Executive Search Firm | Careers & Industry - Consumer Electronics Industry

Industry: Consumer Electronics

Overview:

The consumer electronics industry is focused on meeting the needs-and wants- of their clients. Although consumer electronics are becoming more necessary in today’s highly technological society, most technology advances are a consumer luxury. Is it absolutely necessary for your phone to take pictures, record video, play your favorite songs, and stream the latest episode of your favorite television show? Most likely not. Therefore, the consumer electronics industry is highly influenced by the current state of the economy and consumer spending. In times of crisis, consumers will cut back on their indulgences and focus on the necessities in their life. For those of you who do not need the latest version of MP3 players, a patient attitude can save you a bundle of money if you wait until the next latest and greatest MP3 player is released. However, many individuals thrive off of being on the cutting edge of consumer electronics and pay a substantial price to have the most updated version of their cell phone, camera, or stereo system. The consumer electronic industry focuses in four major areas: sight (videos), hearing (audio), touch (hand-held devices), and the integration of multiple different components into one. Electronics are transforming from single purpose devices to multi-faceted miniaturized devices performing multiple functions at once.

What It Takes:

Consumer electronic manufacturing and producing companies typically work on an international basis because technology is connecting the world on a global level and outsourcing the manufacturing work is cheaper than producing electronics in the United States. Therefore, positions in the consumer electronic field may require traveling, a move, or just a well versed knowledge of international affairs. Electronics has been a rapidly growing industry in the past as the internet, mobility, and network connection has increased in popularity, but as the economy becomes more unstable, the growth rate of consumer electronic jobs is decreasing. However, those at the top of their competitors will have no problem offering their insight, knowledge, and creative ideas to larger companies such as Sony or General Electrics Co. Working in one of the more well known electronic firms can enhance your resume and give you consumer electronic experience that can be transferred to a variety of different locations in the future. The consumer electronics industry is seeing growth in ‘smart houses’ and TV portability. Individuals who work in the consumer electronics industry enjoy working on the up-and-coming technology of the future and find satisfaction in seeing and knowing their ideas and products will be used by the general public to enhance their quality of life.

Benefits & Drawbacks:

With the growing capabilities of the consumer electronic industry comes some major concerns including the loss of certain jobs due to lack of necessity or outsourcing. The job variety within consumer electronic companies ranges from the beginning stages of a product (idea, planning, and manufacturing) to the end stages (distributing, marketing, and customer satisfaction). Job positions include software or hardware engineer, operations director, and sales representative. No matter what the position, working in the electronics environment is full of new and exciting ideas being seen through to fruition.