how to be a good electrical engineer

5 Must-Have Soft Skills for Engineers’ Career Success. I’m sure that this is way more important in something like civil engineering, where if you mess up a bridge or a building might fall down, but even in computers mistakes can be costly. is a leading career portal helping career aspirants in their endeavor. You need to make sure you know your stuff. Answer “Dislike” if you tell yourself “Ugh… Sounds boring” or “I’m not sure” Note: The following information is from What Personality Qualities Do Engineers Have?, by Auston Matta via Chron.com. Instead, successful engineers prefer to look for environments of fast-growth and vast opportunity. If you want to become an engineer, you must earn a bachelor's degree from an engineering program, majoring in the branch in which you want to work. Ninh Tran is a Co-founder and CMO at HireTeamMate, which is the Uber for Hiring. It will take additional years if you choose to pursue an advanced degree. You must be willing to work hard though. Electrical engineering is a recently developed engineering sector that is concerned with electrical technology. Their top trait is to-the-point filtering – the ability to see beyond presented information and get to the best solution. It is highly suggested that you study for this exam well prior to taking it. To be an effective engineer you will need the ability to work in a team environment. Electrical Engineer Resume Objective. The term electrical engineering often includes electronics engineering. While electrical engineers mainly focus on large-scale production and distribution of electrical power, electronics engineers are concerned with smaller electronic circuits and often also work with computers and other modern … Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems and power generation equipment, states the U ThomasNet is a free supplier discovery platform that connects buyers and engineers with 700,000+ North American manufacturers, machine shops, and distributors. Get licensed by the state in which you wish to work. Electrical engineers then identify strengths and pain points for the current situation. For the past 17 years, he has been recruiting Engineers, including Electrical Engineers, with Russ Hadick & Associates, Inc. “The top trait of a successful Electrical Engineer is…”. You do not have to be incredibly intelligent to get a degree in electrical engineering, although it does help. 2. It can be exists in various forms like gas, fuel cell, turbine, hydro, solar, wind or geothermal energy. Vocational schemes and apprenticeships can help you gain this experience. Typical hours (a week) 35 to 40 a week. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, and possess a wide range of technical skills. This is a great blog, Very informative and inspiring environmental engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. It’s all about handling the end cases of the problem at hand. This article has been viewed 235,564 times. This means that a 40-hour work week is not always the case. Auston has also contributed to “Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News.”. After studying Electrical Engineering in one of the many technical universities in America, those who receive their bachelor’s degree are eligible to receive certification as a professional engineer. In a startup, it makes the difference between leaders and simple contributors. 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. They can present you with all of your available options and help you to weigh the pros and cons of each. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. You can also contact them directly via email to check on any upcoming events. In addition to … “The top trait for a successful electrical engineer, or any engineer for that matter, is…”. The site publishes the best guidance and the latest reading material to help readers in their upcoming competitive exams and interviews. Once the concept is developed, a manufacturing engineer must determine how to mass produce the new components for the consumer market. Physics is also an important course to take. Based on the figure below, the voltage across the 5 amp load after the neutral is … It is a good idea to study for this exam for a few months in advance, at least. Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Right now my city is top 10 for job growth and EE is a big part of that. Ask Yourself Questions. They are able to make sense of complex systems and understand how things work and how problems arise. They also work in a number of fields, including manufacturing and consulting. Most electrical engineering careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, but electrical engineering degrees at the associate level are also available. Last Updated: December 9, 2019 Innovation thrives on breakthrough thinking, nimbleness, and empowerment. For example, if you decide to go outside of the technology sector, you can always look into using your B.S. He has over 40 years of experience as an electrical engineer managing and leading maintenance, engineering, production, and manufacturing operations in petrochemicals industries and consulting engineering businesses. They must think critically by using reasoning and logic. The website’s online test section is well equipped to help a candidate test his preparation for the exams. Solutions-oriented and analytical with history of success contributing to reliable, best-in-class Integrated Circuit (IC) design, sensor production, and sound quality-control procedures. This creativity is needed at work to come up with new approaches to solving problems. The best visions are always developed by a team and are seldom the dream of one individual. One of the major difficulties Electrical Engineers face when applying to jobs is keeping their resume relevant to each … Classes become more advanced as students progress through their chosen degree plan. She recently graduated from UBC and now works for “energyWise”. Electrical engineering has the complete knowledge to utilize and distribute these energies out from their sources to our factories, home, hospitals, school and offices, and our life. Jim Lee runs a small product development company, Left Coast Development. They think of something, and they have the capability and drive to finish it. Good, compared to what? This program gathers all of the application information for you (with your data prompts) and completes the submission process as well. You can always look up a university’s engineering faculty list online and then reach out to one of the professors via email. You might write, “Hello, I’m currently a student at Xavier High School. Problem solving skills are also important. Things you studied hard (or still studying) are gradually being forgotten, especially electrical formulas. The best engineers have big-picture vision. For example, Texas and other states will only hire licensed, professional engineers for public works projects. