Optical Engineers

Students interested in optics can join science and engineering clubs that provide opportunities for experimentation, problem solving, and team-building activities. These clubs provide good grounding in science and math principles and the skills students will need as engineers. Ask your science teacher if you can arrange an independent study project. Another way of exploring is through conducting simple experiments on the properties of light. Books on optics often provide instructions for experiments that may be done with a minimum of equipment. Contact your school or local library for books and other resources to explore.

College students may wish to consider joining a student chapter of a professional association such as SPIE or Optica (formerly the Optical Society). Participation in association-sponsored events provides an excellent means to meet with professionals working in the area of optical engineering and to learn more about the field. In addition, membership may include a subscription to trade magazines that include interesting and informative articles on optics. Although these associations do charge membership fees, they are relatively inexpensive for college students.