How to Get Started in Electrical Engineering – A Beginner’s Guide
How to Get Started in Electrical Engineering: A Beginner’s Guide
Electrical engineering is one of the most exciting and rewarding fields, as it involves designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical and electronic systems and devices. Electrical engineers work on various projects, such as power generation and distribution, telecommunications, robotics, biomedical devices, computer hardware and software, and more.
If you want to pursue a career in electrical engineering, you may wonder how to get started and what steps to take. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to becoming an electrical engineer, from choosing the proper education and training to finding the best opportunities and resources.
Step 1: Pursue a Degree in Electrical Engineering
The first step toward becoming an electrical engineer is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or ABET. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering typically takes four years to complete. It covers the fundamental concepts and principles of electrical engineering, such as circuits, electronics, signals and systems, electromagnetics, control theory, digital logic, microprocessors, etc.
To enroll in an electrical engineering program, you must have a strong background in mathematics and physics. You will also need to meet the admission requirements of the institution you choose, which may vary depending on the level of competition and selectivity. Some of the standard admission requirements are:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- High school transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Application fee
During your bachelor’s degree program, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members, participate in hands-on laboratory experiments and projects, and interact with other students who share your passion for electrical engineering. You can also choose electives or specializations that match your interests and career goals, such as power systems, communications, embedded systems, nanotechnology, etc.
Step 2: Apply for an Electrical Engineering Internship or Work as an Entry-Level Engineer
The next step you can take after completing your bachelor’s degree is to gain some practical experience in electrical engineering. This can help you develop your skills, expand your knowledge, build your network, and enhance your resume. You can gain experience as an electrical engineer in two main ways: internships or entry-level jobs.
Internships are short-term work opportunities that allow you to work under the supervision of experienced engineers in a specific company or organization. Internships can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, lasting from a few weeks to a few months. Internships can provide valuable exposure to real-world problems and solutions and feedback and guidance from mentors and peers. Internships can also help you establish connections with potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired after graduation.
To find an internship in electrical engineering, you can use various resources, such as:
- Your college or university’s career center or website
- Online job boards or platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, [LinkedIn], etc.
- Professional associations or societies, such as [IEEE], [ACM], [NSPE], etc.
- Networking events or career fairs
- Personal contacts or referrals
When applying for an electrical engineering internship, you must prepare a resume highlighting your education, skills, achievements, and projects related to electrical engineering. You must also write a cover letter expressing your interest and motivation for the internship position. Depending on the employer’s requirements, you may also need to provide other documents or materials, such as transcripts, portfolios, letters of recommendation, etc.
Entry-level jobs are full-time work opportunities that require a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Entry-level jobs can offer you more responsibility, autonomy, and compensation than internships, but they may also be more competitive and demanding. Entry-level jobs can help you gain more in-depth knowledge and experience in a specific area of electrical engineering and advance your career prospects and professional development.
To find an entry-level job in electrical engineering, you can use similar resources as for finding an internship, such as:
- Your college or university’s career center or website
- Online job boards or platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, [LinkedIn], etc.
- Professional associations or societies, such as [IEEE], [ACM], [NSPE], etc.
- Networking events or career fairs
- Personal contacts or referrals
When applying for an entry-level job in electrical engineering, you will need to prepare a resume that showcases your education, skills, achievements, and experience related to electrical engineering. You must also write a cover letter demonstrating your qualifications and suitability for the job position. Depending on the employer’s requirements, you may also need to provide other documents or materials, such as transcripts, portfolios, letters of recommendation, etc.
Step 3: Start the Professional Engineer Licensing Process
The third step you can take to become an electrical engineer is to start the process of obtaining a professional engineer (PE) license. A PE license is a credential that certifies your competence and ethical practice as an engineer. A PE license can enhance your credibility, reputation, and career opportunities and allow you to perform specific tasks restricted to licensed engineers, such as stamping and sealing engineering documents, offering engineering services to the public, or leading engineering projects.
To obtain a PE license in electrical engineering, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Graduate from an ABET-accredited electrical engineering program
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Gain at least four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer
- Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam
The FE exam is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge and skills in essential engineering topics, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering economics, ethics, etc. The FE exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions and lasts for six hours. You can take the FE exam anytime after graduating from an electrical engineering program or during your senior year.
