Electronics PhD Subject Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of selecting a PhD subject in electronics and the employment prospects for individuals with an Electronics Engineering degree, particularly in the USA and Europe. Participants explore the necessity of a PhD versus a master's degree and the implications of visa issues on job opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding work in the USA with only an engineering degree, suggesting a need for further education.
  • Another participant counters this claim by referencing statistics indicating high employment rates for BSEE holders, suggesting that personal constraints may affect job prospects.
  • A third participant questions the educational background of the original poster, asking for clarification on the type of degree held and potential visa issues impacting employment.
  • Some participants propose that a PhD may not be necessary unless one has a specific area of interest, while a master's degree (MSEE) could enhance job prospects.
  • There is a discussion about the potential for US companies to assist with visa issues if the individual applies for jobs and is offered a position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of a PhD for employment in the field, with some arguing it is overkill while others suggest it may be beneficial depending on individual interests and circumstances. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions, such as the impact of visa status on job availability and the differing perceptions of educational qualifications. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

nick40
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Hi,

I would like to start a PhD in electronics but I'm having trouble trying to determine what subject I should choose.
I have an Electronics Engineering degree and it seems to be very hard if not impossible to find work in the USA with only an engineering degree.
My idea would be to be able to work in the USA or Europe. Are there any areas of research that are in need?

Thanks!
 
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nick40 said:
it seems to be very hard if not impossible to find work in the USA with only an engineering degree.
This seems to conflict with the statistics. Google finds a number of reliable sources (like the BLS) that estimate employment among BSEE holders around 97-98%,

Now, if you have other constraints, like you need a work visa, or you meed to live in a particular part of the country, or won't work in certain industries, this number `could be lower. But that's not the degree's fault.

A PhD is absolutely not required to be an engineer.
 
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Welcome to PF.

nick40 said:
I have an Electronics Engineering degree and it seems to be very hard if not impossible to find work in the USA with only an engineering degree.
Do you have a BSEE (4-year degree) or an AA degree (2-year)? What country is it from? If you are not from the US, are you having trouble finding work as a BSEE because of some visa issues maybe?

I agree with V50, that a BSEE degree is fine for finding work in the US under most circumstances. A PhD is definitely overkill unless you have some specialty that you are already fascinated with and want to pursue for personal satisfaction reasons. If you have a BSEE and get your MSEE (an additional 1-2 years of school), that will open a few more doors for you (like into R&D positions), but not a lot.
 
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Hi, My engineering degree took me 6 years, but the curricula is 5 years. I think its called MSEE in english? I'm not sure. I also have another degree 2 years but it's related to computer programming (AA degree?). And yeah I don't have a work visa for the US.
 
Well, the MSEE should be fine for getting a job in the US, if you can get the visa. Have you applied to any US companies yet? I think they can fly you to the US for in-person interviews, and if you are offered a job, they can help with the visa issues. Do you have any work experience yet in your country with your MSEE? What kind of work is it?
 

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