Decide on the type of automation test engineer you want to become. To make this decision, determine what interests you most and what career opportunities you're seeking. Research companies in the automobile, electronic, instrumentation and automation industries hire test automation engineers.
Also consider software companies. Be aware that software companies generally seek only those who have an advanced knowledge of computer science. Also consider companies that just specialize in test automation services. Keep in mind that these companies look for very broad-based engineering and computer science skills.
Decide on your educational program. Determine if an electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or computer science degree best fits your career goals and interests. Examine want ads for test automation engineers, and look at the job's educational requirements. Design your educational program around those requirements.
Develop projects that show test automation initiative. Design hardware and software that will let you control a mechanical or electronic device through the USB port of your computer. Design it such that you can control a motor and read data from a sensor, such as a temperature sensor. Develop the computer program with a graphical user interface that has an easy-to-use virtual instrumentation dashboard. The dashboard should display readings from the sensor attached through the USB port and let you directly set the speed of the motor. Place the design on your website as a portfolio piece.
Look for projects in magazines like Popular Science. Specifically look for projects that will give you a practical working knowledge of electronic, computer and mechanical technology. Pick easy projects first and then advance to more difficult ones.
Join engineering clubs and professional associations. Consider organizations such as the IEEE and the American Society Of Mechanical Engineers. Join their local chapters and become involved in projects that relate to test automation engineering.
Make a point to know other engineers in these organizations. Find out specifics about the jobs they are required to do. Ask them career oriented questions about the industry they're in and the companies they have worked for. Include questions about job security, overtime requirements and vacation time.