No Budget for Dev Boards – Is Volunteering at a Repair Shop a Good Way to Start?

Question

Hey all, 
 I&rsquo;m a Computer Engineering student, newly focused on cybersecurity and embedded systems. I don&rsquo;t currently have the budget for gear like Raspberry Pi or dev kits, so I&rsquo;m planning to look for a position at a local phone/laptop repair shop &mdash; even volunteering for free at first &mdash; just to get some hands-on experience. 
 Would this kind of work help me build skills relevant to electronics or embedded systems later on? 
 And if so, what should I try to focus on while I&rsquo;m there to get the most learning value out of it? 
 Appreciate any guidance &mdash; I&rsquo;m trying to take the long road, the right way.

kmikemoo · Accepted Answer

dorukan Absolutely. The basics of troubleshooting are essentially the same no matter what you are fixing. With embedded systems, integration is a key skill. The more you know about how things are put together (by taking them apart and fixing them), the more valuable you will be in the field.

me_Cris · Answer

I even disassemble electronics (old, dusty, thrown in the trash) just to learn to use a screwdriver, pliers and even to get used to the scratches on my hands . Don't forget about recycling if you don't want to keep some components.

dang74 · Answer

Also some Arduino knock-off boards can be had for less than $5.... so you might not have to close the door fully on dev kits.

obones · Answer

Same goes for the ESP32 based boards, quite good to work with

colporteur · Answer

The employment opportunity has the potential to improve client relationships and problem solving skills? 
 Ask yourself the question, how you would troubleshoot a device after the customer reports it doesn't work. How does your approach change depending on the familiarity with the device. What part does the customer play in the solution. 
 One of my responsibilities before retiring was mentoring technology students hired for work terms. I've used the practice problem, whtieboard for me for me your methodology for troubleshooting and AM/FM radio that a customer has reported doesn't work. 
 What would you do when you have no idea what to do?