Employers

Radio frequency identification device specialists work for companies that track goods, shipments, and other objects. They are employed by companies that are involved in telecommunications, semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing; architectural, engineering, and related services; federal agencies; and other types of manufacturing. Retail trade, transportation and warehousing, and construction industries also employ RFID specialists. Approximately 128,800 electronics engineers, including RFID specialists, are employed in the United States.

Starting Out

RFID specialists start in entry-level positions and receive on-the-job training. Many get their start through internships while they are in college. They may receive job offers upon graduation. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding internship and job listings. RFID specialists also find jobs through professional associations and by searching for jobs posted on industry publications like RFID Journal and on LinkedIn, SimplyHired, and other similar Web sites.

Radio frequency identification device specialists advance in their careers by honing their skills and knowledge through certification and participation in continuing education programs. Those with five or more years of work experience may become senior specialists, responsible for more complex projects. They become managers and department heads, hiring and overseeing the work of RFID specialists and related workers. They also grow their reputation in the field by becoming active in professional associations and joining committees, teaching classes, and speaking at industry-related conferences.

Get a part-time job at a company that specializes in radio frequency identification devices. Find job listings online and also ask your school's career services office for help with the job search.

Attend conferences and events to meet others working in the radio frequency identification field. Find upcoming event listings at https://www.rfidjournal.com/events.

Learn more about the developments and challenges of using RFID by reading case studies, posted on the RFID Journal's Web site at https://www.rfidjournal.com/category/case-studies.

The RFID Professional Institute offers a resources page that has helpful information on everything from basic RFID terminology to industry standards and training, https://rfidpros.org/resources.html.