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For professionals in radio-frequency engineering, what type of skills did you wish you had learn earlier in your career?

I am still new to College and choosing my career path. I've always been interested in learning about radio frequency, but I don't know where to start. What type of tools should I use in the near future that could help me advance in my learning? What clubs are recommended? I am an Electrical Engineer, an Undergraduate at Cal Poly Slo. Recommend clubs that are in Electrical Engineering, don't need to be concentrated on radio-frequency, as I am still new to College.

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Robert’s Answer

Hi Brian,
Teklemuz offers you some excellent advice. I just wanted to emphasize the amateur radio aspect. Being an active ham radio operator has taught me a tremendous amount about RF and its practical applications. I acquired skills in equipment building, RF propagation, antenna construction, design & communication theory, modulation types, and signal processing. And yes, join some ham radio clubs. I made many connections with hams that later led me to successful jobs. For more information, check out the American Radio Relay League for a great number of useful resources. Best of luck!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Build a solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, including circuits, electromagnetics, signals and systems, communication systems, and mathematical modeling. Gain hands-on experience with tools like a software-defined radio (RTL-SDR) USB receiver and a basic handheld amateur radio to explore signals, antennas, and propagation through small projects. Develop skills in using vector network analyzers to interpret scattering parameters (S-parameters), understanding transmission lines and Smith Charts, soldering surface-mount components, designing radio-frequency (RF) printed circuit boards (PCBs), analyzing noise, and applying MATLAB or Python for signal processing. Familiarize yourself with laboratory instruments such as spectrum analyzers and use software tools like LTspice and RF simulators such as Advanced Design System (ADS) and High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). You can also leverage virtual lab platforms like labAlive, Keysight RF System Simulation, and Cadence Visual System Simulator (VSS) for simulation and remote experimentation in RF systems and wireless communications.

Joining student organizations like the Amateur Radio Club (W6BHZ), the CubeSat Laboratory, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student branch provides practical experience and networking opportunities. Electrical engineering-focused clubs like the Cal Poly Robotics Club and Formula SAE help strengthen electronics and embedded systems skills, providing additional hands-on experience that complements your RF learning and prepares you for internships or advanced coursework.
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