Electrical engineering offers a desirable combination of challenge and reward. Whether you’re interested in creating innovative solutions for everyday problems or pushing boundaries on bleeding-edge technology, an electrical engineer career can be a great fit. Learn how to prepare for it with our comprehensive guide.
What is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is the study, application, and creation of electrical systems. It focuses on how electricity is generated, transmitted, and used in various devices and equipment. Electrical engineers use scientific knowledge to create and design components for a variety of devices such as computers, medical equipment, broadcast systems, and even home appliances. A career in electrical engineering encompasses a variety of disciplines such as circuit systems analysis, signal processing, digital electronics, and power semiconductors. From designing the latest technology to working on renewable energy projects, there are many exciting opportunities for qualified electrical engineers.
Electrical engineers need an in-depth understanding of mathematics, physics, and electronics and must be skilled in problem-solving. Attention to detail and the ability to follow technical instructions are also important skills for this profession. As technology advances, so too does the work of electrical engineers who strive to develop new systems, create innovative solutions, and solve complex problems. With a background in electrical engineering, individuals can pursue advanced degrees in other specialized fields such as Artificial Intelligence or Robotics, or begin exploring the exciting field of nanotechnology. If you possess exceptional technical capabilities and an interest in the workings of electricity, a career in electrical engineering may be just right for you.
Education and Training Requirements for Becoming an Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. However, if you are interested in advancing your career or pursuing specialties such as robotics or manufacturing systems engineering, you may need to complete a master’s degree program or even obtain a Ph.D. Comprehensive coursework that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience is the best way to learn how to design and implement real-world projects. You should also consider completing an internship while pursuing your studies — this can be invaluable when it comes to landing great job opportunities after graduation.
Most universities with engineering schools offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Electrical Engineering that are designed to develop your foundational knowledge in math, science, and technology, as well as give you the opportunity to learn more advanced topics like digital systems design and microprocessors. To secure a higher-level job or specialize in certain areas, a graduate school may be beneficial. There are many master’s programs available that focus on robotics engineering, control systems engineering, computer science, and other disciplines. After graduation, you may choose to pursue certification as an electrical engineer from a number of organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Career Options for Electrical Engineers
As an electrical engineer, you will be exposed to a variety of engineering disciplines and specialties, and let that guide you on your career path. From biomedical to aerospace engineering, industrial systems to renewable energy – the possibilities are endless and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Take some time to research and learn about your options before settling on one particular area of interest. A better understanding of the field will help you decide which type of job suits your skills and interests best.
Not only will exploring different options give you a better appreciation of the field and its components, but it also increases your potential to get competitive jobs or higher salaries. Many companies value engineers who have expertise in a variety of areas and can contribute to multiple tasks. Additionally, learning about various topics in electrical engineering can help jumpstart an idea for your own invention or new product. Electrical engineers are always pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation; don’t forget about yourself during the process!
Benefits of a Career in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering offers high job security and strong career prospects. It is a stable industry, with a range of opportunities for graduates to advance their careers. Many electrical engineers are successful in gaining management positions or starting their own engineering firms. What’s more, the demand for experienced engineers is growing every year as new technologies become available and as complex projects require expert management and implementation.
With a career in electrical engineering, you can also expect to be well-compensated — the median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $98,000 in the United States. For those with more advanced degrees and many years of experience, salaries are even higher. Finally, as an electrical engineer, you will get to work on interesting projects that have a tangible impact on everyday lives and make a meaningful contribution to improving technology.
Getting Started After Graduation
After completing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, the next step is to gain practical experience. This can be done through internships and entry-level positions at established companies. There are also opportunities for aspiring researchers to pursue graduate-level study in order to specialize in areas such as robotics, communications systems, or power engineering. With the right experience and qualifications, graduates can move on to higher positions and find rewarding job prospects.
Getting started as an electrical engineer requires the right credentials and knowledge. Graduates should have a thorough knowledge of the principles of electricity, mathematics, and physics in order to put their skills into practice. Familiarizing with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or MATLAB is also important, as these are commonly used by engineers. Additionally, acquiring certifications and licenses are helpful steps toward becoming an experienced professional. With these steps in place, graduates can look forward to a career full of opportunities.
Contact a Staffing Agency
Reaching out to a temp agency means being able to contact multiple potential employers or supervisors at the same time. Your recruiter will be able to highlight any relevant training or research projects that you completed as part of college requirements. Be prepared to answer any questions about your engineering background during interviews.
We’re hiring for a variety of electrical engineering positions, including entry-level. NESC Staffing has an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau, was awarded by Forbes as America’s Best Recruiting and Temporary Staffing Firm, and has been successfully putting people to work since 1984. You can see our latest opportunities here or contact us.