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How can I use a degree in electrical engineering in a creative career? #Spring25
I'm studying electrical engineering in college, but I want to have a career that's creative, with art and imagination. Do you have any ideas on how I can combine my degree with my passions? #Spring25
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6 answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
First off, kudos for recognizing what you're passionate about, versus what you may be studying at the moment.
Having said that, I do have a more basic question before I can offer an useful answer to your question.
What drew you to studying electrical engineering? Was some of that decision driven by the same interests which draw you to the arts and creative work? Or do you think of electrical engineering and artistic/creative expressions as tapping into fundamentally different skillsets?
Your answers to above questions might help you choose a path that combines the imagination and problem solving skills typically taught in engineering curriculum, with the creative artistic skills typically offered in fine arts or digital arts curriculum. There are definitely areas of significant intersection between engineering and art (as others' responses have suggested). It is highly likely that those intersections will grow and sprout new careers and industries in the future, in similar ways to how the engineering work on computer graphics and animation in late 70's and early '80s led to ground-breaking creative outputs from places like Pixar in the 90s and beyond. From certain perspectives, engineering and art aren't so cleanly separated as different skillsets and pursuits, but rather more like a self-renewing spiral: engineering creates tools that make it possible to realize a creative vision; and that artistic vision, once realized, inspires the engineering of yet newer tools, which spawns the creation of more imaginative creations.
So follow your instincts about what endeavors makes you most excited, most energized. And focus all of your energies on that. Who knows what you will create?!
Having said that, I do have a more basic question before I can offer an useful answer to your question.
What drew you to studying electrical engineering? Was some of that decision driven by the same interests which draw you to the arts and creative work? Or do you think of electrical engineering and artistic/creative expressions as tapping into fundamentally different skillsets?
Your answers to above questions might help you choose a path that combines the imagination and problem solving skills typically taught in engineering curriculum, with the creative artistic skills typically offered in fine arts or digital arts curriculum. There are definitely areas of significant intersection between engineering and art (as others' responses have suggested). It is highly likely that those intersections will grow and sprout new careers and industries in the future, in similar ways to how the engineering work on computer graphics and animation in late 70's and early '80s led to ground-breaking creative outputs from places like Pixar in the 90s and beyond. From certain perspectives, engineering and art aren't so cleanly separated as different skillsets and pursuits, but rather more like a self-renewing spiral: engineering creates tools that make it possible to realize a creative vision; and that artistic vision, once realized, inspires the engineering of yet newer tools, which spawns the creation of more imaginative creations.
So follow your instincts about what endeavors makes you most excited, most energized. And focus all of your energies on that. Who knows what you will create?!
Cool, thanks!
Zunaira
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear Zunaira,
That’s such a great question — and honestly, the fact that you're asking it tells me you’re already thinking in the right direction.
Electrical engineering paired with creativity? That’s a powerful mix. You might not realise it yet, but your degree can open doors to some incredibly creative paths, especially when you look beyond the traditional engineering roles.
For example, in the interior design industry, there's a growing need for professionals who can bridge the gap between design and smart technology. Think about custom-designed lighting, sound systems, climate control, home security — all integrated beautifully into a space. With your background, you could partner with designers and architects to create truly unique interiors that don’t just look good, but feel smart and intuitive.
You could even take it further by designing your own collection of artistic lighting pieces or tech-driven décor elements — blending function with beauty. That kind of work takes both imagination and technical skill, and not many people have both. But you do.
Here are two things I’d really recommend:
1. Visit creative trade shows and design fairs.
Events like Salone del Mobile in Milan, Maison&Objet in Paris, or even local exhibitions can be incredibly eye-opening. You’ll see how broad the field really is — and how much room there is for innovation and tech-based artistry.
2. If you feel inspired by an idea, pursue it.
Seriously. If something clicks, start sketching it out, prototype if you can, and look into organisations that support entrepreneurship and innovation. There are design accelerators, funding programmes, and even investors out there specifically looking for creators with a technical edge like yours. You don’t have to do it all at once — just take the first step.
To me, your path looks full of potential. You’re not boxed in — quite the opposite. You have the tools to build something totally your own.
Let me know if you ever want to bounce off ideas or dig deeper into a direction that excites you.
May the force be with you!
That’s such a great question — and honestly, the fact that you're asking it tells me you’re already thinking in the right direction.
Electrical engineering paired with creativity? That’s a powerful mix. You might not realise it yet, but your degree can open doors to some incredibly creative paths, especially when you look beyond the traditional engineering roles.
For example, in the interior design industry, there's a growing need for professionals who can bridge the gap between design and smart technology. Think about custom-designed lighting, sound systems, climate control, home security — all integrated beautifully into a space. With your background, you could partner with designers and architects to create truly unique interiors that don’t just look good, but feel smart and intuitive.
You could even take it further by designing your own collection of artistic lighting pieces or tech-driven décor elements — blending function with beauty. That kind of work takes both imagination and technical skill, and not many people have both. But you do.
Here are two things I’d really recommend:
1. Visit creative trade shows and design fairs.
Events like Salone del Mobile in Milan, Maison&Objet in Paris, or even local exhibitions can be incredibly eye-opening. You’ll see how broad the field really is — and how much room there is for innovation and tech-based artistry.
2. If you feel inspired by an idea, pursue it.
Seriously. If something clicks, start sketching it out, prototype if you can, and look into organisations that support entrepreneurship and innovation. There are design accelerators, funding programmes, and even investors out there specifically looking for creators with a technical edge like yours. You don’t have to do it all at once — just take the first step.
To me, your path looks full of potential. You’re not boxed in — quite the opposite. You have the tools to build something totally your own.
Let me know if you ever want to bounce off ideas or dig deeper into a direction that excites you.
