What were the first requirements for being an electrical engineer?
Engineering is a broad field that deals with designing, developing, and maintaining tech equipment and structures. One of the most significant branches of engineering is electrical engineering, which focuses on designing, developing, and supervising electrical equipment.
It’s a popular field to get into, promising high salaries and a varied workday. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to become an electrical engineer. In this guide we’ll look at what an electrical engineer does, their median wage and job outlook, and the skill necessary to succeed in the field.
What Is an Electrical Engineer?
An electrical engineer creates electrical systems for things like machinery, buildings, and transportation. They are responsible for designing and developing the manufacturer of electrical equipment. These engineers are also in charge of installing and maintaining these electrical systems.
Electrical Engineer Job Description
An electrical engineer is responsible for performing a wide range of duties, such as installing, designing, and maintaining electrical equipment. These engineers ensure the equipment meets customer standards and complies with their specifications. They will also write reports, train team members, and estimate budgets for potential projects.
Generally, employers prefer engineers with an electrical engineering degree and relevant practical experience. You’ll also need a professional engineer license. You must also be familiar with engineering software and hardware, as well as programming languages related to electrical engineering.
Electrical Engineer Salary and Job Outlook
The field has steady job opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical engineers are expected to see job growth of 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is fairly standard. BLS projects many of these openings to be due to people exiting the field, either to pursue other careers or to retire.
An electrical or electronics engineer earns a median wage of $103,390, according to BLS. Professionals in the field can earn over $100,000 with additional training and work experience.
Top Reasons to Become an Electrical Engineer
Working as an electrical engineer can be a fulfilling and exciting career full of job opportunities. Here are the top four reasons to become an electrical engineer.
- Job opportunities. Electrical engineering graduates have a high chance of securing entry-level positions upon graduation.
- Freedom to work in any industry. The electrical engineering field gives professionals the freedom to work in a wide range of industries such as retail, construction, and transportation.
- You’ll develop DIY skills. Electrical engineering requires skills that allow you to explore your creativity through DIY. For example, once you learn how different systems transmit energy, you’ll be able to fix your own electronic devices.
- It’s an exciting career. As an electrical engineer, you will get to try new electrical devices as soon as they are released. You may also get to take part in their development and creation.
Electrical Engineer Job Requirements
There are a few requirements you must reach before you are ready for an entry-level job as an electrical engineer. Your daily duties will depend on your specific field and employer’s needs, but here are a few common job requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree. Electrical engineers typically earn an electrical engineering degree or degree in a related field. However, you can pursue entry-level positions with an associate degree. You can also learn relevant skills through bootcamps.
- Knowledge of electronic hardware and software. You’ll need to have a good understanding of both software and hardware, to plan and design, create and maintain electrical systems and equipment.
- Engineering license. You’ll need an engineering license. This license solidifies your credibility and makes you eligible for employment.
- Knowledge of engineering codes. Codes are a set of rules that guide engineering processes. You must understand these codes to know the correct materials for building electronic structures and their usage methods.
Types of Electrical Engineer Careers
The best part of studying electrical engineering is the versatility it offers to pursue different career paths, because the core skills are so transferable. There are a wide variety of career opportunities available in this profession.
Computer Engineer
Computer engineers use their skills to design and manufacture hardware and software for computer devices. They build everyday items such as computers, cameras, speedometers, and medical equipment.
Computer Hardware Designer
Professionals in this specialty work specifically on computer hardware components such as processors and circuit boards. You’ll also work with hardware engineers to test products and oversee the manufacture of hardware.
Electronics and Communications Engineer
These experts are responsible for all broadcast systems. Electronics communications engineers research, design, and develop electronic equipment that facilitates communication, and oversee and maintain these systems.
Electrical Engineer Meaning: What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
Electrical engineers perform many engineering tasks, including designing, manufacturing, and maintaining equipment. You will play an integral part in ensuring electronic technology is efficient and functioning properly. Below is an overview of some of the roles and job duties of an electrical engineer.
Design
Engineers are integral in the technological innovation of electrical systems. Depending on your role, you might design and develop hardware to improve electronic equipment and products. In-depth knowledge of the relevant computer software will help you in your design work.