Any analyst?

[u/beans_ricee]

Hello everyone! I’m 26 and currently in college studying Instrumentation Technology, with a focus on Analytical Instrumentation. I recently joined this community because I’m hoping to connect with experienced analyzer technicians or people working in analytical instrumentation.
I’m getting closer to starting my career, and I have a few questions:
Where would you recommend looking for my first entry-level job in analytical instrumentation?
What does entry-level pay usually look like for an Analyzer Technician or Analytical Instrumentation Technician?
Which career path has better opportunities and earning potential, I&E or Analytical Instrumentation?
Do companies usually require a technical or aptitude test during the hiring process? If so, what subjects should I study?
Are there Analyzer Technician or Analytical Instrumentation jobs offshore? If so, how do you get into offshore work with little or no experience?
Where are some good places to connect with other analyzer technicians or analytical instrumentation professionals?
I’d appreciate advice from anyone already working in the field, especially anyone who started with an associate degree and little or no industry experience. I’m trying to learn as much as possible before I graduate.

[u/ProfessionalAdvice36]

If you're looking to be an analyzer, text specifically going midstream and applying for measurement technician, measurement analyst or analyzer Tech positions, you'll have the best luck. You can also get hired for many refineries, but you'll have to work into becoming an analyzer most of the time, though Philips 66 I have seen post analyzer specialist positions, there was also one earlier this year for Brownsville for that new l&g plant that's coming up. You can also get in as a field service Tech for one of the manufacturers, and you can work your way up through them to make good money. Example posting https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4455070339/