NO 1 QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE CHOOSING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AS A COURSE OF STUDY

Is Electrical Engineering Right for ME?

Electrical engineering is a field with almost limitless career opportunities. That’s due to the number of sub-disciplines and areas of specializations this field offers.
With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder why thousands of students elect to study engineering each year. Electrical engineering is diverse, challenging, and professionally rewarding.
At first glance, engineering is a rather complicated field to understand, especially for recent high school graduates looking to find a college or university that offers a degree program in this subject. Engineering encompasses more than cars and bridges and repairing faulty machines. You’ll quickly discover that engineering is about the art of solving problems in any sector imaginable.

What is Electrical Engineering?

Electrical engineering is the study of electrical systems, devices, and circuits such as communication systems, automobiles, computers, machinery controls, and almost anything you can think of that uses electricity, or has a plug or a motor.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and implementing electrical components like circuit breakers and conductors. They also inspect existing electrical systems for problems. It’s a big job with big responsibilities. Think about everything you use on a daily basis that requires electricity. Everything with a plug and an on/off switch requires electricity to operate, and engineers help make this happen.
Still not sure? Below is a useful job description from The Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• “Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products.
• Do detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
• Direct manufacturing, installing, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes
• Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
• Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget”

Even though electrical engineering may seem like a more specified field, there are still many avenues that you can choose to go down. The narrower fields within electrical engineering are called concentrations, and include a variety of topics that are more in depth than just knowing how to solder two wires together. These concentrations can include:

• Computer Engineering
• Signal Processing
• Solid-State Devices

Mechatronics and Robotics

• Electromagnetic Fields
• Photonics
• Digital Systems
• Control Systems
• Integrated Circuits
• Integrated Nano-Technology
• Computer Architecture and Microprocessor Design

Unsure of what some of these programs include? Don’t worry about it: that’s why you’re doing your research now. While something like Integrated Nano-Technology may sound intimidating or vague, finding the right school that is a fit for you will play a key part in how successful you become with your degree. Keep in mind our helpful tips for engineering students.

Do You Have What it Takes?

In order to be successful in this field, you need certain skills and an aptitude to assuming leadership. For example, if you competent in or interested in learning about…

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Applied Sciences
• Computer Science
• Analytical Skills
• Electronics
• Computers
• Design

…then perhaps it’s time to apply and enroll in an electrical engineering program. Many colleges and universities offer electrical engineering programs at all levels, making it easier than ever to enter the field. Online and traditional on-campus programs are available. Both provide the training necessary to put you to work in this industry.
Electrical engineering is a pretty broad discipline, which is good thing, in case you discover that aerospace or civil engineering is more up your alley. If that’s the case, you’ll find that many sub-fields overlap and reinforce on another. You’ll still need to take subject-specific courses in aerospace or civil engineering, but you won’t have to start from scratch. Remember, problem