HEP Presentation

MY HOKIE

ENGINEERING PLAN

By Chelsea W.

My Dream Job and WHy

My dream job is to be an RF (Radio Frequency) engineer.

I would like to work in a job that is structured and analytical. I would enjoy an environment where I could collaborate with others and exchange ideas. I want to be a Radio Frequency engineer because it involves working on futuristic systems that will power things such as autonomous vehicles.

Why this job needs me and what I need for this job

RF engineering needs me because I have analytical and critical thinking skills

My comfort with circuit analysis is a practical skill I have that’d lead to a positive change in RF. For this job, you need systems thinking and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. I will probably need to work on my adaptability and resilience before I pursue this field

VT Major exploreration

Chemical Engineering

Ocean Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Computer Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mining and Materials Engineering

Industrial & Systems Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

Major overview

Electrical Engineering vs. Industrial Engineering

Industrial and Systems Engineering is the study of optimizing processes and systems [2]. This major is (somewhat) related to my dream job because even though ISE doesn’t teach you to design antennas or circuits, it can teach you wireless network planning. This major relates to my skills and interests because I enjoy planning and using structured problem-solving skills for simplicity.

Electrical Engineering is the study of developing and maintaining electrical systems [1]. This major is related to my dream job because Radio frequency is a specialized branch of E.E. The E.E major relates to my interests and skills because I have experience with circuits due to classes I took in high school.

Research Areas

Electromagnetics vs. Wireless Network Optimization

Electromagnetism research is about the physics of high frequency signals [3]. It includes designing antennas, filters, and microwave circuits for things like radar, satellite communications, and wireless networks [4]. This relates to my dream job of being an RF engineer because electromagnetism is the core foundation of Radio Frequency engineering. Wireless network Optimization research area is about designing and improving large-scale wireless communication systems so they can deliver maximum coverage and performance [5]. This relates to being an RF engineer because it ensures that the RF hardware is deployed in the most effective way

Course requirements

ECE 3105 + ISE 3434

ECE 3105: This course is about introductory electrostatics and introductory magnetostatics. This prepares me for RF because all radio systems use the RF spectrum, where electromagnetic waves control how signals behave.[6].

Electromagnetic Fields

ISE 3434: This course is about algorithmic strategies for improving complex systems such as wireless networks. This will prepare me to be a radio frequency engineer because it teaches me to design smarter and efficient wireless systems [7].

Applied Optimization

Alternate JOb Titles

Signals Processing Engineer [8]

Control Systems Engineer [8]

Power Systems Engineer [8]

EE

EE

EE

Supply Chain Analyst [9]

Industrial Designer [9]

Process Engineer [9]

ISE

ISE

ISE

Here are some other jobs besides Radio Frequency Engineer and Wireless Network planner that you can have with a Electrical Engineering degree or an Industrial and Systems Engineering degree

Engineering Occupation Exploration

Company 1: Microwave Products Group

Qualifications needed for this job include (1) Bachelors in Electrical Engineering w/ primary focus in RF, (2) Ability to apply advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory, and (3) Experience with RF design simulation software for filter analysis [10].

The title of this occupation is RF Engineer Level 7. Tasks that are expected of this job include (1) Design radio frequency filters, (2) Analyze filter response to meet customer specifications, and (3) Work closely with digital engineers [10].

Engineering Occupation Exploration (Pt. 2)

Company 2: General Dynamics Information technology

Requirements for this position inculde (1) Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or in a related field, (2) Ability to apply advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory, (3) Have active Top Secret clearance, (4) U.S Citizenship required, (5) and Experience managing tasks with Jira [11].

The title of this occupation is Unified Communication Engineer. Tasks that are expected for this job include (1) Identify and Resolve Technical Issues, (2) Maintain Cisco network environments, and (3) Provide support across requiremnts analysis [11].

What I need for my dream job

The skills, responsibilities, experience, and management I need to be an RF Engineer

Experience: Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, 3-5 years of experience is most common, should be familiar with MATLAB, python, and simulation platforms. Also PCB (printed circuit board) design [14]. Management: You manage RF circuit and antenna design, calibration and maintenance of test instruments, and coordinating with hardware, software, and manufacturing teams [15].

Skills: Understand Antenna design, troubleshoot circuit issues, and simulation/modeling [12]. Responsibilities: Conduct simulations to evaluate design options, test Radio Frequency Design Elements, and install & maintain wireless networks [13].

0-1 years

DIY Job Posting

Of experience needed

Company: Electro Co.

