Engineering technician job with A.S in engineering science ?

October 5, 2016 3:25 PM

Can you get a job as an engineering technician with an A.S. in engineering science? I was studying mechanical engineering (towards a B.S. but I got my A.S. first then transferred and stayed for two semesters) and may pick it back up in the future but right now want to take a break from school and start working.

Where do people usually find job openings aside from networking? Is it realistic to expect to find a job as a technician or technologist without that specific degree? If you can recommend another similar job I might like and could apply for with the degree I have now, that would also be great.

posted by SArcher to Technology (5 answers total)

I had to look up the degree but I would have hired/considered you for the technician job I hired for last year! Getting through those courses says a lot about your intelligence, motivation, and ability to self direct. I would apply to anything that wants a related 2 year degree or even a 4 year engineering technology degree. Put the degree on the resume and then emphasize your mechanical skills/know-how there and in the interview, whether it be a neat hobby or that you like working on cars or what not.

Just my $.02; but we both know that all that math is no joke, and a small or flexible company that isn't a stickler for the exact degree would be happy to have you.
posted by ftm at 4:40 PM on October 5, 2016

My brother attended a technical school. He got his associate's degree, then found a job as an engineering technician at a Honda factory before going back to finish his B.A. So yeah, should be possible.

In terms of jobs, does your school have a placement office? That'd be my first place to look. If not, just look around at company websites in your area. If you've got a specific field in mind, you might look into joining a union, and they should then be able to give you leads.
posted by kevinbelt at 5:00 PM on October 5, 2016

Best answer: I've had a fairly successful string of electronic technician and engineering technician jobs without finishing any degree (several cumulative years at university and community college taking electrical engineering / electronics technology courses, but never finished anything). But my first real job was back in '99 and I take it things are a bit tougher these days getting started. I think I got super lucky, since I've managed to work my way up to an engineering role without ever finishing a degree.

In my area I still see tech job postings with highschool as the minimum requirement, with higher degrees being desired or recommended. I think hands-on skills often speak louder than credentials. A good tech is hard to find.
posted by bigtex at 1:23 AM on October 6, 2016

Response by poster: I agree with you guys that showing some hands-on skills would help a lot, but I don't have any tech or mechanical type of work experience (not even hobbies). Is there an entry level job type you know of that I'd be able to get without any experience first and THEN apply to the engineering technician jobs?
posted by SArcher at 1:28 PM on October 6, 2016

I started out volunteering at local community TV and radio stations (for free) and doing assembly/manufacturing for a small time local company that made audio and RF equipment. Despite the low or no pay, it was worth it. The experience was some of the best of my career.

I don't know what prospects are like in your area, but maybe look for other hands on work that isn't "technician" such as assembly, manufacturing, repair, etc.

Also, if you are take any tech related courses at community college, make sure they have labs so you can get some experience there. The college may have a job placement program, and often local businesses will have connections with instructors, so ask around for a reference. You say you got an AS so maybe get in touch with some of your contacts at the school.
posted by bigtex at 9:54 AM on October 7, 2016