Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are responsible for implementing electrical components into any number of devices that use electricity. They help to design and manufacture electrical products of all shapes and sizes, making it a career constantly on the cutting edge. Due to the job's complexities, Electrical engineers frequently work with computers; many of these professionals also work in team settings. While there is overlap with electronics areas, electrical engineers generally focus on supply and generation of power.
Education Needed
Having at least one degree in electrical engineering is an absolute necessity for advancement in the field; many firms require electrical engineers to have a master's or doctoral degree for career advancement. Degrees offered in the field include Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering with concentration in electrical engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Engineering with concentration in electrical engineering and Doctorate of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. Gaining entrance into most engineering schools is quite difficult; applicants need top grades in classes such as computer science, physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
Skills Required
Having exceptional understanding of science and math is a major requirement for a career in electrical engineering; in addition, knowing computers inside and out is a plus. Electrical engineers must be good problem-solvers and have a creative bent, since finding new ways to provide power to products in the development phase is often the main task. Public speaking and writing are also good skills to have; electrical engineers frequently write technical reports and present material before large groups.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 174,000 electrical engineering jobs existed in 2012. The BLS also states that job growth is expected to be just five percent for the 2012-2022 decade. As of May 2012, the average annual wage for electrical engineers was $91,810.
Alternative Careers
Education Needed
Having at least one degree in electrical engineering is an absolute necessity for advancement in the field; many firms require electrical engineers to have a master's or doctoral degree for career advancement. Degrees offered in the field include Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering with concentration in electrical engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Engineering with concentration in electrical engineering and Doctorate of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering. Gaining entrance into most engineering schools is quite difficult; applicants need top grades in classes such as computer science, physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
Skills Required
Having exceptional understanding of science and math is a major requirement for a career in electrical engineering; in addition, knowing computers inside and out is a plus. Electrical engineers must be good problem-solvers and have a creative bent, since finding new ways to provide power to products in the development phase is often the main task. Public speaking and writing are also good skills to have; electrical engineers frequently write technical reports and present material before large groups.
Career and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 174,000 electrical engineering jobs existed in 2012. The BLS also states that job growth is expected to be just five percent for the 2012-2022 decade. As of May 2012, the average annual wage for electrical engineers was $91,810.
Alternative Careers
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electrician
Electrical Engineering
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