How Do I Get A Career In Electrical Engineering?

Becoming an electrical engineer requires training, commitment, and the willingness to wonder about questions such as why we can’t imagine a world without electricity, how a flat screen television manages to be energy efficient or how a whole electrical in emergency area’s manages to use so much electricity without blowing a fuse.

Electrical engineers answer the tough electrical questions and may work on anything from handheld gadgets to massive electrical grids. In getting there, electrical engineers must consider questions such as:

1. What level of degree should I get to maximize my income?
2. What concentration should I learn to obtain my dream career?
3. Do I have to join an engineering firm or can I work on my own?

This blog is designed as a resource for individuals interested in the electrical engineering career path. Included all the steps to become a qualified electrical engineer, degree paths, potential salaries and projected career growth for specific subfields.

1. WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER DO?

1.1 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CAREER BASICS

Electrical engineers use physics, electronics and electromagnetism to design devices that are powered by or produce electricity. Electrical engineers work on anything from small pocket devices to large aircraft electrical systems. Engineers test prototypes and evaluate and improve systems. Nearly every industry has a place for an electrical engineer, including government, transportation, communications, technology, and utilities.

Most electrical engineers work in an office or lab setting, but on-site projects and short-term assignments are common

1.2 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN-DEPTH

Electrical engineers are more than just system designers and developers. Engineers are involved in projects from conceptualization to maintenance. Engineers handle practicalities by conducting feasibility studies and cost analyses. Because of their multifaceted duties, electrical engineers sometimes specialize in project management, research and development or consultancy. Because of the wide range of industries using electrical engineers, many engineers specialize in sub-discipline of electrical engineering. Common sub-disciplines include:

• Power
• Control
• Electronics
• Microelectronics
• Signal processing
• Communication
• Instrumentation
• Computers

Depending on background and expertise, engineering projects can include projects such as developing telecommunication systems, lighting and wiring buildings or designing household appliances. To progress in this rapidly changing field, engineers must remain abreast of current trends.

Most electrical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree in electrical engineering from a university accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE). Additional certification or specialization can help electrical engineers progress further in specialized career fields.

1.3 Career Growth and Prospects

Electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow at a slower-than-average pace from 2012 to 2022, so picking the right electrical engineering degree is crucial. Engineers who keep up-to-date with industry trends will have an advantage over the competition. Electrical engineering is shifting toward computer systems design and away from traditional manufacturing. Electrical engineers work to build powerful electronics that use computer, cellular and GPS technologies.

STEPS TO BECOMING AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

• EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER
• TAKE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING EXAM
• LAND AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB AND GAIN EXPERIENCE
• TAKE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER EXAM

3.   Choosing The Right Academic Path

Most electrical engineering careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, but electrical engineering degrees at the associate level are also available. All engineering degrees focus heavily on math and science. Classes become more advanced as students’ progress through their chosen degree plan. Students can choose from multiple electrical engineering degree specializations, such as small-scale electronics or large-scale electrical grids. Several colleges offer online electrical engineering degrees at the associate through graduate levels. Use the following chart to explore more of what each electrical engineering degree can offer graduates:

Career Goal And/Or Educational Needs	Associate	Bachelor’s	Master’s	Doctorate	Online
I want to be able to work full-time while earning my degree.
I want to see if I enjoy science and math before pursuing a lengthy degree plan.
I want to earn my degree on my own schedule.
I want to explore cutting-edge research and programs.
I’m interested in teaching others about electrical engineering.
I’d like to work for a broadcaster or power station.
I’d like to manage large projects involving other engineers.
I want to improve consumer electrical products.

4. Future Trends in Electrical Engineering Job

• Collaborations with the automobile industry.
• Environment conservation machines.
• Larger industrial applications.
• Large capacity batteries.
• Robot technology for safety reasons, sensor technology.
• Smart Grid and Micro Grid.
• Renewable Energy, especially solar and wind energy.
• Optimization algorithms for minimization of economic cost or other losses, etc.