What does an Electrical Engineer do?
Published 4 min read
An electrical engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and supervises the manufacture of electrical equipment.
Electrical Engineer job duties include:
- Research, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of electrical equipment, components, and systems
- Design electrical equipment, components, and systems
- Supervise the installation of electrical equipment, components, and systems
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure compliance with safety and other standards
- Investigate customer complaints related to electrical products or services
- Plan work schedules and assignments for subordinates
- Prepare cost estimates for materials, equipment, or labor required for a project
- Write reports and correspondence pertaining to work activities
- Confer with customers, engineers, and others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects and products
Electrical Engineer Job Requirements
Most electrical engineers have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, although some have a related degree. In addition, many electrical engineers are certified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). To maintain their certification, they must complete continuing education requirements. Many electrical engineers have several years of experience working in the field before they become licensed.
Electrical Engineer Skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Detail oriented
- Electrical engineering knowledge
- Interpersonal skills
- Math skills
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving skills
- Project management skills
- Research skills
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How to become an Electrical Engineer
There are many different types of engineers, but electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing and supervising the manufacture of electrical equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including power generation, transmission and distribution, communications, electronics and manufacturing.
To become an electrical engineer, you will need to have a strong background in mathematics and science. You should also be able to think logically and have good problem-solving skills. In addition, you will need to be able to work well in a team environment.
If you are interested in becoming an electrical engineer, you should start by taking classes in physics and mathematics. These classes will give you the basic foundation that you need to succeed in this field. In addition, you should consider taking courses in computer science and engineering. These courses will help you better understand how electrical systems work and how to design them.
After completing your coursework, you should consider working as an intern or co-op student with an engineering firm. This will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. Once you have completed your internship or co-op program, you should then apply to engineering schools.
Most engineering programs will require that you take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test that measures your verbal, mathematical and analytical skills. Your score on the GRE will play a role in determining which engineering school you can attend.
Once you have been accepted into an engineering program, you will need to complete four or five years of study. During your studies, you will take classes such as circuit analysis, digital electronics and electromagnetics. You will also participate in laboratory experiments and projects. After completing your studies, you will need to pass two exams in order to become a licensed engineer.
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