Learn more about radio frequency identification device news and trends by reading RFID Journal, http://www.rfidjournal.com. Popular Science also offers articles on different categories within RFID, including animals, gadgets, science, and technology. Visit its Web site to read about the latest developments in the field, https://www.popsci.com/tags/rfid. A part-time or summer job in a company that specializes in radio frequency identification devices is a good way to gain work experience while making valuable connections. Ask your schools career services office for help with finding job opportunities. You can also search for job listings on Web sites such as CareerBuilder, Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, and others.

According to the RFID Journal, there are different methods for radio frequency identification, with the most common being the storing of a serial number that identifies the object and provides other information. This information is stored on a microchip "that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to the reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that make use of it."

Radio frequency identification device (RFID) specialists design, test, and install radio frequency identification device systems so that companies can track their products and shipments. Their work entails identifying the operational requirements for new systems, analyzing or programming the RFID technology, testing the software for the systems, and selecting the RFID tags and determining the best locations for placement on products and shipments.

Other tasks that RFID specialists have include developing work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flows for the RFID systems. They train RFID users in the details of the system operation. They must also keep up with developments in RFID technologies and processes by attending meetings, conferences, and continuing education classes.

RFID specialists are highly skilled in technology and use numerous software programs in their work. They use administrative software such as dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and simple network management protocol (SNMP) programs. They also use development environment software programs such as C and Microsoft Visual Studio; object or component-oriented development software like C++ and Oracle Java; operating system software such as Cygwin and Linux; and program testing software such as Framework for integrated test (FIT), JUnit, and Robot Framework.