As a fresh graduate entering industrial automation, what's the one critical mistake you should avoid when choosing between Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi GX Works, and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 for your first PLC programming project?

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Hey there! As a fellow newcomer to industrial automation, I totally get your dilemma. The one critical mistake you should absolutely avoid is choosing a platform based solely on what seems easiest or cheapest to learn, without considering the regional job market demand and industry standards where you plan to work.

Here's why this is so important:

1. Regional differences matter big time - In North America, Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000) dominates with about 80% market adoption. In Europe and many other regions, Siemens (TIA Portal) is king. Mitsubishi (GX Works) has strong presence in Asia and specific industries.

2. HR screens for specific platforms - Hiring managers often use platform experience as a checklist item. If you learn Mitsubishi but apply for jobs in a region that uses Siemens, you're starting with a disadvantage.

3. Learning curve vs career value - While GX Works might be easier to learn (1-3 months vs Studio 5000's 3-6 months), the career value of mastering the dominant platform in your target region is much higher.

My advice? Research the companies and industries in your area first. Check job postings to see which platforms are most requested. Then choose accordingly - it's better to struggle a bit more with the learning curve of the right platform than to master one that won't help you land your dream job!

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As a fresh graduate entering industrial automation, what's the one critical mistake you should avoid when choosing between Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi GX Works, and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 for your first PLC programming project?

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