Electronics and communications engineering

Inbox

Hi guys, I might be starting this course in September course in Kevin street DT008

It's an ordinary degree and then there is the option to progress into an honours degree in electronic/electrical engineering DT021 or into computer and communications engineering DT081 These are DIT courses.

I havent a clue to What kind of job can somebody get from these degrees?

Will It be well paid work? Any scope for self employment? Any graduates from any of these courses doing well?

Kensington

Definitely take the honours degree program - it's only an additional two years.

I started off in DT008, now graduating from DT081 this year. Both good and interesting courses although the workload is extremely intense, particularly in 4th year of DT021/DT081. Don't let it put you off though if you are interested in engineering.

DT021 would be electrical engineering end side of things.
Designing and maintaining electrical power grids, power transmission and generation, RF design and maintenance and plant control systems.

DT081 is more computer focused.
Software engineering (C++/Java), database design and management, designing and building data communication networks, cellular systems, working within Windows and Unix operating systems.

Jobwise, ESB/Eirgrid seem pretty popular with DT021 grads.
For DT081, Ericsson, Intel and IBM have been pretty big employers over the years.

The starting salary for most coming out of either course is about €30,000 p.a.

There's good scope for self employment.
Both courses include modules on project management, contract law, basic business accounting procedures, the legal aspects of setting up a business, employer/employee law etc.
So you'd have a good idea of the procedure to set up and run your own business if you choose.

Inbox

That's a great post thanks alot. I've applied for DT010 electrical services engineering and DT002 engineering systems maintenance also.

But I'd say the electronics and communications engineering is the best one to do because you could progress a couple of different ways with it.

@Kensington, sorry man but now that you've graduated what job can you actually do?

Kensington

Well I took the internship program in DT081 where you're basically placed in a company in the industry for Year 3 and Year, two days a week. I've been lucky to be kept on after I finished by the company I work for. The job is pretty varied to be honest - the main focus is software development, but there's software testing, graphic design, database management, hardware diagnosis, elements of project management and project scoping.

In terms of what I could do (and at the risk of sounding like I'm bragging, so I apologise if it comes across that way ) - for example, if you gave me a list of requirements for a data communications network, say a corporate LAN for an office, I could scope it, set out appropriate specs for it, simulate it in software, verify it, then go and build and configure it for you in real life with hardware, including any storage, servers, domains, firewalls and security etc.

Or you could tell me you need a computer program to perform a particular function - I could define what functionality is required of the program, choose a suitable operating system to run it on, choose a suitable development environment and language, program the backend "engine" of the program, create a database or other storage environment to store any data and information associated with it, design a suitable user interface for it, write all of the bible-esque documentation for it and then test and deliver it to you.


From the sounds of it DT008 > DT021 would be the path for your case, going on what other courses you've chosen. Sounds like you're interested in the power and electrical end of things?

DT008 is a winner if you're not sure whether you want to go into the electrical end of things, or the computer end of things, as it gives you a taste of both. Then, once you're sure of what route you want to take, you branch off into either DT021 or DT081.

brotherrabbit

Well lads, I graduated DT002. FANTASTIC course! very well rounded and industry orientated. Very hands on and covers alot of important areas that employers love to see on cv,s. I would defo recommend it.
Any questions.pm me