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Why would is it a good idea to get an electrician's license after I graduate with an electrical engineering degree I am currently getting an electrical engineering degree at a California State University. However, I also like the hands-on mechanics of doing things like working on my car. I think it would help the design portion of electrical engineering to understand the practical. Any thoughts from someone who has done one or the other??
College Student deciding whether to pursue additional vocational training after college.
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Dominic’s Answer
In my view, getting an electrical license after earning an electrical engineering degree doesn't add much value. These are two very different fields merely with similar names. As an electrician, I work with power and loads on a small scale, like buildings level. Engineers focus on the big picture, dealing with large-scale power plans, tolerances, and other factors on a project level. The skills needed for each job are quite different, and the little overlap isn't worth the effort of getting a license.
My advice is to stick with your degree. Remember this from an electrician with five years of experience: Just because something works on paper doesn't mean it's a good idea in real life. Always think about how your designs will work practically. Consider the people using or maintaining your systems. If you do this, you'll gain all the useful insights from the electrician's perspective.
My advice is to stick with your degree. Remember this from an electrician with five years of experience: Just because something works on paper doesn't mean it's a good idea in real life. Always think about how your designs will work practically. Consider the people using or maintaining your systems. If you do this, you'll gain all the useful insights from the electrician's perspective.
I agree that the two paths are very different, but if you are hands on, getting your electrician's license can be valuable down the road. For example, I am an electrical engineer, but I also enjoy rehabbing older homes. Over time, I built a second steam of income by working as an electrical engineer during the day and rehabbing homes in the evening. It allowed me to build wealth, gain practical experience, and save a significant amount on electrical work for my own properties and flip projects.
Jeremiah Hampton