A Description of What the Career Involves: Electrical Engineering
Introduction
Electrical engineers play a vital role in our modern society, designing and developing the electrical systems that power our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. They work in a wide range of industries, from electronics manufacturing to power generation and distribution. If you’re interested in a career in electrical engineering, read on to learn more about what the job entails.
What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems. They work with a variety of equipment, including electrical circuits, motors, transformers, and generators. They also work with computer software to simulate and analyze electrical systems.
Electrical engineers typically specialize in a particular area of electrical engineering, such as power systems, control systems, or electronics. Power systems engineers design and maintain the electrical grids that distribute electricity to homes and businesses. Control systems engineers design and maintain the systems that control industrial machinery and other equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic devices, such as computers, cell phones, and medical equipment.
Education and Training
To become an electrical engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited university. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or a doctorate.
In addition to their formal education, electrical engineers typically need to complete a period of on-the-job training. This training can provide them with the skills and experience necessary to work safely and effectively in the field.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for electrical engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of electrical engineers will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for electrical systems in a variety of industries.
Salary Expectations
The median annual salary for electrical engineers was $108,860 in May 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $164,150, while the bottom 10% earned less than $68,470.
Work Environment
Electrical engineers typically work in offices or laboratories. They may also work in the field, inspecting electrical systems or troubleshooting problems. Electrical engineers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, such as electrical shocks and high voltage equipment.
Conclusion
Electrical engineering is a challenging but rewarding career. Electrical engineers play a vital role in our modern society, designing and developing the electrical systems that power our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. If you’re interested in a career in electrical engineering, be sure to do your research and learn more about the education and training requirements.