Working as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programmer is often touted as a highly rewarding and well-compensated career path within the industrial automation sector. Entering a Plc Programming Career opens doors to designing intricate control and monitoring systems across vital industries like oil and gas, and manufacturing. The demand for skilled professionals in this field translates to a promising lifestyle, underpinned by competitive salaries.
However, for fresh graduates or individuals with limited hands-on experience in PLC programming, breaking into the field might seem daunting. Many entry-level positions appear to require a minimum of two years of relevant experience, creating a perceived barrier to entry. Is a fulfilling PLC programming career truly out of reach for those just starting?
Absolutely not. This perceived lack of experience isn’t a roadblock; it’s a launchpad. The key differentiator is perseverance. Many aspiring professionals become discouraged by initial rejections, settling for unrelated jobs and abandoning their aspirations of a PLC programming career. But for individuals like you, who recognize the immense value and potential within this domain and are genuinely dedicated to pursuing a PLC programming career, the path to success is wide open.
This very mindset propelled my own journey into becoming an automation engineer (or PLC programmer) despite initially having no practical experience in the field.
Today, with over seven years immersed in designing control systems for major industries, including oil, gas, petroleum, and steel, I can attest to the rewarding nature of this profession. Within just two years of my first role, I advanced to lead the technical department, collaborating with exceptionally talented PLC programmers and automation engineers globally. Many of these colleagues possessed extensive backgrounds in the field, enriching my own learning and growth.
This career progression ignited a passion to assist others in achieving similar success, regardless of their starting point. This inspiration led to the creation of the RealPars platform.
Our YouTube channel, a collaborative effort with fellow industry experts, has become a leading resource for industrial automation training. We’ve also developed a comprehensive video library packed with practical PLC programming courses – a resource lauded by automation specialists as one of the “most effective and practical training courses” available.
Like many seeking to enter this field, most advertised job opportunities seemed to demand considerable prior experience. However, giving up wasn’t an option. Years of education and dedication throughout high school and college had cemented my ambition to pursue a PLC programming career. It was a long-held dream I was determined to realize.
Recently, I’ve received numerous inquiries, both online and offline, asking for advice on how to secure a job as an automation engineer or PLC programmer without prior experience. While I strive to respond to every question, my current schedule constraints make individual replies challenging.
Therefore, I’ve decided to share my insights, both from my personal experience as a job seeker in this field and as an employer who now reviews resumes, conducts interviews, and hires PLC programmers for diverse projects.
Let’s delve into actionable strategies to launch your PLC programming career.
1. Elevate Yourself: Prioritize Comprehensive Education
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Instrument and Control Engineering, I quickly realized the competitive landscape. Numerous graduates held the same degree, and some had even supplemented their curriculum with practical training programs.
Recognizing the need to stand out, I made a strategic investment. Despite my limited financial resources at the time, I dedicated a significant portion of my earnings to various training courses that I believed would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills required for a PLC programming career.
While many of my peers opted for minimal or no additional training beyond their college coursework, I pursued eight distinct courses. These covered PLC programming across different platforms, HMI/SCADA systems like WinCC, and industrial communication protocols such as Profibus and Ethernet. This commitment to continuous learning immediately set me apart from other graduates with similar academic backgrounds.
Listing these specialized training courses on my resume proved to be a game-changer. It signaled to potential employers that I was not just another graduate; I was a candidate who had proactively acquired the specific skillset necessary for a PLC programming career. They understood that hiring me meant minimizing onboarding time and costs, as I possessed the foundational knowledge and practical training to contribute effectively from the outset.
Now, being on the hiring side, I see the same pattern. Many resumes lack relevant training courses, or include only one or two. However, a resume showcasing seven or eight practical, targeted training courses immediately grabs my attention. It demonstrates a candidate’s proactive approach, their commitment to a PLC programming career, and their willingness to invest time and resources to achieve their goals. What employer wouldn’t value such a dedicated and prepared individual?
“Position yourself ahead of the competition by investing in comprehensive and relevant education.”
2. Master Self-Promotion: Sell Your Potential
Top-level executives are constantly seeking individuals who can bring tangible value to their organizations. When they identify someone with the potential to be a valuable asset, they are eager to bring them onboard.
However, you need to effectively demonstrate your value proposition. If employers are unaware of your capabilities, how can they be confident in your potential contribution to their team and their PLC programming projects?
It’s akin to having a groundbreaking product without any marketing efforts and expecting customers to flock to you. No matter how exceptional your skills are, if you don’t actively promote yourself and articulate your value, opportunities will pass you by. You must develop the ability and willingness to market yourself persuasively, showcasing to employers how you can contribute to their success in the realm of PLC programming and automation. If you don’t champion your own abilities, who will?
