<p>I believe the traditional way of getting into research is to get a Ph.D in the desired field and then to work for a research university. However, I am sure research/development positions exist in industry too...? I would like to hear the thoughts of members on this board on the preparation necessary for a career that involves research in (electrical) engineering within industry.
I would ideally traverse the traditional path... Ph.D -> postdoctorate -> professorship... however, considering the uncertainty of actually achieving such a position (due to employment conditions in academia) and also because of the opportunity present within industry, I am more interested in industry. I should clarify that I am using the term "research" rather loosely to define engineering positions within industry that require innovation rather than just testing hardware, or simple design positions, etc. How can I prepare to be able to get such a position as early as possible in my career?</p>
<p>I think by engineering research you really mean "development". Development Engineers aren't give totally free range, but are given an end goal and a budget then set loose. </p>
<p>Those who test the hardware would be Quality Engineers, and those who design software, boards, etc. would be Design Engineers.</p>
<p>I would assume that in order to get a Development position only a masters would be required, with a PhD coming from your industry work and a uni sponsor. Thus, I would try to get into a masters program that has a leading specailist on the staff in the field you wish to enter, and then get an intern with that person.</p>
<p>I recently interviewed for this R&D consulting company. they do some hardcore engineering there and their specialty is "bridging the gap between research and industry". Most of the people working there have a phd but you can also work there with a masters or bachelors. It's pretty small so I only heard about it through my gf's friend.</p>
<p>The opportunities for industrial research with a PhD in EE are outstanding and it's a great intellectually and financially rewarding life! You ultimately need to go to graduate school for a PhD at a good research university and work with a good mentor preferably in a good group. You learn as much if not more from your fellow graduate students as your mentor. Also, try to find a research area that appeals to you that has both a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical part provides evidence that you can contribute broadly, the practical part provides evidence that you understand exactly how your research can have real impact. </p>
<p>In order to get into a good graduate school and find a good mentor, you should try to do some research at your undergraduate institution so that you understand what's involved and can get a good personal recommendation from someone who will know you well. A summer job at a company that is doing real research could also be good. Try to go to some talks in different research groups; you may not understand much, but you'll understand the problem statements and the impacts and will eventually get a feel for what areas you like. Join the IEEE and get some of the publications that have more tutorial articles.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies everyone... its too early to say, but I really like nanotech and semiconductor related material, or quantum computing. My passion is actually physics though I really love how physics is practically grounded in engineering (don't care too much about string theory, etc.)
Also, what is the employment situation in r&d engineering? I don't really see it as a career you can definitely aim at but more like an opportunity that can arise any time from an engineering career. I would suppose there are far fewer engineers in r&d... is that because there are so few Ph.Ds or because there just isn't enough work for them?</p>
<p>Japher... yes, quality and design engineering is fine thought what I would really love to do is the development engineers part at some point during my career. Would getting a masters or PhD expedite the process? And would it be better to wait some time and get employed before going for the PhD?</p>
<p>I would suggest looking for development work after getting a BS, but would also plan on getting your MS. If nothing pans out, and it probably won't, then I would definitly get my MS. From what I have seen, development people generally have better luck at landing entry level employment with a MS vs. a BS. I would then, once employeed, work towards my PhD. It may be, afterall, that a PhD in your field isn't needed or not in your future, and another degree may be the right path. This is something you won't know until you are in the field. </p>
<p>PhD candidates are difficult to employ when they have no industry experience. Even though they may be able to do the work there is an entitlement issue that, whether it is real or perceived, will keep them from getting and/or keeping the job.</p>