What Do I Need to Become an Electrical Engineer?
Electrical engineers use advanced mathematics and science to design, test, develop, manufacture and repair electrical equipment, systems and machines. They work on everything from automobiles and robots to cell phones and navigation systems. Electrical engineers may work in laboratories, offices or industrial plants and typically work a 40-hour week, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To become an electrical engineer you must meet the minimum education, training and certification requirements for the career.
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Skills and Personal Qualities
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Electrical engineers need a certain set of skills and personal qualities to handle the rigorous academic requirements and demands of the career. Aptitude in math, science and computers is essential, as electrical engineers will need to pass advanced courses in these areas and apply the principles they've learned in a real world setting. Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving abilities are also very important. Candidates should also enjoy working with electronics and electrical systems. Good communications skills, both oral and written, are also highly valued, as are solid teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Formal Education
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All electrical engineers need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. During high school, candidates should pay particular close attention to their courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry and computer science. From there, candidates need to complete a bachelor's degree program in engineering, which typically takes four or five years to complete. An electrical engineering degree program requires significant coursework in advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, digital circuits design, microprocessors, electronics, and linear systems and signals. Many programs also have distribution or core course requirements in the humanities and social sciences.
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Licensing and Training
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All electrical engineers must be licensed to work in their state. Upon graduating from college, new engineers must take the Fundamentals of Engineers (FE) examination. Those who pass this exam become engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs) and remain interns for the first year and a half to two years of employment. EITs then take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, and those who pass become professional engineers or PEs. Licensed professional engineers who move to a different state can obtain an equivalent license in that state without having to retake the exams.
Certification and Advancement
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Electrical engineers can advance in their career by accumulating experience and professional certificates. As engineers gain more experience, they work on more complex problems, take on greater responsibility and generally make more money. They can eventually become supervisors, managers, technical specialists or sales representatives. Electrical engineers can expand their employment opportunities by becoming certified through one of the many professional societies that offer engineering certificates. Many private companies offer their own certificates for working on systems and machines specific to their company.
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