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 235,564 times. In the engineering fields, creativity can be as valuable to solving a problem as the technical skills to identify and troubleshoot the source of the problem. Highlight your electrical engineering skills. The website’s online test section is well equipped to help a candidate test his preparation for the exams. The problem lives alone in its own mathematical universe. For example, some specialties, such as neuroengineering , are areas of strong job growth. If you see a tamper-proof screw as a challenge instead of a warning, that’s a good sign. Technically good, but a great engineer is someone who has soft skills: communication skills such public speaking, knowledge transfer, and team spirit. Engineers use their knowledge of scientific and mathematical principles to solve technical problems. And during the prototype phase, an EE’s trouble-shooting skills are tested if there is a problem where attention to detail is also needed. Sometimes people will tell you that what you want to do isn’t possible, or that you ‘can’t do it like that’. Unfortunately, I have often been disappointed because few electrical engineers seem to have that quality. Personal qualities required to be a successful electronics engineer, Top Design Engineering Software: The 50 Best Design Tools and Apps for Engineering Professionals, Top 3D CAD Modeling Software: The 50 Best CAD Tools for Ideation, Rendering, Prototyping and More for Product Engineers, The Top 50 Tools for an Electrical Engineer’s Toolbox, Top PCB Design Software Tools for Electronics Engineers: 46 Must-Have Tools to Streamline PCB Design, Top Industrial Design Software: 50 Excellent Tools for Industrial Designers and Engineers, Communicate well with their peers, not only verbally but also via email/documentation, Share knowledge by onboarding new employees or writing blog posts or other documentation about the latest project they worked on, Promote their solution to a technical problem or convince a candidate to join the company, Respect their deadline and fully commit to their responsibilities. Communication skills. Hope they will have a courage to make a move. Likes cats, silly hats, coffee. I wasn't happy with the existing quizzes, they were mostly way too direct (do you like bridges or wires? Electrical engineers improve the lives of others via technology. Sometimes, an electrical engineer will dedicate his or her time to a single electrical product or type of product, such as motors, generators, wiring or … I've met a great number of people who claimed they were not good programers, and went on to become quite good at it. What do I need to do to become an electrical engineer? Additionally, Mr. Dockery is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) and IEEE Life Senior Member. Electrical engineering professionals require more than just technical aptitude and the right education to be successful. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you're still in school, focus on taking advanced math and science classes, as well as some art classes since they'll help you with drafting and design as an engineer. Be aware that electrical engineers often work as much as the job requires. What is the average salary of an electrical engineer? Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate. “The most important traits for successful electrical engineers include…”. They also work on electronic systems used for computing, communications and other industrial applications. When solving an engineering problem, the actual work to solve it is not all that difficult. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of architecture and engineering occupations is … The conclusion to be drawn from this fact is that if your company has a policy of high turnover in your engineering department, you are throwing money down the toilet and won’t be able to attract high-quality engineers. Top-notch logical skills. Yet, as IEEE Spectrum explained, “every engineer’s core mission is to try to improve the utility of things, to design products or processes that will solve problems better, faster and cheaper.” This mission would rarely be achieved if not for engineers’ ways of thinking, which often lead to problem-solving opportunities that would otherwise remain hidden. He has over 35 years of experience in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of power supplies and other electronic equipment. This trait is not only critical for their code but also for the ability to lead others engineers and product development. Note: The following information is from Top 10 Qualities of a Great Engineer via Engineering Schools. There is some job flexibility, even with electrical engineering. Build a strong Experience Section. The best engineers are almost always very ambitious and motivated individuals who are often the best team members you can have on any team. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. They follow closely new technology trends and try to keep current with the latest innovations. You would have to work hard at improving your math skills to become an engineer. They work on systems for the generation, distribution, utilisation and control of electric power. Where can I find books on basic electricity and circuit concepts? You can find study guides, practice exams and reference handbooks via the NCEES website and via third party providers. A good software development ability. By using our site, you agree to our. She lives in Vancouver. