How do I get practical with my engineering education?

[Wisey]

I am an electrical engineering student currently in my pre-final year.

I recently entered some robotics and circuit design competitions with my friends, and found the experience quite satisfying, applying the principles and theory I learned in the past 2 years for the very first time.
However, I find this activity to be highly impractical in the long run, I don't have the funds necessary to keep working on one project after another, the only reason I am able to indulge in it right now is because my friends are pooling in the money for some specific competitions alone.

Is there some other way in which I can gain practical experience? I do not have opportunities to go for internships or help out professors with their work.
I have been thinking of learning how to use simulation software to design projects, would this be helpful even if I don't go about implementing them in real life?
Can anyone suggest some other ways through which I can practically apply the theory I have learnt? Or perhaps suggest some project ideas that aren't too simple, but do not empty my pockets either, so that I may be able to build on from there?

I also wish to attend Graduate school, and perhaps get a doctorate and pursue a career in Academia. I realize that this means that I need to involve myself a lot with research. How do I get started with this, especially if I don't have the opportunity to help someone else with their work?
I have been trying to look up possible sources of information concerning research, being an IEEE student member, I have access to Spectrum and Potentials magazines for example. What are the other sources I can use, especially if I wish to start writing papers and attend a decent number of conferences before graduating?
I would also appreciate any recommendations of publications that an electrical engineering student or an engineering student in general might find useful.

 

[TonyG]

I can completely understand your frustration about not being able to apply your theoretical knowledge in practical projects due to financial constraints. But don't worry, there are still ways for you to gain practical experience and prepare for your future in academia.

Firstly, you can definitely benefit from learning how to use simulation software. It may not be the same as implementing projects in real life, but it will give you a good understanding of how circuits and systems work. This will also help you in your future research work, as simulations are often used to test and validate theoretical concepts before implementing them in real life.

Another way to gain practical experience is by taking online courses or workshops on topics related to your field of interest. These can be more affordable and accessible options compared to internships or working with professors. You can also try to find open-source projects or online communities where you can collaborate with other engineers and work on projects together.

In terms of research, you can start by identifying your interests and reading research papers in those areas. This will give you a better understanding of the current state of research and potential gaps that you can contribute to. You can also reach out to professors or researchers in your university and express your interest in their work. They may have opportunities for you to assist with their research or even collaborate on a project.

As for publications, IEEE Spectrum and Potentials are great sources for engineering students, but you can also explore other journals and conferences in your field. You can also join professional organizations and attend their conferences to network and learn about current research trends.

In addition, you can also participate in online competitions or challenges that are free to enter and offer opportunities to showcase your skills and knowledge. These can also help you build a portfolio of projects and experiences to showcase to potential graduate schools or employers.

Lastly, I would recommend staying updated on industry and technological advancements through news websites, podcasts, and other publications. This will not only broaden your knowledge but also give you ideas for potential research projects.

Overall, gaining practical experience and preparing for a career in academia requires dedication and a proactive approach. Keep exploring different opportunities and never stop learning. Good luck!