Electrical Engineers are the geniuses who apply the physics and mathematics of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics so that innovative ideas and concepts take shape as practical devices and systems to keep everything connected at homes, in businesses and industries. Continue Reading
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Explore Career What are the typical responsibilities of an Electrical Engineer?
An Electrical Engineer would typically need to:
Electrical Engineers usually work in a lab, an office, a mine, a production plant, workshop, factory, or practical combinations of these workspaces. Jobs in the manufacturing sector entail working in industrial areas. Travel within a working day is common.
Most Electrical Engineers work in multidisciplinary project teams including Engineers from other specialist areas, electricians, computer programmers, scientists, architects, marketing and sales staff, manufacturers, technicians, and customer service personnel.
The dress code for Electrical Engineers depends on the location, sector, size, and type of company, but it is generally business-casual unless otherwise specified.
Electrical Engineers typically work a standard, full-time 40-hour schedule, although overtime is sometimes required to meet deadlines.
Employers range from multinational, multifaceted companies that cover various industries to medium and small-sized specialist enterprises. This range gives Electrical Engineers a wide choice of entry points into the profession and a variety of organizations to gain experience and build a career. Specialist recruitment agencies handle contract vacancies, particularly of experienced Engineers.
Electrical Engineers are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organizations are a crucial resource for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Active membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications as an Electrical Engineer.
A vacation placement, work shadowing, industrial year out, internship, or participation in cooperative engineering programs provide a valuable opportunity to develop an Electrical Engineer’s professional experience and build a network of contacts. Some degree courses will include a year's paid industrial or commercial placement as part of the degree.
Most employers prefer an accredited degree in Electrical or electronic engineering. Gainful employment may also be possible with an accredited degree in mechanical, aeronautical, building services, communications, computing and software, electromechanical, mechanical and production, physics and applied physics, power, and energy engineering.
Electrical Engineering courses are a mix of design and lab work. Online engineering programs allow students to study while working.
Professional certifications can help job hunters stand out from their competition. Government contractors require licenses, with different procedures and requirements depending on the location. Applicants must have a minimum number of years of job experience and pass an exam to receive their license as an Electrical Engineer. Fresh graduates can obtain pre-licensure certifications.
Career prospects depend to a certain extent on how Electrical Engineers choose to develop their careers and preferred specialist areas. As you gain experience, you may decide to stay in an engineering role or work in research and design (R&D). Alternatively, you may choose to go into project management, take on a management role, pursue an academic career, or become a consultant or contractor.
Professional status and membership of a relevant professional body are essential for successful career progression. Some Electrical Engineers choose to develop their careers abroad. In countries where your initial engineering qualifications are not recognized, you will have to take additional tests. Most overseas organizations will expect chartered engineer status.
Electrical Engineers with knowledge, experience, expertise, fluency in a relevant foreign language, will have better prospects.
Some companies offer an established training program that includes on-the-job training and structured continuing professional development (CPD). Smaller employers may be unable to provide such a broad training experience, so checking what arrangements are in place when applying for jobs is essential.
Some larger organizations offer graduate training schemes, which involve a rotation of posts in the first two to three years to help you gain the necessary competencies and experience. You may also receive training in core business skills, such as project management, report writing, or presentation skills.
Many Electrical Engineers work towards gaining professional status awarded by an appropriate professional organization; it provides recognition of expertise and a higher earning potential. The process of becoming incorporated or chartered is more straightforward if you have a relevant accredited degree or an accredited diploma plus appropriate learning to degree level. You may also need to demonstrate that you work at a particular level and have the required professional competences and commitment.
Sub-Disciplines
There are many sub-disciplines in Electrical Engineering. Some Electrical Engineers specialize exclusively in one sub-discipline, while others specialize in a combination of sub-disciplines. The most popular sub-disciplines are electronics, microelectronics, signal processing, power, control, telecommunications, and instrumentation computer engineering.
A Variety of Projects and Using CAD
Electrical Engineers work on a variety of projects, such as computers, robots, cell phones, cards, radars, navigation systems, wiring and lighting in buildings, and other kinds of electrical systems. Electrical Engineers are increasingly relying on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems for the creation of schematics and layout circuits; they use computers to simulate how electrical devices and systems will function.
Skills and Tools
Electrical Engineers work in various industries, and the skills required also vary. These skills can range from basic circuit theory to those needed to be a project manager. For example, some work in defense-related and nuclear power industries has country-specific security implications and requirements. The tools and equipment that an Electrical Engineer may need are also variable. They can range from a straightforward voltmeter to a top end analyzer to advanced design and manufacturing software.
Overseas Jobs
A second language may be useful when applying to international companies. There are excellent opportunities to work overseas, particularly in the oil, petrochemical and power sectors, large consulting firms, and large building contractors. It could be either an overseas posting with a multinational employer or by applying for a job based overseas.
Self-Employment & Consultancy
Self-employment and consultancy are natural options for individuals with adequate knowledge, expertise, experience, and a good reputation.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment
A freelancer Electrical Engineer has freedom in regards to flexible schedules, working hours and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented. While it has unlimited earning potential, it also has less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. Paid holidays and sick/maternity/paternity leaves become unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.
A full-time Electrical Engineer, however, has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. They are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. There is a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety, and need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.
Electrical Engineers develop and enhance nearly every aspect of our lives. They are in demand in a wide range of industries. If you have the capacity and the aptitude for research-focused thinking, investigating, increasing the understanding of natural laws, building focused on working with tools and machines, fixing or making practical things, this is the perfect career option for you!!!
The electrical engineer has an enormous advantage over other engineers. Everything in the field lends itself to the exact calculation. A completed machine or any of its parts may be submitted to the most searching electrical and magnetic tests, since these tests, unlike those applied by other engineers, do not destroy the body tested.
The English word ‘electricity’ was first used in 1646 by Sir Thomas Browne, derived from the Latin ‘electricus’ meaning ‘like amber’ in terms of its attractive properties.
What do Electrical Engineers do?
An Electrical Engineer would typically need to:
Accredited
$38,312
