What are steps in getting a career in nano-systems?

I spent 10 years working with students and employers with Georgia Tech first started an incubator of new start up companies doing research and development in nanotechnology/nano-science and nano-systems. This is a very cross discipline diversified field depending on the type of research and technology systems you want to create, improve or develop. The first thing is that you will want to love the idea of how things work and the materials that you would use. (whether creating new circuits materials for faster processing, lasers, tools for surgery or artificial movements in limbs with the bio-science/technology) There are a lot of ways nano technology is used in the industry. It will be very helpful for you take chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, math, and materials science.

Plan your curriculum with the intent that you will be pursuing a degree in an engineering curriculum. Many of the Industry leaders in Nano Systems/Nano-Technology have degrees in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering with physics or applied materials minors. I would recommend you research more on specifically you would like to do in nanosystems and then learn to read abstracts and research papers in those areas. Also try to volunteer or get an internship or research assistance position in college to be around the dynamics of researchers in this field..

In summary, love your math, physics and chemistry classes. Love to figure things out and how to make improvements, good with hands and an aptitude to solving problems. Plan to go to a college to study Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Materials or Electrical) with cross disciplinary classes such as physics, sciences and materials.

Best of Luck!