The PE exam is a computer-based test that evaluates your ability to apply advanced engineering concepts and principles to solve complex problems in electrical engineering. The PE exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and lasts for eight hours. You can take the PE exam only after passing the FE exam and gaining the required engineering experience.
To prepare for the FE and PE exams, you can use various resources, such as:
- Official study guides and practice exams from [NCEES], the organization that administers the exams
- Online courses or review sessions from [School of PE], [PPI], [Testmasters], etc.
- Books or manuals from [Amazon], [Barnes & Noble], [Engineering Pro Guides], etc.
- Online forums or communities, such as [Engineer Boards], [Reddit], [Quora], etc.
Step 4: Continue Your Education and Professional Development
The fourth and final step you can take to become an electrical engineer is to continue your education and professional development throughout your career. Electrical engineering is a constantly evolving field that requires you to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and innovations. Continuing your education and professional development, you can maintain your competence, expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and advance your career.
There are many ways you can continue your education and professional development as an electrical engineer, such as:
- Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in electrical engineering or a related field
- Obtaining additional certifications or credentials from reputable organizations, such as [IEEE], [ACM], [NSPE], etc.
- Attending workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences, or courses offered by various institutions or platforms, such as [Coursera], [edX], [Udemy], etc.
- Reading books, journals, magazines, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters on electrical engineering topics
- Joining professional associations or societies, such as [IEEE], [ACM], [NSPE], etc., and participating in their events, activities, or programs
- Networking with other engineers or professionals in your field or industry
- Seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced engineers or experts
- Volunteering for community service or social impact projects related to electrical engineering.
Conclusion
Electrical engineering is a rewarding career that offers many opportunities for creativity, innovation, and impact. To become an electrical engineer, you must follow four main steps: pursue a degree in electrical engineering, apply for an internship or work as an entry-level engineer, start the professional engineer licensing process, and continue your education and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is electrical engineering, and why should I consider it a career?
- Electrical engineering is a field that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It offers diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a chance to work on cutting-edge technologies.
2. What educational background do I need to become an electrical engineer?
- Typically, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field to pursue a career in electrical engineering.
3. Can I start learning about electrical engineering as a beginner without any prior knowledge?
- Yes, many resources, courses, and tutorials are available online and at universities to help beginners get started in electrical engineering.
4. What foundational topics should I study as a beginner in electrical engineering?
- Start with basics like circuit theory, electrical components, and mathematics (calculus and algebra). These provide a strong foundation for more advanced topics.
5. How can I gain hands-on experience in electrical engineering as a beginner?
- Consider building simple projects using components like breadboards, resistors, LEDs, and microcontrollers. Hands-on practice is essential for learning.
6. Are there beginner-friendly programming languages for electrical engineering?
- Yes, languages like Python and Arduino-based programming are beginner-friendly and widely used in electrical engineering projects.
7. Should I invest in a starter kit or electrical components to begin learning?
- Starter kits and electrical component sets can be a great investment for hands-on learning and experimentation.
8. Are there online courses or tutorials specifically designed for beginners in electrical engineering?
- Yes, many online platforms offer courses tailored for beginners, covering topics like electronics, circuit design, and programming.
9. What resources can I use to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in electrical engineering?
- Stay informed through industry websites, academic journals, podcasts, and forums dedicated to electrical engineering.
10. How important is networking in the field of electrical engineering?
- Networking is crucial for career growth. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with professionals in the field.
11. Can I find internship opportunities as a beginner in electrical engineering?
- Yes, some companies offer internships to students and beginners, providing valuable real-world experience.
12. What are some common mistakes to avoid when starting in electrical engineering?
- Avoid skipping fundamentals, not seeking help when needed, and rushing through projects without proper planning.
13. How can I choose a specialization within electrical engineering as a beginner?
- Explore different areas like power systems, electronics, control systems, and telecommunications through courses and projects to find your interests.
14. What soft skills are important for success in electrical engineering?
- Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills for electrical engineers.
15. What are some inspirational success stories in electrical engineering that beginners can learn from?
- Research and read about successful electrical engineers, their journeys, and the impact of their work to inspire and motivate your own career path.
