What Is an Entry Level Electrical Engineer and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Does an Entry Level Electrical Engineer Do?
An entry-level engineer performs a variety of tasks as part of their job. In this career, your main duties are to design, build, and test electronics, electrical systems, and electrical equipment, such as electric motors or navigation systems. Some electrical engineers design new industrial products, while others work on improving existing systems of products. You are responsible for creating all the standards and specifications, such as manufacturing blueprints, which the production staff reads and carries out. You also ensure that all systems or products meet safety and design standards.
What Are the Requirements to Become an Entry Level Electrical Engineer?
The requirements for becoming an entry-level electrical engineer include education, training, and specialized job skills. First, you should complete a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Many universities have 3/2 programs, where you spend your first three years as an undergraduate and your last two as a master’s student. Most entry-level jobs do not require a specific licensing or certification, and many entry-level engineers study for their professional exams while on the job. Additional qualifications include an excellent grasp of computer design and engineering software, such as CAD.
Where Do Entry Level Electrical Engineers Work?
Entry level electrical engineers work in a variety of fields, such as aeronautics, electrical manufacturing, car manufacturing, the telecommunications industry, and the federal government. Your typical day is in an office environment, working with other technicians and engineers on problems. However, you may be required to travel to a production facility or manufacturing plant to oversee design implementation or to test products. If you work as an in-house electrical engineer, your environment can vary significantly, but you still spend the bulk of your time at a desk with a computer.
Are Entry Level Electrical Engineers in High Demand?
Overall, electrical engineers are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineer jobs are projected to grow by 9% in the coming years. There is always a need for entry-level engineers as older ones leave the field. However, electronics engineers, which are a subset of all electrical engineers, are not currently in high demand, and work in electronics is projected to grow more slowly than the national average. The main exception is work in computer engineering, which is related to electronics engineering is growing.
