While many of the jobs in semiconductors and electronics are entry-level installation and factory semiconductor jobs and administrative positions, there are other careers in the semiconductor industry that are best achieved with additional semiconductor employment training. Educational opportunities abound for you to get training for electromechanical operations, clean room technology and procedures certificates and other electronic skill sets.

Consider a degree to get you started and add semiconductor industry career development courses through training centers and trade groups. Take advantage of a semiconductor job search to examine the needs in the industry for courses in new technology such as semiconductor, microsystems, and nanotechnology suppliers' programs, then look for training that will further your professional development.

1. Watch recruiting sites for entry-level semiconductor jobs.

2. Look for advanced courses that are needed for executive and management electronics careers.

3. Participate in trade groups for electronics jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for training for entry-level semiconductor jobs

While you are job hunting and considering careers in the semiconductor industry, keep an eye out for the trends that are leading the electronics industry to point you to the training that you need to meet the demands of the times. Start out with an Associate Certified Electronics Technician certification to get your foot in the door.

I recommend: Take entry-level classes at home at your own pace from the online courses offered by ETA. Since 1981, Semiconductor Services has been developing training programs for the industry. You can take your own path of training or use the company to bring in specialized courses for your staff.

Seek advanced training for your semiconductor industry career

Continue earning additional certifications and business management training throughout your career. Advanced degrees in electronics are easily available through accredited online universities and schools. Look for cutting edge courses that will set you apart such as training for microchip design and green environmental products.

I recommend: Get advanced training and professional development courses through Semitracks. Some leading schools for electrical and semiconductor engineering are Carnegie-Mellon and Georgia Tech; find more at UnivSource.

Join associations that offer training for jobs in the electronics industry for their members

Most electronics and semiconductor trade associations offer continuing education and professional development training for jobs in the electronics industry for their members. They help you advance your career while offering events and meetings at which you can build important industry contacts.

I recommend: Make important contacts and follow the trends in the industry while getting advanced training through the American Electronics Association, a trade group serving the industry. Get training and support through Mindshare, the training arm of the Electronics Industry Alliance. The IEEE offers extensive training and certification opportunities for careers in semiconductors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for an experienced professional who will give you an apprentice electronics job so that you'll have experience to add to your resume as you complete your education.

Jobs in semiconductors are a critical part of the American economy. The semiconductor industry first emerged in the 1960s, and since then has been marked by rapid technological advances.

Since semiconductors are the brains of electronics, electronics jobs are closely tied to careers in semiconductors. Jobs in the electronics industry include designing and manufacturing electronic devices such as computers, televisions and camcorders.

Before you begin your search for employees to fill electronics and semiconductor jobs, consider the following:

1. Do you want to fill entry-level semiconductor jobs and electronics jobs?

2. Do you want to find experienced workers in the electronics industry?

3. Do you need professionals who are experienced in the semiconductor industry?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact schools that teach about electronics and semiconductor jobs

The electronics and semiconductor industries are rapidly growing and evolving, so you'll want to hire employees who know all about the latest advancements in the field. A low-cost way of recruiting for entry-level positions is to contact the electronics departments at colleges and universities in your area and post advertisements on college job boards.

I recommend: Baltimore City Community College offers an electronics technology degree that aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in the electronics industry. Central Texas College has three degree programs in the electronics field, including computer electronics.

Find experienced employees for electronics jobs

Experienced employees in electronics jobs have the opportunity to design, develop and build the cutting-edge technology that will potentially drive the future U.S. economy. Jobs in this growing field are available through a variety of placement firms.

I recommend: Recruiting Services International specializes in helping to fill jobs at electronics companies. All you need to do is enter some basic information onto the company's website, such as job description, salary and location, and a recruiter will contact you. The company prides itself on giving employers candidates that exactly meet the necessary qualifications. The Ashton Search Group claims to be one of the country's leading technological search firms. The company specializes in placing engineers at technology companies across the United States. The firm prequalifies its candidates and staffs nearly half of the Fortune 500 companies.

Find experienced employees to fill semiconductor jobs

Careers in the semiconductor industry can be lucrative and rewarding for employees. The industry is rapidly changing and expanding, so if you are looking for experienced candidates, you may want to contact a firm that specializes in semiconductor job placement.

I recommend: Dick Williams and Associates was founded more than 10 years ago by a semiconductor sales and marketing executive. The company specializes in placing executives and experienced engineers, and the agency has helped place hundreds of people with semiconductor companies across the world. The website of Fitzpatrick & Associates lists more than 700 candidates for jobs in the semiconductor industry. Simply enter "semiconductor" in the keyword search engine on the company's webpage to view all the results.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When recruits compare salaries for an electronics job or a semiconductor job in different cities, be sure to remind them to take into account differences in the cost of living. Cost of living calculators are available online to help them make a comparison.