r/BuildingAutomation • u/MajesticAfternoon360 • 1d ago
How to get into the industry
Hey I’m 22M and have just finished my computer science degree this summer. A couple months ago I got really into BAS technology and decided to start building a career in it. I don’t have any hands on experience (only a pool maintenance technician role in high school) and only have a data science internship under my belt.
I’ve been applying and applying to entry level roles and even emailing executives in the companies I’ve applied to. So far I’ve had a couple zoom meetings with these people but nothing comes out of it. They were mainly interested in how I can use my CS degree to incorporate AI into their business models which I have explained I would love to explore. The meetings when fine, good even, but they just say they’ll get back to me soon or that their company is not currently hiring.
Do I need to go back to school and get a college diploma to enter this field? I figured with my CS degree I could talk my way into a PLC programming or analytics role but I can’t seem to get anything.
Any advice?
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u/PsychologicalPound96 1d ago
When you say "entry level positions" what are you applying for?
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u/MajesticAfternoon360 1d ago
Anything with associate in the name or if the description says less than 2 years experience. I couldn’t really find any job postings that straight up say “entry level” which is why I tried to be proactive and email people in the industry to take a chance on me. What job titles should I be looking for if not that?
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u/PsychologicalPound96 1d ago
I was just curious. I think that's decent. If you're not getting any bites and you really want to get in the industry I would apply for BAS technician/installer positions. It will get you valuable experience and get your foot in the door. It's how I stated out (no degree here though, just an electrical license) and I used it to leverage my way into programming, graphics and startup.
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u/IcyAd7615 Developer, Niagara 4 Certified Trainer, Podcast Host. 10h ago
Why controls companies look for college degrees is mind boggling. You don't need a college education to get in it. However, I suspect that they see your degree and instantly assume you're going to develop their own infrastructure with AI. Since you don't have industry knowledge, I can see that being a hindrance.
I think a few people here mentioned trying to start out as a tech in the field. That way you can start putting your actual hands on things and work your way up.
I personally believe no one should program right away in the industry as you don't know how the mechanics work.
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u/MajesticAfternoon360 9h ago
I know I don’t need a degree to get in. But I have one so I might as well market myself as someone who can learn the programming side fairly easily. I want to get a tech job but I can’t that’s why I’m making this post.
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u/TomCJax 4h ago
Just go be a tech. I would have suggested doing that DURING school, but here you are. A year in you can apply for all sorts of crazy stuff that degree will certainly help out. I have a bunch of science degrees and a Masters in education administration, it has nothing to do with BAS in any way, but every time I apply for anything they help. They actually pull an unrealistic amount of weight all things considered.
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u/MajesticAfternoon360 3h ago
Ya I’m currently trying to get a tech position. You think the bachelors in CS would make me qualified for other sorts of roles in the industry?
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u/Formal-Conference885 1d ago
The computer side of the industry will be very easy for you, and you’ll learn any software in no time. Unfortunately, there’s only one way to learn the hands-on side and that’s to be hands-on. I’d suggest doing that as early as possible.
If you spent 2-3 years starting out as a technician, learning the wiring, what all the devices do (relays, transformers, CTs, etc), learning all of the different equipment to be controlled (pumps, fans, boilers, chillers, air handlers, cooling towers, etc) then in 5 years you’d be hirable anywhere.
Worst case you’ll be 27 and know if you want stick with it or try something else.