Expert: Carlo Segre - 4/8/2011

Question
Pls i'm a final year HND physics with electronics student.in what area can i work. Or can i use my certificate to study electronics in the university via direct entry. Or should i go for Post graduate diploma.

Answer
Hello Yusuf,

From what I understand the Higher National Diploma (HND) is equivalent to the first two years of university, or roughly an Associates degree in the United States.  Your direction after this is really dependent on what your career interest is.  With the HND, it is likely that you can find a job as an entry level electronics or information technology technician or a junior engineer.

I did a quick search and found a position listed for HND physics and electronics, it reads:  

 Test Technician: Chemistry/ Physics/Electronics - Preferably with a degree,
 hnd/hnc in chemistry, or electronics or physics with manufacturing
 experience a fantastic opportunity to join our... ... Engineering,
 Scientific, £18,000 to £22,500 per year (£18,000 to £22,500 negot...)

and another for HND physics

 Thermal Design Engineer - And there will be some customer and supplier
 liaison. essential qualifications include an hnd... discipline (physics /
 mathematics) or associated discipline. good computer literacy... ...
 Engineering


You can see the salary range and note that it requires experience so you get the idea of what kind of positions you can apply for.

It is unlikely that you have studied enough physics to really have a position as a physicist or an engineer in a company.  This requires a BSc degree.  I am not sure as to what kind of postgraduate diploma you are referring to but my guess that it is some kind of specialized skills training.  If so that will be useful probably after you have a job and you see what skills your employer would value for promotion or what skills you would like to develop to move into another position.

The final decision depends on what your talents and interests are.  If you like university and would like to finish the BSc, by all means do so.  If you have a need to get in the job market right away or you don't have a desire to study further, then by all means, look for a position immediately.  I think that your potential earnings will be higher if you complete a BSc.

Cheers,

Carlo