Electrical engineers perform a variety of tasks that involve working with electrical equipment. Because of the variety of electrical systems that exist around us today, engineers are tasked with determining tough questions concerning small electrical gadgets to massive electrical grids. Because of the nature of this profession, electrical engineers have to go through training to be qualified to practise. In this article, we will go over the educational criteria that engineers need to fulfil to become an engineer.
Education and training requirements
Training for a career in engineering can begin as early as high school. Students interested in being electrical engineers can benefit from taking advanced placement courses in physics and math. Calculus, trigonometry, and geometry are essential for building your foundation in engineering. Drawing courses can help with preparing future engineers to make technical drawings.
Following high school, a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, or electrical engineering technology from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is required. Typically, an undergraduate degree is four years but many schools offer five year programs combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Undergraduate programs consist of theoretical learning, laboratory work, and field experience.
Many institutions offer practical work experience as part of students’ learning. Availing such opportunities is beneficial in helping students get better future career opportunities by combining classroom education with scenarios from the real world. Following graduation, all electrical engineers working in the field of electrical utility need a license by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) test. Those who qualify on the FE exam are known as engineers-in-training (EITs) or engineer interns till they successfully pass the Professional Engineer Exam.
It is important to note here that licenses are not needed for entry level positions in the field of electrical engineering. A Professional Engineering license can be obtained if you wish to acquire a greater level of leadership skill in your career. A Professional Engineer supervises other engineers and provides assistance directly to the public.
Prior to appearing for the Professional Engineer exam, EITs should have a bachelor’s degree in the field from an ABET accredited institution, passed the FE exam, and at least fours of experience in a related field. In some states, engineers are required to take continuing learning programs in order to retain their engineering licenses. Several states recognize licenses received from other states if a particular state’s licensing requirements meets or goes above their own licensing requirements.
Other degrees and concentrations
Many colleges offer associate programs in electrical engineering prior to going for a four-year bachelor’s degree. Those who are interested in exploring electrical engineering can gain knowledge through an associate degree in a pre-engineering program or in engineering technology. Though a student will not have the same job opportunities as they would after gaining a bachelor’s degree, it is a good way to find out if you want to pursue further studies in electrical engineering.
In a pre-engineering program, a student would be taking classes on college mathematics, computer structures, and introduction to communications between computers. In a bachelor’s degree, students pursue advanced physics courses, studies on electromagnetic fields, advanced math, etc. Higher degree programs further studies on these topics and research. If you wish to go for higher education, a master’s or a Ph.D. degree can enable you to work as a researcher or an instructor at a college or university.
Specializations in electrical engineering
As an electrical engineer, there are multiple concentrations between which you can choose. Control systems, communications, and computer hardware are some common specializations. Based on offerings at an institution, you may opt to specialize in several concentrations as well.
Within controls engineering, you may opt to be a control engineer, a sales engineer, etc. By majoring in communications, you could be a broadcast engineer, an electronic communications engineer, and a radio engineer. Studying computer hardware can train you to be a network architect or a hardware engineer.
Qualities of an electrical engineer
If you wish to be an electrical engineer, having certain qualities gives you a benefit over your peers. For instance, electrical engineers need to be attentive to detail since they design simple to complex electrical systems and products. They need to be able to track various design elements and technical features while performing these tasks.
Electrical engineering requires taking initiative and responsibility when there are no crystal-clear solutions. Engineers need to be able to apply judgement to all new tasks they take on. Also, they should be engaged in continuing education to stay informed about updates in technology.
Having good oral and written communication skills is also beneficial. Good speaking skill is helpful for working with other engineers and clients. Writing abilities can help especially if you are writing technical papers or manuals.
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