How to Begin an Electrician Engineering Career

Electrical engineers work at power plants to supply energy to surrounding cities.

“Electrician engineer” is a phrase which is sometimes mistakenly interchanged with that of "electrical engineer" or "electronics engineer." Electrical engineers design and build machines that harness the power of electricity to perform a specific function. Electronics engineering is a subset of electrical engineering, which creates circuits using electronic components such as transistors and capacitors. Both types of engineers begin their careers by taking classes in in electrical engineering.

Instructions

1. Attend an accredited engineering undergraduate program. Most electrical engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's degree from university accredited by ABET, Inc., the national body that monitors college curricula to make sure that schools are up to date with trends in the industry. All college engineering classes have course requirements in mathematics, physics, electronics and general education.

2. Sign up for an internship or cooperative learning program. Most engineering students take advantage of internships and co-ops because they allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. Also, it is through the relationships built during this time, that students net that first job after graduation.

3. Join an engineering club or society. As with internships and coops, joining an engineering society is another opportunity to network. Membership also demonstrates a deeper level of commitment to the field as well as a reputation for academic excellence. Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) is the honors society for electrical and computer engineering students. Other engineering societies open to students of all engineering specialties include the Society of Women Engineers and Society of Black Engineers. Each state and nation also has its own engineering society.

4. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Like doctors and lawyers, engineers need a license from the state before they can practice. This test, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, is the first step. The test breaks down into two four-hour sessions. The morning session is a general test that covers the basic principles of all engineering disciplines including mechanical, environmental and chemical engineering. The afternoon session covers a specific specialty chosen by the test taker based on her major. Upon passing , the test taker attains the status of engineering intern or engineer-in-training.

5. Graduate with a degree in electrical engineering.

6. Apply for an electrical engineering job. During the course of their studies, students will build up an impressive resume of projects. By their senior year they should have already approached their professors for letters of recommendations. Along with the relationships they have built through their time in clubs and working on internships, students increase the chances of finding a job soon after graduation.

7. Take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. After four years of work engineering interns are eligible to take the PE exam. The PE also lasts eight hours. Upon successful completion of the PE, the test taker can apply to his state board for a license.

References

• ABET, Inc.: Why Accreditation Matters to Students
• University of Washington College of Engineering: Work Experience - Engineering Co-op & Internship Program
• Eta Kappa Nu: Benefits of Joining/Why Join
• Society of Women Engineers: About SWE
• National Society of Black Engineers: NSBE Mission & Objectives
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying: FE Exam
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying: PE Exam