Which Internship Should I Choose?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on choosing between two internship opportunities in the RF/telecomms field. The first internship is with a major Australian telecomms company in the Wireless Network Engineering group, focusing on 4GX, but lacks long-term job security and requires learning Atoll software. The second internship is with an RF-specific company specializing in antenna, filter, and PCB design, where the candidate is already familiar with CST and Altium software. The consensus emphasizes that foundational skills in antenna, filter, and PCB design are more enduring and beneficial for a long-term career, especially for future opportunities in the US.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RF engineering principles
  • Familiarity with wireless network design software, specifically Atoll
  • Proficiency in CST and Altium for PCB and antenna design
  • Knowledge of networking protocols and their evolution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities and applications of Atoll software in wireless network design
  • Explore advanced techniques in antenna, filter, and PCB design using CST and Altium
  • Investigate career opportunities in the US RF/telecomms industry
  • Study the impact of evolving networking protocols on RF engineering careers
USEFUL FOR

RF engineers, telecomms professionals, and students seeking internships in the RF/telecomms field, particularly those interested in design and long-term career development in the US market.

deki
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I've been offered 2 internships, and I'm unsure which to go with since they both offer advantages. For the record I want to develop my career in the RF/telecomms field, with a focus on design. Also, I want to move to the US in the near future for work, so I'm trying to base my decision on which company/industry will give me relevant experience I can use in the US?

The first company is the main telecomms company in Australia (where I'm from), where I'll be with the Wireless Network Engineering group, in the Radio Network team, where they are working on 4GX. There is no guarantee of continuing work with them after I'm done. They'll be using a program that I'm not familiar with (it's industry standard, used for designing wireless networks, called Atoll).

The second company is an RF specific company that focuses on antenna, filter, and PCB design. They haven't specifically told me what I'll be working on with them, however I know how to use 2 industry standard programs that they also use (CST and Altium. I've used these through university courses). There *might* be the possibility of staying on with them after I'm done.

I'm unsure which to go with in terms of what I'll get out of it experience wise, and how much I can develop my skills set. I'm leaning towards the second company, just because they offer the kind of things I want to get involved with. However the first company is just as appealing, and I like the idea of getting into the wireless industry, though there is no possibility of staying on with them, and I was already rejected from the grad application they had.
 
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deki said:
on antenna, filter, and PCB design

I was an RF engineer for Cisco Systems in the US from 1995-2002. These are the skills that matter more and endure longer.

Networking protocols and implementation details will change 10 or more times over the course of your career and will also vary with geographical location.

Fundamentals of antenna, filter, and PCB design won't change and will serve you well in the long term.
 
That's a good point. Thanks for your response Dr Courtney.
 

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