3.0

Job title: Entry Radio Frequency Engineer for Recent Grads Location: Blacksburg, VA Required Education: Bachelor's in electrical engineering or related field Expected tasks: Design radio frequency filters and analyze filter response [10] [11]

GPA Minimum

$85,000

Starting Pay - Can be negotiated

Co-Curricular Option 1: Internships

Internships help me build engineering and professional skills by involving me in projects that have to do with industry challenges. An internship will strengthen my problem-solving abilities, technical communication, and mathematical application through hands-on work and simulation tools. Internships will prepare me to be a radio frequency engineer by giving me hands-on experience with industry tools and real-world RF challenges [16].

Co-Curricular Option 2: Study Abroad

Studying abroad helps me build professional and engineering skills by exposing me to environments that challenge my problem-solving abilities and deepen my understanding of core engineering principles. Studying abroad will prepare me to be a radio frequency engineer by strengthening my ability to collaborate across cultures and disciplines, which is essential for designing and deploying global RF systems [17].

extra-curricular option 1: institute of electrical and electronic engineers

IEEE will help me develop the professional and technical skill sets necessary for RF engineering by teaching me foundational concepts like circuit design, signal analysis, and systems integration through hands-on activities. These experiences directly support my goals of applying advanced mathematics in RF contexts. IEEE’s emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement aligns with my interest in optimizing RF systems and infrastructure [18].

timeline

Summer of 2028

Summer of 2027

Fall of 2026

At least one internship by the summer of my 3rd year

Engage in a study abroad experience over the summer

Participate in IEEE events regularly by next fall

CITES

[1]“What does an electrical engineer do?,” Careerexplorer.com, Apr. 11, 2017. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/electrical-engineer/ (accessed Oct. 12, 2025).[2]“What does an industrial engineer do? - CareerExplorer,” www.careerexplorer.com. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/industrial-engineer/ (accessed Oct. 12, 2025). [3]“Understanding Electromagnetism | Key Principles & Applications,” Modern Physics Insights: Discover, Understand, Innovate, Jul. 30, 2024. https://modern-physics.org/electromagnetism/ (accessed Oct. 12, 2025). [4]L. Brenner, “What Devices Use Electromagnets?,” Sciencing, Apr. 13, 2018. https://www.sciencing.com/devices-use-electromagnets-8157174/ (accessed Oct. 12, 2025). [5]IBM, “Network optimization,” Ibm.com, May 08, 2024. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/network-optimization (accessed Oct. 12, 2025). [6]“Electrical Engineering Major | Virginia Tech,” catalog.vt.edu. https://catalog.vt.edu/undergraduate/college-engineering/electrical-computer-engineering/electrical-engineering-bs/ (accessed Oct. 12, 2025). [7]“Industrial and Systems Engineering Major | Virginia Tech,” Vt.edu, 2024. https://catalog.vt.edu/undergraduate/college-engineering/industrial-systems-engineering/industrial-systems-engineering-bs/#programcurriculumtext (accessed Oct. 12, 2025).[8]“17 Different Types of Jobs for Electrical Engineers,” CheddarDen, Nov. 19, 2021. https://cheddarden.com/types-of-jobs-for-electrical-engineers/ (accessed Oct. 14, 2025). [9]Indeed Editorial Team, “17 Industrial Engineering Careers (With Salaries and Job Responsibilities),” Indeed Career Guide, Apr. 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/industrial-engineering-careers (accessed Oct. 14, 2025). [10]“LinkedIn,” Linkedin.com, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4205010371 (accessed Oct. 14, 2025).

CITES

[11]LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4255333104 (accessed Oct. 14, 2025).[12]“Top 15 Radio Frequency Engineer Skills,” Zippia.com, Oct. 2020. https://www.zippia.com/radio-frequency-engineer-jobs/skills/ (accessed Oct. 15, 2025).[13]G. Editorial, “RF Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025],” Interview Questions, 2025. https://interviewguy.com/rf-engineer-job-description/ (accessed Oct. 15, 2025).[14]“Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer,” NC State Online and Distance Education, 2015. https://online-distance.ncsu.edu/career/rf-engineer/ (accessed Oct. 15, 2025).[15]“Radio Frequency Engineer,” Jobicy, 2025. https://jobicy.com/careers/radio-frequency-engineer (accessed Oct. 15, 2025).[16]“Bridge Experience Program,” Vt.edu, 2025. https://xl.vt.edu/programs-and-opportunities/bridge-experience.html (accessed Oct. 17, 2025).[17]E. Chung, “Engineering Everywhere -Returning to normalcy for Engineering Study Abroad programs,” Engineers’ Forum, Sep. 10, 2022. https://www.vtengineersforum.com/post/engineering-everywhere-returning-to-normalcy-for-engineering-study-abroad-programs (accessed Oct. 17, 2025).[18]“- GobblerConnect,” gobblerconnect.vt.edu. https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/organization/ieee (accessed Oct. 17, 2025).