What are possible levels of career positions in embedded/electronics domain?

[kishoreinme]

I am into the field of embedded electronic systems domain mainly in software. My interests and knowledge are computer architecture, linux and related fields. I am good at system level thinking. I am 23 now with 1.5 years in the industry. Due to my interests i chose this field. but once i entered here i feel like getting lost in the career ocean again. I am a beginner programmer /engineer now.I have little idea of how my career would proceed long run.how will this go further. My basic interest or need is to have a career which allows me to keep me updated with new things, finding new possibilities for existing process/structures and exploring them which less or no people have did already. I should agree that I lack management skills which is also needed for a successful career. I am now setting my LIFE GOALS which also includes my professional one.could some help me with

[CleeIB]

Hi kishoreinme,

The possible levels of career positions in embedded electronics are the same as any other industry. You can be a worker bee on up to a manager or executive. Thus, you'd start at the programmer/developer level, work up to being, say, a lead developer or project manager, and, if you have the business skills/experience, go into management or being executive level at a business.

If you lack management skills, but want them, you can acquire them in two ways - experience and education. That is, you can naturally become a manager by working your way upwards. And/or you could go to business school and get formal education in management.

At 23, with some industry experience under your belt, you're well-positioned to both work your way up (experience) and/or consider business school (education). Good luck!

[kishoreinme]

Thanks CleelB,

I am doing my Masters in Computers Part time.I like to be in a techno- management kind of environment. Am pretty confident about my skills. but being with small firms till now, i am less exposed to the corporate/industrial practices.On an average I expect to be project lead or equivalent designation in 5 years. that is by my 27 or 28 so.

I am clearly unaware of higher levels of my favorite techno-management designations to form a worthy goal.Consulting being an option, other than this, my query is what does a person with 10 or 15 or 20 years experienced guy in an industry do?

And one more thing at this stage is I wish to learn rigorously at the same time earn equally with job security. how is it advisable to be with small firms then?

How is it advisable switching companies once in an year or so?

[CleeIB]

Hi kishoreinme,

10 to 20 years in an industry can lead to a lot of options. You'll want to start paying attention to who your bosses are, who their bosses are, and similar details in other companies and clients you work with. That will give you a better idea of what your own goals might be. You could be a highly paid worker bee, or you could be management. Or you could be a consultant or a freelancer - it's up to you, really. If you have 10 to 20 years in an industry, you should be able to have some choices.

The small firm vs. big firm argument really depends on the person and the firm. Maybe you want a big firm on your CV. Maybe the pay and benefits are better at a big firm. But maybe you don't want to deal with the bureaucracy and fitting into boxes that big firm life requires. Maybe you want a closer team relationship that a small firm offers, or the excitement of helping build something from the ground up. Maybe you want the greater flexibility and creativity that a small firm offers.

It really is up to you to find a firm that is the best fit for you. As you gain experience, you'll get a better idea of what's best for you.

As for switching companies - you should do so only for a good reason, like higher pay, opportunity for growth, better location, better company culture, etc. It's not advisable to switch companies just to switch companies. Otherwise, your resume will show that you can't keep a job or are not a loyal employee.

Good luck!

[kishoreinme]

Thanks for the responses cleelB