Embarking on a Plc Programming Career is a smart move in today’s rapidly automating world. As industries increasingly rely on sophisticated control systems, the demand for skilled PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programmers is surging. This field not only offers lucrative salaries but also the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies across vital sectors like oil, gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Perhaps you’re a recent graduate or someone considering a career change, concerned about breaking into PLC programming without extensive experience. You might be wondering if these sought-after positions are truly attainable.
Let me assure you, a fulfilling PLC programming career is absolutely within your reach. The initial hurdles you perceive are actually stepping stones to a rewarding profession. Many talented individuals give up prematurely when faced with initial rejections, settling for less satisfying roles and abandoning their aspirations. However, if you possess the determination and recognize the immense value of a career in PLC programming, the path to success is wide open for you.
This is the very mindset that propelled my own journey into becoming an automation engineer (essentially, a PLC programmer) despite lacking direct field experience at the outset. Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of designing control systems for major industries, including oil and gas, refining, and steel production. Within just two years of my first role, I advanced to lead the technical department, collaborating with brilliant PLC programmers and automation specialists globally, many of whom boasted extensive backgrounds in the field.
My career progression ignited a passion to guide others toward similar success, regardless of their current experience level. This inspired me to create the RealPars platform. Our YouTube channel, developed with the collaboration of industry peers, has become a leading resource for industrial automation training. We’ve also curated a comprehensive video library of practical PLC programming courses, recognized by automation experts as among the “most effective and hands-on training resources available.”
Like many entry-level positions, initial PLC programming job postings often seemed to require years of experience I didn’t yet possess. However, giving up was not an option. Years of education and a deep-seated passion for PLC programming fueled my persistence. It was a long-held dream, and I was determined to make it a reality.
Recently, I’ve encountered numerous inquiries online and offline about how to secure a job as an automation engineer or PLC programmer without prior experience. While I strive to answer each question personally, my current schedule limitations make it challenging to respond to everyone individually.
Therefore, I’ve decided to share my insights, both as someone who navigated the job market to enter this field and as an employer who now reviews applications, conducts interviews, and hires PLC programmers for diverse projects.
Let’s dive into actionable strategies to launch your PLC programming career, even if you’re starting from scratch.
1. Supercharge Your Skills Through Targeted Education
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Instrument and Control Engineering, I quickly realized I was one among many with the same degree. Furthermore, some peers had already supplemented their academic qualifications with practical training programs.
Recognizing the need to stand out, I strategically invested my earnings into specialized training courses that directly aligned with my goal of becoming a PLC programmer, despite my limited financial resources at the time.
While many recent graduates I knew took no extra courses, or perhaps just one or two, I pursued eight distinct training programs in PLC programming, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems like WinCC, industrial communication protocols such as Profibus and Ethernet, and more. This proactive approach immediately differentiated me from other graduates with similar academic backgrounds.
Listing these specialized training courses prominently on my resume signaled to potential employers that I was not a typical fresh graduate. They understood that hiring me meant minimizing or even eliminating the need for basic training. They were gaining someone already equipped with the precise skills to function effectively as a PLC programmer from day one.
Now, as an employer on the other side of the hiring process, I observe the same pattern. The majority of resumes I review contain few, if any, relevant training courses beyond formal education. However, a resume showcasing seven or eight practical, industry-focused training courses immediately captures my attention. It strongly suggests a candidate who is prepared to contribute from the outset and demonstrates a profound commitment to a PLC programming career. Such investment of time and resources signals a serious candidate, a trait highly valued by any employer.
Key Takeaway: Elevate your candidacy by proactively acquiring specialized education and training in PLC programming and related technologies.
2. Master the Art of Self-Promotion
Company leaders are constantly seeking individuals who can bring tangible value to their organizations. When they identify someone with the potential to be productive and contribute positively, they are eager to bring them on board.
However, it’s your responsibility to demonstrate your value proposition. If employers are unaware of your capabilities, how can they be confident in your potential contribution?