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience. It may be a good idea to take additional introductory math courses. Knowing how to solve the problem is typically the most difficult part of actually solving it. Electrical engineering professionals are often responsible for communicating discoveries, developments and solutions to clients, stakeholders and team members. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm, http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/search/engineering-jobs/hot-job-how-to-electrical-engineer.html, https://floridapoly.edu/news/become-electrical-engineer-counselors-perspective/, http://www.tnstate.edu/ece/undergrad.aspx, http://www.ece.umd.edu/undergraduate-electrical-engineering-degree-requirements, http://www.ee.columbia.edu/requirements-doctoral-degree, http://ncees.org/exams/exam-preparation-materials/, https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/how-get-licensed, https://engineers.texas.gov/lic_basic.htm, http://ncees.org/about/publications/past-annual-reports-squared/, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm#tab-4, http://ncees.org/records/ncees-credentials-evaluations/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, It is always helpful to speak with an actual engineer as well. Remember that divide problem on the original Pentium chip back in 1994? Mathematics is a very strong background and can be useful for getting a job in engineering. It is a rare engineer who can climb down from his warhorse and speak with the common worker. Energy Engineer Salary - Canada: According to the 2018 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working as part of the Electrical Engineers occupational group earn an average salary of $98,528 per year. 3. Research the field. While good A-level grades and a degree are essential for entering the field of engineering, they're rarely enough on their own. Some engineers also take art courses as a precursor to drafting. Before you start writing … uh...) or way too career-spammy, and they were all way too serious. 4. It may work, but it will be usually be an unmaintainable nightmare. "Helped so much, especially on how to become an electrical engineer. 1. To succeed as an electrical engineer, you need an analytical mindset and must excel at mathematics, science and physics. There is also the option to complete a two or four year program in engineering technology. An electrical engineer focuses on designing, maintaining and improving products that are powered by or produce electricity. It is often recommended that students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering go on to work before moving on to a master’s study. Auston Matta is an experienced engineer who has worked in the packaging industry since 2003. Whether it is the maintenance of cell phone towers, automating manufacturing for industry, or the design and construction of scientific equipment, the services of a professional engineer are indispensable. They can lead a project and guide it to a successful conclusion but may often leave the others on the team feeling neglected, abused, or over-looked and lack the ability to communicate with others. The electrical engineer must have a vision of the completed installation; however, he must be willing to accept modifications and changes to that vision. These 4-year engineering programs are often housed in computer or electrical engineering departments. Your local library, torrent sites (not recommended, but possible), and on Amazon (check with third-party sellers to get a better price). For writing tips, view this sample cover letter for electrical engineering, or download the electrical engineering cover letter template in Word. This can involve timing analysis, power calculations, noise suppression calculations, trace routing, FCC, UL and CE approval, etc. Check the NCEES website under the “New” tab for information on volunteer opportunities. Most of them were electrical and electronics engineers (320,610), mechanical engineers (303,440), civil engineers (306,030), and industrial engineers (305,780). Since electrical engineers have varied responsibilities, several hard and soft skills are required. They have a clear idea of the additional skills they want to acquire in the next ten years, and they foresee which trends are going to dominate the technology markets in the next years. The best engineers are passionate. Volunteer activities will also allow you to gain experience in team working. "I really want to work as an electrical engineer, so this wikiHow page gave me a fresh insight into what my future. They work in a variety of disciplines including civil, environmental, chemical, mechanical, electrical and petroleum engineering.Do you want to know how to become an engineer? Electricians fit, service and fix electrical equipment, circuits, machinery and wiring. “The most important personality traits for students interested in pursuing electrical engineering education are…”. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering with a computer concentration at LeTourneau University, and went on to earn a PhD in engineering with a concentration in micro/nano electronics from Louisiana Tech. A qualified electrical engineer has the option to choose his/her line of work from a range of areas like computers, cell phone, electronic gadgets, radars, navigation systems, power plant, etc. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. How much heat? The difficulty is knowing what steps are needed. A long-term commitment to their field. “There are three top traits common among the most successful electrical engineers…”. The minimum requirement to become an electrical engineer is a high school degree or GED equivalent. Electrical Engineers are needed in a number of different industries to develop, research, design and supervise the installation of various electricalsystems. Your major field classes will range from introductory surveys to more advanced courses focusing on circuits and other specific topics or projects. Steve Large is technology director at POD Point and is a pioneer in the field of electric car charging point manufacturing. