A flat-screen television’s energy efficiency or how a Las Vegas casino uses so much electricity without blowing a fuse are two examples of things that one can ask about while they pursue a career as an electrical engineer. Training, dedication, and the desire to learn more are also requirements.

Electrical engineers solve complex electrical problems and can work on anything from little electronic devices to enormous electrical networks. Electrical engineers must answer problems like: What degree level should I obtain to optimize my revenue while traveling there. What area of specialization should I study to land my ideal job? Do I have to work for an engineering company, or can I go it alone?

To create machines that utilize or generate electricity, electrical engineers use physics, electronics, and electromagnetic. Electrical engineers work on a variety of projects, including massive aircraft electrical systems and little pocket electronics. Engineers assess and enhance systems while testing prototypes. Electrical engineers are needed in almost every sector, including the public sector, transportation, communications, technology, and utilities.

While short-term assignments and on-site projects are frequent, the majority of electrical engineers operate in an office or lab environment.

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from a school certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is typically required by employers for entry-level electrical engineers. Electrical circuit theory, differential equations, and digital systems design are frequently taught in bachelor’s degree programs. Majors in electrical engineering can take part in field research and lab work in addition to their coursework.

Through internships, cooperative engineering degree programs give students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Students studying electrical engineering may be able to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. With a master’s degree, electrical engineers can work in research and development at a commercial company or as instructors at colleges and universities.

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The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is required for all electrical engineers who work in the utility industry to obtain a license. A candidate must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and have successfully finished an engineering program certified by ABET in order to be eligible for licensing. After earning a degree in electrical engineering or a similar field, students are eligible to sit for the FE exam. Engineers-in-training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs) are the titles given to those who receive a passing score on the FE until they pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

Electrical engineering advancement is frequently based on experience and success. Although it is not necessary to have a graduate degree, many businesses prefer their engineers to stay current with new technologies. A graduate degree in electrical engineering gives one a competitive edge in the industry and promotes one’s career more quickly.

EITs require four years of relevant work experience before they may sit for the Professional Engineer (PE) test. Professional engineers must stay current on industry changes even after receiving their PE license because several states mandate continuing education for them to maintain their engineering licenses.

How to find the Job?

Finding an electrical engineering job is not always as easy as expected, however, we have provided some tips below:

• 1. Contact electrical engineering firms in your area. Even if they do not advertise that they are hiring, send a resume anyways. You never know when a job will become available.

• 2. Contact your college or university to see if they know of any employment leads. Many graduates keep in touch with their professors and ask for help when the company they work for has a job opening.

• 3. Look at electrical engineering websites and any other engineering related website. They often list employment opportunities.

• 4. Get a headhunter to help with the search. Headhunters will determine your job requirements and help find you a job. They are paid by the company that hires you, so it is in their best interest to get you a job as quickly as possible.

• 5. Contact a temporary agency to get temporary employment at an electrical engineering firm. This will enable you to get your foot in the door at that company. Even if you are just answering the phones, it will help you get a feel for the environment, you will get to network with other professionals, and you will learn about the engineering business.

• 6. Go to as many business related social events as possible to network. Tell EVERYONE that you are looking for a job and collect as many business cards as possible.

• 7. Consider being a free intern for 6 weeks. This will enable you to learn about the business. Interns are have a high probability of being hired on full time once their internship is over.

• 8. Look at as many employment websites as possible, such as Career Builder and Monster. Post your resume on these sites if that feature is available. Don’t forget to look for jobs that allow you to work from home. While looking for a job, consider getting an advanced degree in engineering. There are many traditional and online options for schooling.

The following are some helpful tips to consider:

• Meet people in the industry. Networking with other professionals in the industry can be helpful in finding career opportunities. It also increases scientific collaborations and research advancements. Attending conferences, joining professional associations and alumni organizations are good options for networking.
• Enroll in a certificate program. Online and on-campus certificate programs are common methods for those with general electrical engineering experience to learn specialized skills and show expertise. Some employers may offer enrollment in a certificate program to their employees. Common certificate programs include electromagnetics, wireless communications, signal processing and biomedical engineering.
• Take a licensure exam. After passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and working for several years, you may take the Principles and Practices of Engineering (PE) exam. These exams vary by state but typically test knowledge of general engineering and magnetic and electrical field theory.