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How would job shadowing go for an aspiring electrical engineer?
I noticed that job shadowing in fields such as teaching, medical and hospital fields seem to be accessible to students in my region, but I find it harder to find shadowing opportunities for electrical engineering. I'm guessing because of the safety limitations, but I'm curious as to how this would be possible. I'm looking to get into shadowing a professional in this.
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Robert’s Answer
Hi Yael,
Yes, shadowing a professional can be very helpful. I never exactly shadowed in my career selection. However, I did go to a university that had a Co-operative (“Co-op’) Program for engineers. They allow students to alternate between paid full-time work in their field for part of the year and full-time academic study for the rest of the year. This let me “try out” four different work environments before I graduated. I learned a lot that helped me to choose my eventual career path. Also, consider asking your current school’s placement department or career counseling department. Additionally, you could approach a local business of interest and ask folks in their Human Resources department if they might allow shadowing. Best of luck!
Yes, shadowing a professional can be very helpful. I never exactly shadowed in my career selection. However, I did go to a university that had a Co-operative (“Co-op’) Program for engineers. They allow students to alternate between paid full-time work in their field for part of the year and full-time academic study for the rest of the year. This let me “try out” four different work environments before I graduated. I learned a lot that helped me to choose my eventual career path. Also, consider asking your current school’s placement department or career counseling department. Additionally, you could approach a local business of interest and ask folks in their Human Resources department if they might allow shadowing. Best of luck!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Yael
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Jamie’s Answer
Are you looking for field and 'hands on' shadowing or learning from a design engineer? Robert A. mentioned that a lot of it is behind the computer and that can be the case but there's time to explain the process and what goes into design. I wouldn't have a problem with a day to day shadow as I explain the daily-daily of telecommunications engineering, but safety is a concern if you're wanting to hands on with an engineer even doing something as simple as putting in a 220 v wall outlet. Most cases I'd suggest reaching out to a company directly and make an inquiry about the possibility. Most companies are very receptive to helping out and letting the next generation experience what we do and how we do it.
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Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Yael,
The issue with "Shadowing" an Electrical Engineer, or any "true engineer" is that the profession is generally not that interactive with the world; it is more intellectual.
The concept of Shadowing is that the observer can experience what is happening as the profesional goes through a day of typical work. In a typical day, most EEs will simply be dealing with documents, planning, and design with very little interaction with their work environment. An engineer spends most of their time drawing and writing with very little brain cycle left to explain what they're doing to an observer as they try to focus on accurate documentation. A shadow with an engineer will typically be like watching paint dry.
IF, on the other hand, you're talking about the folks who are "operational engineers", which can include EE's, then safety is a big issue. Ops folks monitor, maintain, and repair high power electrical equipment and systems. These are extremely hazardous environments requiring training and licensing to enter, and so are not good environments for "shadowing".
Which sort of "engineer" were you thinking about?
Tony
The issue with "Shadowing" an Electrical Engineer, or any "true engineer" is that the profession is generally not that interactive with the world; it is more intellectual.
The concept of Shadowing is that the observer can experience what is happening as the profesional goes through a day of typical work. In a typical day, most EEs will simply be dealing with documents, planning, and design with very little interaction with their work environment. An engineer spends most of their time drawing and writing with very little brain cycle left to explain what they're doing to an observer as they try to focus on accurate documentation. A shadow with an engineer will typically be like watching paint dry.
IF, on the other hand, you're talking about the folks who are "operational engineers", which can include EE's, then safety is a big issue. Ops folks monitor, maintain, and repair high power electrical equipment and systems. These are extremely hazardous environments requiring training and licensing to enter, and so are not good environments for "shadowing".
Which sort of "engineer" were you thinking about?
Tony
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
That’s a great question, Yael and you're absolutely right that job shadowing in electrical engineering can be a bit more complex than in fields like education, mainly due to safety regulations and the technical nature of the work. But there is a formal path for aspiring electrical engineers to gain hands-on experience.
If you already have a degree, one of the best ways to start is by looking for Engineering-in-Training (EIT) positions at local engineering firms or utility companies. These roles are designed for recent graduates and are part of the structured path toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Here’s how the process typically works:
a) Pass the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering), which is the first step toward licensure.
b) Apply for EIT certification through your state’s engineering board.
c) Work under the supervision of a licensed PE for four years, this is where you gain real-world experience, similar to shadowing but more formal and hands-on.
d) After those four years, you can apply to take the PE Exam (in some states you can take it without the experience).
e) Once you pass and complete the 4 years of experience, you can apply for your PE license, which allows you to independently sign off on engineering projects.
This path not only gives you exposure to the field but also builds your credibility and opens doors to more advanced roles. In the meantime, you might also consider reaching out to local engineering firms or power companies to ask if they offer informal shadowing opportunities or site visits for students. Even a short visit can give you valuable insight into the day-to-day work of electrical engineers.
If you already have a degree, one of the best ways to start is by looking for Engineering-in-Training (EIT) positions at local engineering firms or utility companies. These roles are designed for recent graduates and are part of the structured path toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Here’s how the process typically works:
a) Pass the FE Exam (Fundamentals of Engineering), which is the first step toward licensure.
b) Apply for EIT certification through your state’s engineering board.
c) Work under the supervision of a licensed PE for four years, this is where you gain real-world experience, similar to shadowing but more formal and hands-on.
d) After those four years, you can apply to take the PE Exam (in some states you can take it without the experience).
e) Once you pass and complete the 4 years of experience, you can apply for your PE license, which allows you to independently sign off on engineering projects.
This path not only gives you exposure to the field but also builds your credibility and opens doors to more advanced roles. In the meantime, you might also consider reaching out to local engineering firms or power companies to ask if they offer informal shadowing opportunities or site visits for students. Even a short visit can give you valuable insight into the day-to-day work of electrical engineers.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Job shadowing in electrical engineering can be hard to find due to safety and confidentiality concerns, but it’s possible by reaching out directly to local engineering firms, utility companies, or technical colleges via email or LinkedIn, including your cover letter and resume. These opportunities typically involve observing professionals working on circuit design and system testing. If shadowing is difficult to secure, consider applying for internships or volunteering for a short period, whether a week or a month, as both provide valuable hands-on experience, build technical skills, and can lead to further opportunities. Additionally, accompanying a professional electrical engineer to their workplace or job sites can offer firsthand insight into their daily tasks, work environment, and problem-solving approaches.
Independent learning through tools like Tinkercad and YouTube channels such as EEVblog, ElectroBOOM, GreatScott!, Afrotechmods, The Signal Path, Jeremy Blum, and Paul McWhorter helps build skills and knowledge. With persistence and active initiative, internships, volunteering, and visiting engineers on the job are all achievable and key steps toward an electrical engineering career.
Independent learning through tools like Tinkercad and YouTube channels such as EEVblog, ElectroBOOM, GreatScott!, Afrotechmods, The Signal Path, Jeremy Blum, and Paul McWhorter helps build skills and knowledge. With persistence and active initiative, internships, volunteering, and visiting engineers on the job are all achievable and key steps toward an electrical engineering career.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Yael
You're welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
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