Becoming an optical engineer is an exciting and challenging career choice. Optical engineers design lasers, electronic devices to control light, and respond to light. These engineers can also design optical materials with specific characteristics as needed in the industry.
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Step 1
Choose a good college to study optical engineering. This can be a challenge. There are a number of different schools that offer optical engineering. Make a list of the choices and check each school’s graduation rate. ContactImage may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view. each school and see what types of optical research projects they are handling. Visit your top five school choices. Pay attention to the course curriculum, the age of their computers and equipment, and meet with some of the professors in the optical engineering department. Discuss the optical engineering curriculum and how long it normally takes to complete the program. Use all of this information to decide which school you will attend. Apply to your top three choices and see where you are accepted.
Step 2
Study physics, advanced mathematics, and optics while you are in school. Focus on maintaining good grades. Each level of physics, math, and optics builds on the previous courses you take. If you do not learn the lower level classes, the higher level classes will be a lot harder to complete. Be sure to ask lots of questions about anything you do not understand. If necessary, schedule one-on-one time with your professors.
Step 3
Focus on completing your B.S. in Optical Engineering and also try to get into a co-op program at your school. The co-op program will pair you up with a company in your field and allow you to take classes one semester and work at the company the next semester. This usually lasts for two years. This is important because it allows you to get valuable optical engineering experience that will make finding a job easier once you graduate.
Step 4
Decide if you want to enter the workforce now or continue school. After you have your B.S. in Optical Engineering, you could interview with optical engineering companies to find an entry level position. The second option is to continue school and get a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Optical Engineering. Then you’ll be in a better position to land a higher-paying job. Most people choose to enter the workforce after they have their bachelor’s degree.
Warning
- Keep in mind that if you complete your master’s or doctorate degree before being hired, a company may not want to pay you what you are worth.