Think of it like having an exceptional product without any marketing. No matter how good it is, sales will be non-existent if no one knows it exists! Similarly, you must develop the ability and willingness to effectively market yourself, showcasing your skills and convincing employers of the value you can add. If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will?
LinkedIn stands out as a powerful tool for showcasing your professional profile. Today, numerous companies, both globally and locally, utilize LinkedIn extensively for recruitment. Research indicates that professionals with well-crafted LinkedIn profiles experience greater job opportunities. If you are serious about your PLC programming career and lack a robust LinkedIn presence, you are likely missing out on significant opportunities.
3. Embrace Dedication and Effort in Your Job Search
During my job search, I was relentless in pursuing opportunities, both online and offline, every single day. I submitted my resume to every promising company that was hiring. Some companies were located outside my city, requiring significant travel, sometimes involving overnight bus trips of six or seven hours because air travel was financially out of reach.
The typical scenario involved a call from a company secretary, expressing interest in my resume and inviting me for an interview the next day. My response was always an immediate “I’ll be there!” This often meant taking an overnight bus to arrive in the morning for a brief interview, sometimes lasting only fifteen minutes or less.
Landing your dream PLC programming career requires unwavering dedication and a willingness to go the extra mile. Some individuals hesitate to even complete online application forms, then wonder why their job search is unsuccessful. Their common excuse is, “I’m too busy with my current job or other life commitments. I don’t have time to search for new opportunities.” My counter-argument is: “No, you’re not too busy. There is always time to prioritize what you truly want and what is essential for advancing your career.”
Key Takeaway: Commitment and perseverance are crucial. Be prepared to invest time and effort in your job search to achieve your goal of a PLC programming career.
4. Offer a Compelling Value Proposition
In every interview, I proactively sought advice by asking, “Based on my skills and resume, what would be the most effective strategy for me to secure a job?” This approach yielded invaluable insights. In one interview, the CEO suggested, “Offer something that’s hard to refuse, perhaps propose working for six months without pay.”
Initially, this seemed unconventional, but I decided to try it, thinking, “I’ve tried numerous approaches already, why not this one too?”
Fortunately, the manager at that company was understanding and started paying me after just two months, recognizing the value of my contributions. Consider this type of bold offer. Dare to deviate from the norm. Be creative in identifying a value proposition that employers will find irresistible.
5. Embrace Fieldwork as a Foundation
A common misconception among young engineers is expecting to immediately start in a desk-bound design and programming role in their first job, solely based on their engineering degree. Not only is this expectation often unrealistic, but it’s also not necessarily the most beneficial starting point. If you are hired as a newcomer and assigned hands-on tasks, such as fieldwork or physical installation, embrace the opportunity—it is incredibly valuable.
In my first automation engineering role, for approximately eight months, I worked in physically demanding conditions, from wiring control panels high atop cranes to running cables in factory basements.
Looking back, those experiences were among the most formative in my career, significantly broadening my perspective on design and programming. Even now, as a senior engineer, I occasionally participate in fieldwork when necessary.
My advice is to not be reluctant or consider yourself above “dirty work.” View these experiences as invaluable learning opportunities that will contribute to your development as a highly skilled and professional automation engineer, ultimately strengthening your PLC programming career prospects.
I could share many more tips, but I want to avoid overwhelming you. While extensive lists of advice are common, they can be difficult to remember and apply effectively.
The most crucial message is this: to break into the automation field without prior professional experience, you must convincingly demonstrate to employers that you will bring value to their organization. Your academic achievements are secondary. The primary concern for employers is whether you can contribute real value. Convince them that you are dedicated, willing to take on challenging tasks, and eager to learn. Based on my own experience, this approach significantly increases your chances of being hired and launching a successful PLC programming career.
Now, it’s your turn to take action. Go out there and pursue that PLC programming job. I encourage you to share your successes and lessons learned from your interview experiences in the comments below. The RealPars team and I are eager to hear about your journey!
