How to Become an Electrical Engineer

Become Team
Become Team
Updated October 11, 2021

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Sitting at the crossroads of mathematics, physics and energy, electrical engineering is responsible for some of the most useful inventions of our time. Indispensible items like telephones, light bulbs, televisions, and computers were all birthed out of the field, with more innovations constantly emerging today. In the guide that follows, interested individuals can learn more about this dynamic area of work, including related occupations, necessary skills and technologies, typical salaries, and job growth projections.

What does an Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical Engineering Basics

Electrical engineering is one of the younger forms of engineering, having been around since the late 1800s. The field has grown dramatically in the last century, and today stretches out to any industry utilizing technology or energy as a power source. Electrical engineers may work in a range of areas, including mobile devices, appliances, power stations, satellites, personal and business structures wiring, and telecommunications.

Steps to Becoming a Electrical Engineer

Before committing to a degree program in electrical engineering, prospective students may want to get a better sense of all that goes into landing that first job out of college. The good news is that entering this area of engineering is easier than some other types . Keep reading to learn more about the necessary steps for becoming an electrical engineer.

Step 1
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
While historically a bachelor's degree has been enough education to secure work in the field, a continual rise in students electing to complete a master's degree could shift the norm in coming years. Baccalaureate programs in electrical engineering cover topics ranging from electrical circuit theory and drafting to digital design and differential equations via a mix of classroom lectures, fieldwork and time in the lab.
Step 2
Complete an Internship
Internships, along with cooperative programs, are essential components of successfully finding work after graduation. Because the field places significant value on prior experience of everyday tasks, students should embrace every opportunity they can to learn and observe in a professional setting. Completing a summer cooperative and a semester-long internship provides access to professionals in the field, opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge, mentorship, and a greater understanding of what to expect when it comes time to apply for a job. Many companies will have all their internship and co-op positions posted on their websites, as evidenced by Raytheon and General Electric.
Step 3
Choosing a Specialty/Concentration
With so many different types of work available to them, fledgling electrical engineers often choose to focus their knowledge by completing a concentration in their degree. These specializations, which typically account for 12 to 18 hours of coursework, offer concentrated studies to instill a level of expertise.
Some of the most frequently offered specializations include:
  • Computer Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Signal Processing and Control Systems
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Photonics
  • Environmental Electronic Engineering
Step 4
Successfully Pass Relevant Exams for Certification
Unlike other fields of engineering, certification is not mandated or as common within electrical engineering circles. Still, for those who wish to distinguish themselves in the field, completing certification exams is a perfect way to do so. In order to receive full certification through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Survey, the official certifying body, individuals should:
  • Attend an ABET-accredited institution
  • Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) in electrical engineering examination directly after completing a baccalaureate degree
  • Complete at least four years of professional work experience
  • Take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam in electrical engineering
Step 5
Land an Entry-Level Job
Thanks to prior internship and cooperative experience, recent graduates should have a variety of marketable skills and contacts within the field. As of 2014, the top industries employing electrical engineers include:
  • Telecommunications – 18 percent
  • Federal government agencies – 13 percent
  • Architectural and engineering services – 12 percent
  • Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing – 9 percent
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing – 6 percent

Components of a Success Electrical Engineering Career: Skills, Tools, and Technology

Skills
Math-minded.

In order to envisage and design electric devices, EEs must possess a comprehensive knowledge of multiple forms of math, including advanced calculus, trigonometry and algebra.

Focus.

Analyzing and developing electrical components often requires long hours of concentrated effort or working with very small pieces. Wiring is also a lengthy process where every single aspect must be properly connected to function. Long hours and small details call for professionals who can focus on the task at hand until it is completed.

Problem-solving.

Electrical engineers frequently work with technicians and other engineers, and being able to communicate complicated design plans and layouts is crucial. If interfacing with customers, this skill becomes even more important as they must use common language to convey complex information.

Innovation.

The digital age has ushered in a host of new products, so being able to continually innovate and think outside the box to develop unique devices is a skill potential employers will truly value.

Problem-solving.

Engineering electrical products is incredibly intricate, and it's inevitable that some prototypes or designs won't work out exactly as planned the first few times. Being able to analyze the problem and create solutions goes a long way in this field.

