Laser Technicians

Talk to your school counselor about careers in laser technology. If you live near a community or technical college that offers programs in laser technology, visit the institution and talk with counselors and teachers. In addition, review some of the periodicals that are devoted to the field of lasers. Periodicals such as the Journal of Laser Applications (https://pubs.aip.org/lia/jla) and LaserFocusWorld (https://www.laserfocusworld.com) may offer valuable insight into the field. You should also listen to Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast (https://www.laserfocusworld.com/podcasts) to learn more about the field. 

Lasers are used in so many places that it should be fairly easy to find a local laser technician, operator, or engineer who can share knowledge about his or her job. It might be possible to find summer or part-time work in construction, manufacturing, or mining where lasers are used in measuring, cutting and welding, and surveying. This type of work can give you a look at jobs in laser technology.

Participate in engineering- and science-related summer exploration programs that are offered by colleges and universities, high schools, companies, and professional associations to learn about STEM-related topics.