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, there are about 300,000 jobs available each year. Note: The following information is from Scott – Semiconductor Industry – Massachusetts, USA, responding to Ask an Engineer – Engineering Personality Traits via Wasted Talent. The most famous personality trait is our sense of humor. They will be encountering a host of complex problems. Along with various other personal attributes, you must also have dedication and commitment towards the profession. … Job outlook differs by branch. They also work on electronic systems used for computing, communications and other industrial applications. Good communication skills and logical problem-solving abilities are also essential in this field. His dissertation was on manufacturing electronic devices using carbon nanotubes. In this career quiz, there are 10 questions that will give you a pretty good perspective on whether the career of an Electrical Engineer is right for you. Your good SWE gains most of his/her ability to solve complex problems using this as a way of breaking the problem down into digestible pieces. Rory Briski of Briski Consulting is a Senior Management Executive successful at partnering with core business operations to significantly expand market share, generate sustainable revenue, and grow profits. Few graduates can really communicate well in writing or speech. You can look at practice exams or discuss potential questions with your fellow engineers. Electrical en… Tip #1: Take good notes, and keep them all after your classes are over. And I mean real growth and real opportunity. A P&C Engineer working at an offshore wind farm and a PCB Designer for consumer electronics are both Electrical Engineers, but the work they do and skills they utilize are significantly different. Make sure to double check your homework every time and make sure you study every time before a test and be respectful to the teacher. Careerride.com provides core articles on national and international issues which are highly useful for exams like Civil services, Banking, MBA etc. Or, you could work with a tutor to master even more advanced concepts. As to the question of whether you need to be good at the subject, the answer is yes, you need to be. Good communication skills are also very important, as you will be required to communicate your ideas to others in this field. Engineers over the last 200 years have been looking for new ways of doing things with new materials and new pieces of technology. This is a good place to start. I do not mean questions related to your … Most really good electrical engineers are seen as nerds with pocket protectors full of various colored pencils to use to identify each major step of the problem at hand. “One of the most important traits for any engineering professional to have is…”. It is the branch of engineering that deals with the technology of electricity. 2. Electrical Engineers specialise in the engineering discipline of designing and developing new electrical systems. It is important to know that without licensing your professional opportunities may be limited. Find out what our experts had to say below. You will also want to pursue professional licensing after getting a few years of work experience in hand. In every class that you take try to get the highest scores possible. Electrical engineers design, build and maintain electrical systems, machinery and equipment. Electrical engineer hours: 35 to 40 hours per week Typical entry requirements : You can get into this job through a university course, a college course, an apprenticeship, or applying directly. Although it's not a fast-growing job, there are certainly openings around. The exam is composed of 110 multiple-choice questions. I'm good at helping … Encourage and support that curiosity and your engineering team will be unstoppable. Universal Appeal If you’re interested in traveling, an engineering … Such a vision is something that engineers can only develop if they are deeply interested in their field and in new technology applications. Whether you want to be a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, aerospace engineer, environmental engineer or software engineer, you will need to be very comfortable with math in order to successfully finish the program. You shouldn’t let other people’s opinions stop you. Eric Miller is the Principal and Co-Founder of Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies. They understand their product, architecture, and solution from the early moments of starting it to the end user experience and beyond. These new iterations of products and processes require engineers to solve problems and think critically about possible solutions. 3. It is sometimes necessary to get a particular grade at the survey level before you are allowed to enroll in an advanced class. Apart from the formal education requirement, you will also need hands-on experience that includes practical problem-solving. Most nations have laws requiring that a certified engineer oversee any major electrical projects. He served as an executive at Hewlett Packard and Synopsys and helped research and develop more than 10,000 products. If you dislike paperwork, you may want to consider the N Records Program offered by the NCEES. So much so that most of my coworkers have an artistic hobby: some are musicians, some draw or paint, some sculpt, and some write. References Electrical Engineering is a section of the engineering discipline that deals with electric systems, electricity, and electromagnetism. As an electrical engineer, you design, develop, build and test electronic and electrical devices such as high definition televisions, robots and other intelligent systems and solar-powered generators. Since