[SBE] defining broadcast engineering education

[Bob Reite]

My formal education consisted of an Associate in Arts degree in 
Electronic Engineering Technology from Santa Monica City College (Now 
Santa Monica College).   I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to get a BS in 
Electronic Engineering, but the higher math was a real struggle and I 
needed to start earning an income so I dropped out after a year and went 
to work.   I calculate that even with the relatively low expenses of a 
state college that I made more money overall by going to work instead of 
struggling another two years at additional expense to get a BS degree.

Plus the fact that I like to get my hands dirty on the hardware.  People 
with a BS generally design things, but someone else builds them.


Reynolds, Paul (CXR-San Antonio) wrote:

> I've been in Radio Engineering for about 40+ years.  I have no degree.  My experience has been that as a "Chief Engineer" a degree met nothing.  The best thing going was SBE certification and I can't say that ever got me an additional nickel of pay.  My training is of course from USAF in 1960 for over a year.  Tubes, back then.  I had to go back to tech school to learn transistors in about 1962.  I went to Dallas FCC office in early 70's and took Elements 1,2,3 & 4 I think it was all in the same day...from an RT permit when I was flying (Single & Multi-engine, Commercial and Instrument Rated) to an FCC First Class in one day.  It was a little exhausting.  I have been most fortunate in working for many understanding GM's and probably one of the best who treated me very well.  I also had one of the worst for 14 years who HATED ENGINEERS.  He was never on my Christmas card list either.  But I lived through him.  What a façade he could put on.  He had received a 'mailer' from S

BE to GM's about engineer certifications.  He just thought that was the best thing in the world.  At that time, I politely informed him I had been SBE Senior Certified since about 1978 or 80 and I am thinking I had already had my CPBE at that time.  He shut up and I never heard about that subject again.  Nor any merit raise either. We added an LMA FM and I got nothing extra.  We bought it later as well as an AM FM combo and I got nothing extra.  My point being, I never let college stand in the way of my education.  I have taken many certifications in many areas of my needs and enjoyment and broadened my knowledge...most of it all self taught.

> That same GM NEVER sent me to a high school career day, only the popular morning guy/couple.  The broadcast industry has shot them selves in the foot by such GM's.  No incentive to attract any younger generation.  I am going to retire in a year or two and it will be very expensive to them for a grease pencil so I can show them which crank to turn.

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