May the force be with you!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Zunaira
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Zunaira,
A creative electrical engineer can go far in their profession. In my long EE career, I’ve seen art and imagination used in many instances. The physical design and user interface of any electrical/electronics device are examples. Most devices you see are not just wires in a box; they’re designed to look good and be easy (and sometimes fun) to use. Also, our future will be one filled with robotic devices and helpers. Imaginative folks can make these blend in seamlessly and aesthetically to our home, workplace and transportation environments. Think, too, of the many electronic-based possibilities of combining computer-aided-design with 3D printers to create incredible things. One of the highlights of my early career was to team up with the local art museum to create a laser-based art exhibition. We engineers designed handheld delivery systems for sculptors who used the beams to shape materials, as well as etching. We also designed circuitry to modulate and integrate different color beams in light shows. As others here have said, pursue those things that excite and energize you.
Best of luck!
A creative electrical engineer can go far in their profession. In my long EE career, I’ve seen art and imagination used in many instances. The physical design and user interface of any electrical/electronics device are examples. Most devices you see are not just wires in a box; they’re designed to look good and be easy (and sometimes fun) to use. Also, our future will be one filled with robotic devices and helpers. Imaginative folks can make these blend in seamlessly and aesthetically to our home, workplace and transportation environments. Think, too, of the many electronic-based possibilities of combining computer-aided-design with 3D printers to create incredible things. One of the highlights of my early career was to team up with the local art museum to create a laser-based art exhibition. We engineers designed handheld delivery systems for sculptors who used the beams to shape materials, as well as etching. We also designed circuitry to modulate and integrate different color beams in light shows. As others here have said, pursue those things that excite and energize you.
Best of luck!
Wow, thank you for your perspective!
Zunaira
Updated
Cory’s Answer
All great responses above…I would start more simply than asking about the history of your passion.
Honestly passion is like a feeling of cool or sadness so it fades with time and no cultivation.
Again if you already know what draws you to your passion then you are way ahead and be patient to let life give you a chance to shape your opinion as you live. There is nothing wrong with not knowing and figuring it out as you go.
On the other hand should you not know or need to know more then google it. I don’t mean Google electrical engineering I mean Google your passion. It’s likely to pull up a job board or some site with jobs. Read the jobs description.
If it sucks then read the next one and so on until you find a good one or realize the search is for a job you don’t want.
If you find a good one then google the education requirements should they not be listed.
If all the jobs suck then it might be time to find a better way to describe your passion.
Again passions are not words but feelings and it takes work to filter a feeling to be rational and realistic. If this is not for you then the problem is trying to make engineering something it’s not which is pragmatic and logical.
This doesn’t mean you cannot be what you want but maybe it should be more art than math. There is nothing wrong with landscape architecture, sculpted architecture, etc…. There are lots of genius that are studied today for there science mind though they were artist.
On the off chance the search yields no jobs then I would urge you to find a better way to describe it cause there is too much data out there to not find something that is close in a job description. This exercise to focus our minds and words will really require some time of reflection on your part and again Google it.
I have done this exercise a few times and have found some very interesting side jobs or professional networks at times.
Gooooood Luck!!!!
Honestly passion is like a feeling of cool or sadness so it fades with time and no cultivation.
Again if you already know what draws you to your passion then you are way ahead and be patient to let life give you a chance to shape your opinion as you live. There is nothing wrong with not knowing and figuring it out as you go.
On the other hand should you not know or need to know more then google it. I don’t mean Google electrical engineering I mean Google your passion. It’s likely to pull up a job board or some site with jobs. Read the jobs description.
If it sucks then read the next one and so on until you find a good one or realize the search is for a job you don’t want.
If you find a good one then google the education requirements should they not be listed.
If all the jobs suck then it might be time to find a better way to describe your passion.
Again passions are not words but feelings and it takes work to filter a feeling to be rational and realistic. If this is not for you then the problem is trying to make engineering something it’s not which is pragmatic and logical.
This doesn’t mean you cannot be what you want but maybe it should be more art than math. There is nothing wrong with landscape architecture, sculpted architecture, etc…. There are lots of genius that are studied today for there science mind though they were artist.
On the off chance the search yields no jobs then I would urge you to find a better way to describe it cause there is too much data out there to not find something that is close in a job description. This exercise to focus our minds and words will really require some time of reflection on your part and again Google it.
I have done this exercise a few times and have found some very interesting side jobs or professional networks at times.
Gooooood Luck!!!!
Thank you for this!
Zunaira
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Zunaira,
Light has also been used as an art medium. You might look at 1960s Light and Space artists like James Turrell, Robert Irwin, and Larry Bell, for instance. And the sculptor Dan Flavin used standard fluorescent light fixtures and tubes to make objects, but considered the light itself to be the substance of the work.
In Chicago's O'Hare airport, there's a really cool installation above a walkway into the United terminal by artist Michael Hayden that integrates sound and neon; you might look that up too.
How fun! Enjoy your explorations.
Light has also been used as an art medium. You might look at 1960s Light and Space artists like James Turrell, Robert Irwin, and Larry Bell, for instance. And the sculptor Dan Flavin used standard fluorescent light fixtures and tubes to make objects, but considered the light itself to be the substance of the work.
In Chicago's O'Hare airport, there's a really cool installation above a walkway into the United terminal by artist Michael Hayden that integrates sound and neon; you might look that up too.
How fun! Enjoy your explorations.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Zunaira
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Electrical Engineering offers many exciting opportunities. As you think about your future, consider taking classes in AI, volunteering in the Art Community, and finding a great mentor. I know this advice is brief, but stay positive! Remember, all Engineers have a creative side, and you can use it in countless ways across many careers.
Thank you so much, Michelle!
Zunaira