How To Become An Electrical Engineer In 2024 | What Does An Electrical Engineer Do
How To Become An Electrical Engineer | What Does An Electrical Engineer Do. The steps necessary to becoming an electrical engineer are relatively similar across the board. To pursue a career as an electrical engineer, an individual must first meet several criteria. Kamerpower.com
Perhaps most importantly, an aspiring electrical engineer must complete a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, specifically in the field of electrical engineering. After earning a degree in electrical engineering, graduates can begin working immediately.
After four years, engineers become eligible to pursue a Professional Engineer license through the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Becoming a Professional Engineer, or PE, allows the holder to work on a broader array of vocations that demand greater responsibility.
What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electrical engineers create electrical devices to satisfy our ever-growing needs to stay comfortable and live effortlessly. They design, develop, test, and produce anything from IT to telecommunication devices, generators, engines, vehicles, and navigation systems so we can keep our universe under our control.
Electrical engineering is not something you can just dip your feet in and see how it goes. It is either all in or all out. If you opt for all in, you will spend years learning your craft and end up being an inventor of devices that might potentially make our world a better place.
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Steps On How To Becoming An Electrical Engineer
Those interested in pursuing work in electrical engineering should consider following the steps to pursuing this career.
Step 1: Graduate from High School (Four Years)
The first step in becoming an electrical engineer is obtaining a high school diploma; or a GED in the absence of a high school diploma. Because a high school diploma or a GED is a prerequisite for admission to virtually any college or university, this is a fundamental step in the process. High school students should take as many math and science courses as possible and drafting or other STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classes.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Four to Five Years)
After graduating from high school or earning a GED, students should apply to and enroll in an electrical engineering program at a two-year college or a four-year university or college. Some two-year colleges have PREP (pre-engineering programs) designed to prepare students for four-year degree programs by emphasizing foundational STEM courses at more affordable tuition rates. Upon completing a PREP program at a community college, students consider enrolling in a four-year college or university engineering program accredited by ABET to be eligible for PE licensure.
Step 3: Get Professional Experience
Students pursuing a degree in electrical engineering may wish to find volunteer or work experience in the field during college or university. While this is certainly not a requirement, it can help students understand what to expect in the future and ensure they are prepared for the demands of the occupation.
Step 4: Enroll in a Master’s Degree Program in Engineering (One to Three Years)
Some common pathways to a master’s degree program in engineering are earning professional experience after a four-year undergraduate degree, enrolling in a five-year BS/MS dual-degree engineering program, or enrolling in a dual MBA/MSE program.
- Five-year Bachelor of Science & Master of Science in Engineering Program – Bucknell University
- Online MBA & MSE in Electrical Engineering – Arizona State University
Step 5: Earn Professional Engineer Licensure (Four or More Years)
After earning a degree from a four- or five-year program, an individual can begin working as an electrical engineer. After four years of working under a licensed PE and meeting other criteria, an individual can apply for a Professional Engineer license, which, as discussed above, can lead to expanded career opportunities.
Electrical Engineering Salary
Electrical engineers with higher levels of education generally earn higher salaries.
- Bachelor’s: $94,000 per year.
- Master’s: $100,000 per year.
- Doctoral: $123,000 per year.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Electrical Engineer?
- High school diploma (four years) – may vary.
- Undergraduate degree (four years).
- Graduate degree (one to seven years) if a student chooses to pursue a graduate degree in engineering.
- Professional licensure (four years or more).