While the field of electrical engineering does not require students to be licensed to practice, those who wish to rise above their peers and be more competitive for executive roles complete the examinations. Aside from licensure by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Survey, electrical engineers seeking further professional development or certification may consider some of the following credentials:

Tools and Technology

By virtue of the field, electrical engineers use a lot of different tools, software and hardware to complete their daily tasks. Because the field is comprised of both speculative design and concrete production, EEs should be familiar with not only software to help develop ideas and prototypes, but also the tools needed to bring them to reality. Some of the most common in each area include:

Development environment software: Verilog; National Instruments LabVIEW; Eclipse IDE software; C
Computer aided design (CAD) software: Autodesk AutoCAD software; Bentley Microstation; Dassault Systems CATIA software
Semiconductor process systems: Electron beam evaporators; wafer steppers; wet chemical clean benches; wire bonders
Signal generators: Programmable function generators; vector signal generators; synthesized continuous wave CW generators
Spectrometers: Versions include: Auger electron, seconardary ion mass, X. Electrochemical CV dopant profilers.

Career Trends in Electrical Engineering

The field of electrical engineering is expected to continue expanding in the coming years, thanks in part to the innovative nature of the field. Technologies will carry on emerging and moving forward, and electrical engineers in turn will use them to develop new products. The overall growth between 2012 and 2022 is set for 5 percent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting the majority of new jobs will be found in engineering firms. The reasoning for this prediction is that individual companies, especially smaller ones, will shift away from having in-house electrical engineers and instead contract them from larger firms.

Related Careers

Some of the nation's hottest jobs are currently in the field of engineering, and each offers the opportunity to build successful careers, dig into meaningful projects, and work with a variety of people. The following section provides some of the most exciting careers available to those interested in electrical engineering.

Electrical Engineering Manager Median salary: $130,620

These professionals oversee the workflow and projects of other electrical engineers, taking a wide lens view of current and future work opportunities. Typically working within an engineering firm, electrical engineering managers have usually worked in the field for a number of years before moving into this supervisory role. In addition to coordinating projects, they also lead the charge in business development, train staff, create and maintain budgets, and review the work of their charges.

Electrical Engineering Technician Median salary: $59,820

Working alongside professional electrical engineers, technicians can be found in a variety of industries, including transportation, mobile devices, computing, or industrial production. They are often responsible for assembling and testing prototypes, problem solving design issues, and drafting plans for future products. Although this position requires less education than those pursuing electrical engineering, the salary is still well above the national average.

Electrical Repairers Median salary: $71,400

Coming in after the work of an electrical engineer has been completed, electrical repairers may find themselves working in industrial environments, manufacturing plants, electronics companies, or for an individual client with a large number of electronics. They disassemble and reassemble electronics to complete diagnostic tests, provide cost estimates for fixing items, repair or replace the problematic pieces, and communicate their findings. They must maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the field to provide valuable services.

Electrical Engineer Salaries

Nearly 8,000 individuals graduate with a bachelor's or master's level degree in electrical engineering each year, and with good reason. In addition to a promising career outlook, jobs in the field are coveted for their high salaries and potential for moving up the career ladder. While the salaries given below sit in the 50th percentile, professionals at the top of their game stand to make significantly more.

$91,410 Electrical Engineers
$59,820 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians
$58,790 Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Electrical Engineer Job Growth, Prospects, and Outlook

Although the U.S. Department of Labor projects only a five percent growth of electrical engineering positions nationally between 2012 and 2022, several states are poised to see much higher numbers. While Colorado leads the charge with a projected growth of 25.6 percent, Maine is set for a 3.5 percent decrease.

What Do Related Occupations Make?

When considering a future occupation, the earning potential of that career is significant. Those working in engineering and similar fields typically make significantly more than the national average, and these related occupations are no exception.

Related Occupations: What You Need to Know

Both the fields of electricity and engineering encompass many different jobs, giving students and professional much variety when it comes time to choose their careers. Whether planning to complete vocational training or a graduate-level program, the related careers below offer options spanning the spectrum.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale

Become Team
Become Team
Contributing Writer

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