How likely do you think it will be for an EE...

[AznMaverick]

...with an alright GPA (around 3.0) to get a job in the West Coast USA? I'm about to graduate in the coming winter, and i'm wanting to change jobs. Currently i work in the IT dept for one of the navy shipyards in Hawaii, i am pretty much guaranteed a job. However, pay could be better and i thought it might be better if i used what i learned as an EE. Because of my grades though, i don't think i can get a decent job for companies that i wouldn't mind working for (Boeing, Northrop, Orincon, etc).

 

[suicidalpigeon]

electronics expert?

 

[Tbirdkid]

EE= Electrical or Electronics Engineer

Check out Intel, AMD, Infineon, etc.

They are always looking for one.

 

[notfred]

If you're good, it shouldn't be difficult. My experience shows that people who go into a field "because they pay might be better" are rarely very good, though.

 

[jds2006]

You should try to get a job at Eaton. My dad works there and they give you generous benefits.

 

[AznMaverick]

well, i do like the pay, i also like computers a LOT.

oh and btw, it's Electrical Engineer.

 

[AznMaverick]

I've never heard of the company Eaton...what do they do?

 

[Runes911]

Originally posted by: AznMaverick
...with an alright GPA (around 3.0) to get a job in the West Coast USA? I'm about to graduate in the coming winter, and i'm wanting to change jobs. Currently i work in the IT dept for one of the navy shipyards in Hawaii, i am pretty much guaranteed a job. However, pay could be better and i thought it might be better if i used what i learned as an EE. Because of my grades though, i don't think i can get a decent job for companies that i wouldn't mind working for (Boeing, Northrop, Orincon, etc).

Even if the pay isnt too great its Hawaii! Come on! Hell I would live there any day!

 

[AznMaverick]

Yea, i mean i love it here, but house prices are ridiculous, and are continuing to rise because of the demand.

 

[Ranger X]

Originally posted by: AznMaverick
Yea, i mean i love it here, but house prices are ridiculous, and are continuing to rise because of the demand.

Then don't come to California. Try your luck in the Seattle or the Portland areas.

 

[Mday]

Electrical engineers are engineers by college education.
Electronics Engineers are technicians by trade school education.

Don't confuse the two.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Isn't the cost of living in Hawaii like - really extravagant? I mean like $20 boxes of cereal and stuff (because everything has to be shipped over.)

Think of all the Hot Deals you're missing out on by not being in the lower 48!

 

[AznMaverick]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Isn't the cost of living in Hawaii like - really extravagant? I mean like $20 boxes of cereal and stuff (because everything has to be shipped over.)

Think of all the Hot Deals you're missing out on by not being in the lower 48!

haha...well, $20 is a bit extreme, but things are a bit higher here. Gas prices are definitely insane. And we don't have a Best Buy yet, or a Fry's so it kinds of is lame.

Oh yea, i will be an electrical engineer...at least on paper. Also, in California, i think prices are high, but at least the houses are bigger than what you can get in Hawaii. i've seen what 700k-800k can buy, and i wasn't really too impressed.

 

[SaturnX]

Originally posted by: Mday
Electrical engineers are engineers by college education.
Electronics Engineers are technicians by trade school education.

Don't confuse the two.

If it's a trade school education, you can't call yourself an engineer.. hell you can't call yourself engineering unless you're licensed even with a college degree, however, I generally see trade school graduates refered to as Technicians, or Engineering Technicians.

--Mark

 

[SaturnX]

Originally posted by: AznMaverick
...with an alright GPA (around 3.0) to get a job in the West Coast USA? I'm about to graduate in the coming winter, and i'm wanting to change jobs. Currently i work in the IT dept for one of the navy shipyards in Hawaii, i am pretty much guaranteed a job. However, pay could be better and i thought it might be better if i used what i learned as an EE. Because of my grades though, i don't think i can get a decent job for companies that i wouldn't mind working for (Boeing, Northrop, Orincon, etc).

See, there's your problem, working in IT with an EE education... you're not even applying ANYTHING you've gained from your education, you need to break out of the IT field firstly.

--Mark

 

[Stojakapimp]

I'm a recent EE grad with an alright gpa who just got a job on the West Coast. I don't think it'll be too difficult for you. Just don't except to be making bank right off...you'll probably have to work your way up

 

[Glavinsolo]

GPA doesn't speak as highly as it used to.

A graduate with a 4.0 GPA that didn't engage in any organizations or get experience in the form of a coop or internship will be considered with the same intent to hire as someone with a 2.5 GPA and engaged in organizations and coops.

 

[Mani]

Originally posted by: Glavinsolo
GPA doesn't speak as highly as it used to.

A graduate with a 4.0 GPA that didn't engage in any organizations or get experience in the form of a coop or internship will be considered with the same intent to hire as someone with a 2.5 GPA and engaged in organizations and coops.

Yep, GPA is pretty much only used as an entry card for interviews. For example, above 2.5, or above 3.0 will get you an audience. Beyond that it's all your interview and experience.

The fact is, the guy hiring you probably didn't have great grades and understands you don't need them to succeed in the workplace.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Originally posted by: Tbirdkid
EE= Electrical or Electronics Engineer
Check out Intel, AMD, Infineon, etc.
They are always looking for one.

Just wish they were looking for more internationals. Having a good GPA hasn't helped me out too much (although I am flying to Dallas for an interview with TI - yay! )
If Intel hired me, I'd still use my A64-based lappy

 

[AznMaverick]

what are average starting salaries for EEs?
right now i'll be starting at 40k with 6-8k increases for the first 2-3 years.

 

[Omegachi]

NEPD is the way to be!

 

[RaynorWolfcastle]

3.0 is a decent GPA in EE (I assume it's 3.0/4.0). You should be able to find a job.

 

[AznMaverick]

Originally posted by: Omegachi
NEPD is the way to be!

I'd rather stay in IT...even payroll said that IT has teh highest payscale. But if i were to work as a real engineer, i'd want to go to a company that does real engineering things.

 

[xyion]

I graduated EE in August 04 with a good GPA and pull down between 60-70k, in the Northeast US.

 

[Omegachi]

i think IT does have the highest pay scale in the yard