2 answers
Elijah
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
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What is the most important thing I should learn about/be doing right now as I aspire to be an electrical engineer as a complete beginner?
I have prior knowledge (through some high school physics) of simple laws and circuits, voltage, current, etc. I recently invested in this book called "Practical Electronics for Inventors" and I think its fantastic, but, what should I really be focusing my time on to be ready for this scary college major?
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2 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
First of all, electrical engineering is not scary. It just needs a good base in math, physics, and basic electrical ideas. Since you already know some basics, it’s a great idea to brush up on topics like electricity and magnetism, improve your algebra and basic calculus, and dive deeper into circuit theory and electronics. Your book, Practical Electronics for Inventors, is a fantastic tool for both learning the theory and getting practical tips.
To gain hands-on experience, get involved in college engineering clubs, labs, and workshops. Learn to read schematics and datasheets, and start building small projects like LED circuits, Arduino experiments, simple robots, or home automation systems. Websites like the Arduino Project Hub offer easy tutorials to guide you. You can also use simulators like Falstad Circuit Simulator, LTspice, or Tinkercad Circuits to practice safely before using real parts. While working on projects, focus on learning how to debug and test circuits, and share your progress on platforms like GitHub or forums such as EEVblog and Reddit’s r/Electronics. These activities will help you gain experience, improve problem-solving skills, and learn to explain your designs clearly. By mixing theory with practical work and gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteering, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an electrical engineer.
To gain hands-on experience, get involved in college engineering clubs, labs, and workshops. Learn to read schematics and datasheets, and start building small projects like LED circuits, Arduino experiments, simple robots, or home automation systems. Websites like the Arduino Project Hub offer easy tutorials to guide you. You can also use simulators like Falstad Circuit Simulator, LTspice, or Tinkercad Circuits to practice safely before using real parts. While working on projects, focus on learning how to debug and test circuits, and share your progress on platforms like GitHub or forums such as EEVblog and Reddit’s r/Electronics. These activities will help you gain experience, improve problem-solving skills, and learn to explain your designs clearly. By mixing theory with practical work and gaining real-world experience through internships or volunteering, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an electrical engineer.
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
33
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Elijah,
Electrical Engineering is not that hard if you have a good basis in math and problem-solving. Those two skills will make everything else much easier to grasp.
First off, it’s awesome that you’re already diving into electronics and have a solid foundation from high school physics. That curiosity and initiative will serve you well in college and beyond.
Here are a few key things I’d recommend focusing on as you prepare for an electrical engineering major:
1. Strengthen Your Math Skills
Electrical engineering is deeply rooted in math—especially algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. These are essential for understanding circuit analysis, signal processing, and electromagnetics. If you can get comfortable with these now, you’ll have a huge advantage.
2. Master the Fundamentals
Your book, Practical Electronics for Inventors, is a great resource. Focus on:
*Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws (voltage/current relationships)
*Basic circuit analysis (series, parallel, voltage dividers)
*Power and energy concepts
*Component behavior (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors)
These basics will be the foundation for everything else.
3. Hands-On Practice
Theory is important, but building circuits will make concepts stick. Start with:
*Simple breadboard projects
*Using a multimeter and oscilloscope (if you can access one)
*Experimenting with Arduino or Raspberry Pi for basic control systems
This will give you confidence and practical insight.
4. Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Engineering is about solving problems systematically. Practice breaking down problems into smaller steps and thinking critically about solutions. This mindset is as important as technical knowledge.
5. Get Comfortable with Tools & Software
Eventually, you’ll use tools like MATLAB, SPICE simulators, and CAD software for circuit design. You don’t need to master them now, but exploring free simulators like LTspice can be a great start.
Focus on math, fundamentals, and hands-on practice. College will teach you advanced topics, but building a strong foundation now will make the journey far less intimidating.
Electrical Engineering is not that hard if you have a good basis in math and problem-solving. Those two skills will make everything else much easier to grasp.
First off, it’s awesome that you’re already diving into electronics and have a solid foundation from high school physics. That curiosity and initiative will serve you well in college and beyond.
Here are a few key things I’d recommend focusing on as you prepare for an electrical engineering major:
1. Strengthen Your Math Skills
Electrical engineering is deeply rooted in math—especially algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. These are essential for understanding circuit analysis, signal processing, and electromagnetics. If you can get comfortable with these now, you’ll have a huge advantage.
2. Master the Fundamentals
Your book, Practical Electronics for Inventors, is a great resource. Focus on:
*Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws (voltage/current relationships)
*Basic circuit analysis (series, parallel, voltage dividers)
*Power and energy concepts
*Component behavior (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors)
These basics will be the foundation for everything else.
3. Hands-On Practice
Theory is important, but building circuits will make concepts stick. Start with:
*Simple breadboard projects
*Using a multimeter and oscilloscope (if you can access one)
*Experimenting with Arduino or Raspberry Pi for basic control systems
This will give you confidence and practical insight.
4. Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Engineering is about solving problems systematically. Practice breaking down problems into smaller steps and thinking critically about solutions. This mindset is as important as technical knowledge.
5. Get Comfortable with Tools & Software
Eventually, you’ll use tools like MATLAB, SPICE simulators, and CAD software for circuit design. You don’t need to master them now, but exploring free simulators like LTspice can be a great start.
Focus on math, fundamentals, and hands-on practice. College will teach you advanced topics, but building a strong foundation now will make the journey far less intimidating.