Additional Information
If you're thinking about a career in electrical engineering, you better
enjoy math.
"Just like any other engineering degree, electrical requires a very good
foundation in mathematics," says electrical engineer Kiruba Sivasubramaniam.
"Anyone with an interest in going to college for an engineering degree should
take their math courses in high school very seriously." High school students
should take calculus if it's offered.
While it helps to be good at math, many engineers find they have to deal
with more than numbers on the job. They also have to manage finances and communicate
with people.
"A basic accounting course or business law in high school would be a good
idea," says electrical engineer Greg Kleese. "You don't want to limit yourself
by just being techno-nerdy. It's the people who also have the ability to communicate
and bring business skills that are on the move up and up."
Once you're enrolled in engineering at university, don't feel swamped by
the workload.
"Don't be intimidated by engineering," Kleese advises. "You may feel that
you have to put in extra hours to get this degree. But it's hard to think
of another career where you're as employable to do interesting work with just
a bachelor's degree."
Try joining circuitry, space and rocketry or science clubs at high school
to get some practical experience. Computer clubs, math and physics teams are
also great places to learn skills that will help in a career towards electrical
engineering.
In the United States, a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited
program is generally acceptable for starting out. Graduate training is essential
for engineering faculty positions, but not for most entry-level jobs. However,
many engineers obtain a master's degree to learn about new technology, to
broaden their education and to increase possibilities of job promotion.
Engineers whose work will affect life, health or property, or who offer
service to the public, must be registered. Registration requires a degree
from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering
and Technology, four years of work experience and the completion of a state
exam.