If they have a degree then they get a practical test, perhaps remove an IC from a working board and then solder it back in, or maybe a bit of fault finding. If they don't have a degree then they get a theory test, compute the output of an opamp given known input levels and component values, then the resonant frequency of an LC network, and finally the output of a circuit using standard logic gates.
I used to work for an elevator manufacturer. ALL candidates for field service positions got a height test to make sure they could safely handle elevator shafts, fail that and there was no point continuing.
If they don't have a degree then they get a theory test, compute the output of an opamp given known input levels and component values, then the resonant frequency of an LC network, and finally the output of a circuit using standard logic gates.
People who denigrate those who have degrees because they themselves don't have one, are as bad as those who denigrate those who don't have a degree because they themselves have one. I have seen both examples in the workplace over the years.
Yes, I would hire a person without a degree as an electronics engineer if they are made of the right stuff (for the argument, I do have an engineering degree). Many people without degrees have made excellent engineers over the years. But there is one thing an engineering degree does provide which is very important: CONTROL THEORY. Control theory is one of the most useful tools taught in an engineering degree course and it paves the way to good design in everything... from business processes to op-amps.
I would not hire anyone as an electronics engineer if they did not have a personal passion for electronics. That wipes out many people from certain backgrounds who get their degree primarily for cultural status reasons, or those who got a degree only as a means to get a high paying job. I look for boffins. At an interview, I always what electronics people do at home and test their knowledge. It is a gauge of their genuine interest in the craft.
I would not hire anyone as an electronics engineer if they did not have a personal passion for electronics. That wipes out many people from certain backgrounds who get their degree primarily for cultural status reasons, or those who got a degree only as a means to get a high paying job. I look for boffins. At an interview, I always what electronics people do at home and test their knowledge. It is a gauge of their genuine interest in the craft.
people with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
Quotepeople with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
OK. Let's do an experiment:
Problem: you run a match factory where matches are put into match boxes on a conveyor belt. If the boxes are not fully filled, customers complain and you run the risk of losing your business. So you need to come up with a way to identify and eliminate such boxes.
You have general freedom to come up with whatever solution you think may solve the problem.
The simplest / lowest cost one wins.
State your solution and your degree.
I have a solution and I am a highschool dropout.
BTW, this was a real-life problem.
...in Queensland.
Quotepeople with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
OK. Let's do an experiment:
Problem: you run a match factory where matches are put into match boxes on a conveyor belt. If the boxes are not fully filled, customers complain and you run the risk of losing your business. So you need to come up with a way to identify and eliminate such boxes.
You have general freedom to come up with whatever solution you think may solve the problem.
The simplest / lowest cost one wins.
State your solution and your degree.
I have a solution and I am a highschool dropout.
BTW, this was a real-life problem.
Quotepeople with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
OK. Let's do an experiment:
Problem: you run a match factory where matches are put into match boxes on a conveyor belt. If the boxes are not fully filled, customers complain and you run the risk of losing your business. So you need to come up with a way to identify and eliminate such boxes.
You have general freedom to come up with whatever solution you think may solve the problem.
The simplest / lowest cost one wins.
State your solution and your degree.
I have a solution and I am a highschool dropout.
BTW, this was a real-life problem.
Here is my solution, after optimization for cost:
Quotepeople with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
OK. Let's do an experiment:
Problem: you run a match factory where matches are put into match boxes on a conveyor belt. If the boxes are not fully filled, customers complain and you run the risk of losing your business. So you need to come up with a way to identify and eliminate such boxes.
You have general freedom to come up with whatever solution you think may solve the problem.
The simplest / lowest cost one wins.
State your solution and your degree.
I have a solution and I am a highschool dropout.
BTW, this was a real-life problem.
Quotepeople with a degree often have more tools like math and structured approaches to solving problems than the self taught people.
OK. Let's do an experiment:
Problem: you run a match factory where matches are put into match boxes on a conveyor belt. If the boxes are not fully filled, customers complain and you run the risk of losing your business. So you need to come up with a way to identify and eliminate such boxes.
You have general freedom to come up with whatever solution you think may solve the problem.
The simplest / lowest cost one wins.
State your solution and your degree.
I have a solution and I am a highschool dropout.
BTW, this was a real-life problem.
Another solution:
Assuming the box can only carry 50 matches, fill it to the brim and write on the box,"Contents: 47 matches". No more customer complaints.