engineering takes many years to learn, especially when it involves multi-disciplinary technologies, it is inconceivable that someone could become a successful engineer without having a long-term commitment to learning the best practices in his field. Unfortunately, the real world requires someone who can paint a problem on the canvas of a project in terms of its benefits to the owner and its safety for those who will use and operate it. Otherwise, go online to engineering forums and try to connect with professionals there. Electrical engineers design, develop and supervise the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical systems. Here's what to do to become an electrical engineer. How much power? At college, engineering students are expected to be able to jump into calculus. The job outlook is good, especially if you have a NJIT masters of electrical engineering. Even Steve Jobs had lots of help developing the iPhone, iPad, and other electronic gear we take for granted. The NCEES website actually has an interactive map that can send you directly to the site for your state’s licensing board. If that’s the case, you’ll find that many sub-fields overlap and reinforce on another. All engineering degrees focus heavily on math and science. For those considering a career in software engineering, they may want to pursue a general computer engineering degree or a software engineering degree. You would normally need to complete a foundation degree, HNC, HND or degree to become an electrical engineer. A commitment to grow professionally throughout his or her career – to be a lifelong learner. Note: The following information is from Personal qualities required to be a successful electronics engineer via Careerride.com. To find out what traits set successful electrical engineers apart, we asked a panel of electrical engineering professionals and recruiting professionals to answer the following question: “What is the top trait of successful electrical engineers?”. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. When it comes to deciding where to study, you may select either an accredited or an unaccredited program, but it is usually in your best interests to opt for an … This will be important if you later need to be licensed as an engineer. Ask any questions that you have and engage with any posters who provide answers for you. Can I become an Electrical Engineer with a degree in Mathematics? Curiosity – wanting to know how and why things work. John Vespasian is the author of seven books about rational living, including When everything fails, try this, (2009), Rationality is the way to happiness (2009), The philosophy of builders: How to build a great future with the pieces from your past (2010), The 10 principles of rational living (2012), Rational living, rational working: How to make winning moves when things are falling apart (2013), Consistency: The key to permanent stress relief (2014), and On becoming unbreakable: How normal people become extraordinarily self-confident (2015). Electrical Engineer resumes are more complicated because the field is broad, but job offers are usually specific. Can I complete this degree in five years? And, your PE results will be ready 2-3 months post-test. In the mid-aughts, IEEE Spectrum noted the frequent accusation that engineers are uncreative – a myth that persists today. Power Engineering is changing due to Smart Grids and there is a ton of awesome stuff happening there. As a result, good communication skills are typically an important quality to include on your resume. To learn how to find a job as an electrical engineer, scroll down! Note: The following information is from What skills do I need to develop to become an effective engineer? Careerride.com provides core articles on national and international issues which are highly useful for exams like Civil services, Banking, MBA etc. They are courageous and possess a can-do attitude. Critical thinking is a broad skill that can be applied to a … Bill Leatherbury is a Senior Associate at Thornton Tomasetti. They then draw up a number of possible solutions and outcomes. A portal about engineering and engineering careers, TryEngineering.org includes descriptions of the lifestyles and experiences of engineers, information on the different engineering disciplines, search tools for schools, information on summer programs, and more. And most importantly, you should be focused in what you are doing as the whole organization is affected by the good or bad decisions that you make. What is Electrical Engineering? Note: The following information is from 5 Must-Have Soft Skills for Engineers’ Career Success, by David Butcher via ThomasNet. It may be helpful to talk with your professors. Engineering requires a healthy dose of creativity. "I am excited about all the information I got on this website. He is a member of IEEE and SEMI and holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado, a Master’s in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University, and a Bachelor’s in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. What skills do I need to develop to become an effective engineer? There will be an abundance of competitive professionals that are all pursuing a career as an electrical engineer. Attention to detail. Getting your engineering degree is a ticket to rewarding careers, and sometimes a handsome paycheck. The two skill sets are very similar but the mental foundation of each is opposite of the other, making the thought processes for one incompatible for the other. They will be encountering a host of complex problems. Electrical engineers face a business and technology landscape that changes dramatically over the decades of a career. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Become-an-Electrical-Engineer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-an-Electrical-Engineer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Become-an-Electrical-Engineer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1519712-v4-728px-Become-an-Electrical-Engineer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"