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Are you fascinated by controlling robots, restoring memory in Alzheimer patients, or programming driverless vehicles? If so, then a career as a neural engineer may be right for you. Here’s what it’s like to become one and how to get started.
Neural engineers are responsible for creating and maintaining the neural networks that power the artificial intelligence systems of tomorrow. If you have a background in computer science and want to take your career in this direction, here’s what you need to know.
What do neural engineers do?
Neural engineers work with artificial intelligence systems that involve large amounts of data. They’re responsible for creating new algorithms and maintaining existing ones, ensuring they’re running at peak efficiency. Neural engineers also develop new ways to gather data from humans or other sources and use them to train these systems.
The best way to become a neural engineer is by getting a degree in computer science or engineering. You’ll need to be familiar with machine learning concepts like neural networks and deep learning. You should also have experience working with Python or Java programming languages; these are the most commonly used tools in this field.
How to become a neural engineer
Earn a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to pursue a career as a neural engineer, you’ll need to earn at least an undergraduate degree. Choose the right bachelor’s degree program for your interests and goals; make sure it has a strong focus on math, science and engineering courses that will prepare you for college-level work. You’ll also need to maintain good grades throughout your time in school—this will help demonstrate your ability to succeed in higher education.
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, consider applying for a competitive graduate program with an emphasis on neural engineering. In addition to having excellent grades from your bachelor’s program, look for schools that require applicants’ GRE scores or other standardized tests (such as the MCAT).
Pursue hands-on experience.
- Take part in work experience opportunities.
- Volunteer in a lab.
- Build your own projects. If you’re serious about neural engineering and have the time, consider building a project or two of your own—perhaps something that involves machine learning or deep learning, as this will give you an instant advantage over other candidates for jobs and internships. You can also check out some of our other tutorials for inspiration!
- Take part in hackathons. Hackathons allow participants to make use of their creativity while working on new ideas from scratch; they’re great places to meet professionals who aren’t afraid to take risks with their projects!
Earn a graduate degree.
In order for you to become a neural engineer, it is essential that you earn a graduate degree. A master’s degree will allow you to specialize in the field and gain practical experience. However, if you want to do research and work with other neuroscientists and engineers in academia, then earning your PhD is recommended. Below are some examples of relevant graduate programs:
- Master’s Degree in Neural Engineering: University at Albany-SUNY has one such program that includes coursework on neural engineering topics as well as hands-on lab training at the Center for Biomedical Imaging Research (CIBR).
- PhD in Biomedical Engineering: University of Pittsburgh offers this option through its Graduate School of Public Health. Students take courses on biomechanics, cellular and molecular neuroscience methods, bioelectricity/dynamics across scales including ion channel recordings from organelles down through whole organs such as heart or brain tissue; computational neuroscience modeling using state-of-the art software packages including MATLAB/Octave; career counseling support throughout their time here at Pitt; opportunities for international study abroad experiences during summers off away from Pittsburgh campus (e.g., Singapore).
Find an internship or apprenticeship.
- Find an internship or apprenticeship. As you look for your first job, it’s helpful to consider what kind of work you want to do and how much experience you’ll need to be successful. One way to gain that experience is by finding an internship or apprenticeship in your chosen field. Internships may be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time; they can last anywhere from a few weeks up to a year. Apprenticeships tend to last longer (upwards of three years) and are sometimes coupled with classes at community colleges or trade schools.
- Get certified by taking courses through your local community college, trade school, university program, etc. If you don’t have the money for college courses right now but still want some professional development opportunities in order to find a job later on—or even just get more familiar with the field—consider getting certified through one of these programs instead!
Obtain certification (optional).
While certification is not required for neural engineers, it may be an asset to your career. Certification requirements vary by state, but generally speaking, you will need to pass an exam in order to secure your certification.
Certification provides proof of knowledge and skill that employers can use when hiring or promoting employees who are interested in neural engineering.
It takes hard work and perseverance to become a neural engineer.
Neural engineering is a field of study that’s becoming more and more popular. With the ability to treat brain disorders and create new, more sophisticated technology for people with disabilities, neural engineers have an important role in today’s world.
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in this growing field, it’s important to know what it takes to become a neural engineer. The first step is getting your education—what kind of education do you need?
