists usually need a degree in computer science or a related field, and in many cases they also must have considerable programming experience.
Training for engineering technicians is available from a number of sources. Although most employers prefer graduates of 2-year postsecondary training schools—usually technical institutes or junior colleges—training in the U.S. Armed Forces or through proprietary schools also may meet employer requirements. Engineering technicians should have an aptitude for math and science. Entry-level technicians may begin working with a more experienced technician or engineer. Advancement opportunities for experienced technicians may include supervisory positions or movement into other production and inspection operations.
Advancement for technical workers comes in a variety of forms, depending on the goals of the individual and the needs of the company. Because companies often are founded by professionals with technical backgrounds, opportunities for advancement into executive or managerial positions may arise for experienced workers who keep up with rapid changes in technology and who possess the business expertise necessary to succeed in a fast-changing economy. Others are not as intrigued by the idea of working in management, and prefer to continue in their technical positions. Top engineers and other technical professionals are often given a great deal of flexibility in their work and offered excellent compensation.
Due to the rapid pace of technological development, technical workers must constantly update their skills and knowledge base to stay abreast. Also, due to the global nature of computer and electronic product manufacturing, knowledge of another language or culture is emerging as a desired qualification for workers in this industry.
Production occupations. Although assembly workers generally need only a high school diploma, assemblers in the computer and electronic product manufacturing industry may need more specialized training or experience than do workers in other manufacturing industries. Precision assembly work can be extremely sophisticated and complex, and some jobs may even require formal technical training. A certificate or associate’s degree in semiconductor technology or high-tech manufacturing is good preparation for semiconductor processor operator positions.
Advancement opportunities depend not only on work experience, but also on the level of technical training and the ability to keep up with changing technology. Production workers may advance into more responsible positions, as well as team leadership. Experienced workers may work directly with engineers to determine how production methods can be improved.
Management, business, and financial occupations. Managers and executives in this industry tend to be much more technically oriented than in most fields. Because technology is fast-changing, managers and executives must be able to speak intelligently about new developments. They must also be able to work directly with engineers to come up with viable strategies for business development. Many managers in this industry are actually trained as engineers or other technical professionals. Furthermore, many companies in this industry are founded by an inventor or group of inventors who design a new product. Although in many cases these individuals hire others to manage the business, there are still several companies whose CEO is the product inventor.