Electrical engineering is a fascinating and highly specialized field that is steadily growing in popularity. As technology advances, more and more businesses are turning to electrical engineers to help them design and develop new products. In this article, we will take a look at the many career options available for electrical engineers and explore what skills and qualifications are necessary for success in this field.
Overview of Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a field that covers a wide range of disciplines, from circuit theory to equipment design and manufacturing. There are many career options available for those who have a degree in electrical engineering, including positions in research and development, consulting, engineering management, and manufacturing.
Types of Electrical Engineering Careers
There are many different career options available for electrical engineering graduates. Some of the most common career paths include working as an electrical engineer in a company, becoming a research scientist or engineer, teaching at a college or university, or writing about electrical engineering on a blog or website.
Working as an electrical engineer in a company is the most common route to take. This involves designing and installing wiring and equipment for businesses, such as factories and offices. Electrical engineers who work in this field often have degrees in electrical engineering, but they may also have degrees in other fields, such as business or computer science.
Another common route for electrical engineers is to become research scientists or engineers. These professionals conduct research on new products and technologies related to electrical engineering. They may work for private companies or government agencies.
Teaching at a college or university is another option for electrical engineers. They may teach classes in either the undergraduate or graduate level. Alternatively, they may work as adjunct professors, teaching one class per semester.
Finally, many electrical engineers choose to write about their field on blogs or websites. This allows them to share their knowledge with others and promote the use of electricity in society.
Education and Certification Requirements for Electrical Engineering Jobs
If you want to work as an electrical engineer, you will likely need a degree in electrical engineering. However, not all jobs require a degree. Many companies now prefer candidates with certification or experience in specific areas of electrical engineering.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers several certifications that are relevant to electrical engineering. The most popular certification is the Certified Professional Engineer (CPE). Other important certifications include the Certified Electrical Engineer (CEE) and the Registered Electrical Engineer (RE).
Many employers now prefer candidates with certification or experience in specific areas of electrical engineering. To gain certification, you will need to pass an accredited exam. There are several exams that are relevant to electrical engineering, including the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE), the Electronics Systems Technology Exam (EST), and the Power Electronics Technology Exam (PTE).
Experience is also important when looking for a job as an electrical engineer. Many companies now prefer candidates with experience in specific areas of electrical engineering. Some common areas of experience include power systems, industrial automation, telecommunications, and computer systems.
Testing and Licensing Requirements for Electrical Engineers
Adequate testing and licensing is necessary for any engineer in the electrical field. Electrical engineers must complete a national board certification examination (NBCE) in order to practice their trade. There are many different requirements for obtaining certification, but most electrical engineers must also pass a state licensing exam. All state licensing examinations require passing an examination specific to that state’s licensing requirements.
Because electrical engineering is such a wide-ranging and complex field, there are many career options available to those who have completed NBCE certification and passed a state licensing exam. Some of the common career paths for electrical engineers include: systems engineering, power engineering, industrial engineering, research and development, product design, and safety management. As with any career decision, it is important to weigh all of the pros and cons of each option before making a choice.
Salary Information for Electrical Engineers
Salary information for electrical engineers is important to know if you are interested in a career in this field. Electrical engineers typically earn a good salary, but the field has a lot of potential for advancement. Here are some of the most common salaries for electrical engineers and what they may be able to expect in terms of bonuses, benefits and other compensation:
The average salary for an electrical engineer is $87,590, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid 10 percent of electrical engineers earn an average salary of $111,190, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earn an average salary of $68,090.
Bonuses can make a significant difference in how much an electrical engineer earns. The average bonus earned by electrical engineers is $14,560, according to the bureau. This may include money paid as part of their base salary or as a result of achieving specific performance goals. Benefits that may be offered include health insurance, retirement plans and vacation days.
There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of electrical engineering. Many professionals begin their careers as apprentices or interns before eventually moving up the ladder. Some excellent options for continuing your education after completing a degree in electrical engineering include pursuing a
Future Employment Outlook for Electrical Engineers
The electrical engineering field is growing at a rapid rate, which means there are many opportunities for electrical engineers to find work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow by 19 percent between 2012 and 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to the increasing use of electronics and electric vehicles.
Some possible career options for electrical engineers include designing and installing wiring systems in buildings, designing and installing electrical equipment, working as a consultant or scientist in the field of electrical engineering, or working as a teacher in an electrical engineering program. Electrical engineers may also work in research and development, marketing, or management.