One of the most powerful tools for showcasing your skills and experience in today’s job market is LinkedIn. Numerous companies, both internationally and locally, leverage LinkedIn extensively for recruitment. Research consistently indicates that professionals with well-crafted LinkedIn profiles experience significantly more job opportunities. If you are serious about pursuing a PLC programming career and lack a strong LinkedIn presence, you are undoubtedly missing out on a substantial pool of potential opportunities. Invest time in building a professional and compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, training, and career aspirations in PLC programming.
3. Embrace the Grind: Be Prepared to Pay Your Dues
During my job search, I was relentless. I dedicated each day to scouring online job boards and offline networks for opportunities. I submitted my resume to every reputable company that was hiring, regardless of location. Some companies were located hours away from my home city, requiring lengthy bus journeys – often six or seven hours – as I couldn’t afford airfare.
The typical scenario involved a call from a company secretary expressing interest in my resume and inviting me for an interview the following day. My response was always an immediate “I’ll be there!” This often meant taking an overnight bus, arriving early in the morning for a brief interview, sometimes lasting only fifteen minutes or less.
Securing a PLC programming career, or any desirable job, demands unwavering dedication and the courage to go the extra mile. Some individuals hesitate to even complete online application forms for promising job postings. Then, they wonder why their job search is unsuccessful. Their common excuse is, “I’m too busy with my current job or other commitments. I don’t have time to search for new opportunities.” My counter-argument is: “No, you are not too busy. There is always time to prioritize what you truly want and what is essential for advancing your career.” If a PLC programming career is your goal, you will find the time and make the necessary sacrifices.
“Success in any career, including PLC programming, requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to pay the price in terms of effort and commitment.”
4. Offer Unignorable Value: Stand Out from the Crowd
In every interview, I proactively sought advice by posing a strategic question: “Based on my resume and skills, what is the most effective strategy for me to secure a job in this field?” This approach yielded invaluable insights. For instance, in one interview, the CEO suggested, “Offer something that is hard to refuse, perhaps propose working for six months without pay.”
Initially, this suggestion seemed counterintuitive. However, reasoning that I had already explored numerous conventional approaches, I decided to try this unconventional tactic.
Fortunately, the manager at that particular company was understanding and fair. While I initially offered to work without pay for six months, they began compensating me after just two months, recognizing the value of my contributions. Consider this unconventional approach. Don’t follow the conventional path of the majority. Think creatively and identify unique ways to demonstrate your value and make your job application stand out. I am confident you can devise a compelling offer that employers will find hard to ignore when pursuing your PLC programming career.
5. Embrace Practicality: Don’t Expect Immediate Desk Jobs
A common misconception among young engineers entering the PLC programming career field is the expectation of starting their first job in a purely office-based role, designing and programming from day one, simply because they hold an engineering degree. Not only is this scenario rare for entry-level positions, but it’s also not necessarily the most beneficial starting point. If you are hired as a junior engineer and are assigned hands-on tasks, such as physical construction or wiring work, embrace the opportunity – it is incredibly valuable.
In my first role as an automation engineer, for approximately eight months, I worked in challenging field conditions. This involved wiring control panels situated high on cranes, cabling in factory basements, and other physically demanding tasks.
Looking back, those initial experiences were among the most formative in my career. They broadened my understanding of practical implementation and significantly enhanced my approach to design and programming. Even now, despite no longer being a junior engineer, I occasionally participate in fieldwork when necessary.
My advice to aspiring PLC programmers is: when presented with opportunities for hands-on work, don’t be reluctant or consider it beneath you. View it as an invaluable learning experience that will contribute to your development into a skilled and highly competent automation engineer. This practical foundation will ultimately make you a more effective PLC programmer and control systems expert.
I could continue sharing additional tips, but I want to avoid overwhelming you with information. Many online articles provide extensive lists of advice, but they can be difficult to remember and apply in real-world situations.
The core message I want to convey is this: if you are determined to enter the automation industry and build a successful PLC programming career without prior professional experience, you must demonstrably prove to employers that you will bring value to their company. Employers are less concerned with your academic achievements and more interested in your ability to contribute real value. Convince them that you are a dedicated individual, willing to make sacrifices, ready to tackle challenging tasks, and eager to learn. Take it from someone who has walked this path – adopting this mindset will significantly increase your chances of getting hired and launching your PLC programming career.
Now, it’s your turn to take action. Get out there and pursue that PLC programming job. I encourage you to share your successes or lessons learned throughout your interview experiences in the comments below. The RealPars team and I are eager to hear about your journey!
