5 answers
simon
Student
1
Question
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Why Electrical Engineering?
Career Paths? Skills? Certifications?
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5 answers
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
191
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Why electrical engineering?!!? Why not!!?
If this is a path that seems reasonable and interesting to you, that would be your main reason. Personally I really like working with electrical equipment, electronics, and computer hardware so I would say if that sounds like fun to you this is a great path!
Ill break down why you should, and why you shouldn't.
You should because you love working on projects, not just like a kit project but also building projects.
You should because you find it easy to learn how electricity works and how to control it.
You should because you have had great opportunities in your life to see people doing similar work and you can mentor with them to learn more about it.
You should because you want to work for companies that specialize in that field and aspire to do what they do.
You should not because someone off the cuff told you "EE pays so be an engineer" - there are other jobs that pay similar that don't require the same commitments.
You should not because you are "good at math" and its something that fits into a math based careers - the best engineers I know don't work with numbers exclusively.
You should not because you know there are people making $500k/yr in the field but don't have a good example of someone who does - the median pay is somewhere around like $90k and it would be more likely to end up with that as pay.
You should not because you are trying to break into a parallel field - "I want to work with computers so I got an EE degree" this is certainly possible but it would not be a great entry path.
Basically if you can see yourself doing it because it is the environment you want to work in, do it. If you are just going on someone telling you that "it makes money" or "you can work in a different field after", its not that great. It is 100% true an EE degree can allow you to work in all sorts of technical fields after, but is it worth the work to get? You just need to answer that for yourself.
I did a job at an electronics manufacturing facility. I had two building engineers walking me around and I was checking all of their power equipment. The production floor had all sorts of conveyors, machines, inspection stations, robot arms gluing/ soldering etc, it was really cool! Everyone was covered because it was a sterile environment, but you could still see people's faces. None of them looked happy. The building engineers were excited about the jobs they were doing, the buildings they worked, the contractors (ie their buddies) they got to work with etc. After a while a couple of the people working on the floor were coming over asking me about how to get a job doing what I was doing. I gave a really generic answer and kind of kept moving because it didn't seem as though it would work out for them. I asked the building engineers why I was getting asked, the building engineers said it was because the people working on the floor were making about $20/hr. In order to get that job you HAD to have "Bachelors in EE with a focus in Electronics", this was something like 10 years ago so $20/hr was not a great wage, especially if you were paying off a student loan. The building engineers were getting paid $40/hr. The one building engineer was a former plumber and the other was former HVAC. The company wanted them to grow so they took many small certification classes on electrical/ HVAC/ facilities, anything to help them professionally. The building engineers had a great job, made somewhere around twice what the electrical engineers made, and had really good experience with their company.
To wrap this up, with an EE degree, your quality of work may not be enhanced and it might not get you more money. Its also possible you can get a job that you enjoy without a degree, but that might not have you working on the exact equipment you want to be. Again, if you get the EE degree and you realize its not what you want to be doing, it will translate into other fields. My path as a technician has me doing similar work to mechanical, electrical, and computer hardware engineers, but it has limited me from doing larger projects and more impacting work.
If this is a path that seems reasonable and interesting to you, that would be your main reason. Personally I really like working with electrical equipment, electronics, and computer hardware so I would say if that sounds like fun to you this is a great path!
Ill break down why you should, and why you shouldn't.
You should because you love working on projects, not just like a kit project but also building projects.
You should because you find it easy to learn how electricity works and how to control it.
You should because you have had great opportunities in your life to see people doing similar work and you can mentor with them to learn more about it.
You should because you want to work for companies that specialize in that field and aspire to do what they do.
You should not because someone off the cuff told you "EE pays so be an engineer" - there are other jobs that pay similar that don't require the same commitments.
You should not because you are "good at math" and its something that fits into a math based careers - the best engineers I know don't work with numbers exclusively.
You should not because you know there are people making $500k/yr in the field but don't have a good example of someone who does - the median pay is somewhere around like $90k and it would be more likely to end up with that as pay.
You should not because you are trying to break into a parallel field - "I want to work with computers so I got an EE degree" this is certainly possible but it would not be a great entry path.
Basically if you can see yourself doing it because it is the environment you want to work in, do it. If you are just going on someone telling you that "it makes money" or "you can work in a different field after", its not that great. It is 100% true an EE degree can allow you to work in all sorts of technical fields after, but is it worth the work to get? You just need to answer that for yourself.
I did a job at an electronics manufacturing facility. I had two building engineers walking me around and I was checking all of their power equipment. The production floor had all sorts of conveyors, machines, inspection stations, robot arms gluing/ soldering etc, it was really cool! Everyone was covered because it was a sterile environment, but you could still see people's faces. None of them looked happy. The building engineers were excited about the jobs they were doing, the buildings they worked, the contractors (ie their buddies) they got to work with etc. After a while a couple of the people working on the floor were coming over asking me about how to get a job doing what I was doing. I gave a really generic answer and kind of kept moving because it didn't seem as though it would work out for them. I asked the building engineers why I was getting asked, the building engineers said it was because the people working on the floor were making about $20/hr. In order to get that job you HAD to have "Bachelors in EE with a focus in Electronics", this was something like 10 years ago so $20/hr was not a great wage, especially if you were paying off a student loan. The building engineers were getting paid $40/hr. The one building engineer was a former plumber and the other was former HVAC. The company wanted them to grow so they took many small certification classes on electrical/ HVAC/ facilities, anything to help them professionally. The building engineers had a great job, made somewhere around twice what the electrical engineers made, and had really good experience with their company.
To wrap this up, with an EE degree, your quality of work may not be enhanced and it might not get you more money. Its also possible you can get a job that you enjoy without a degree, but that might not have you working on the exact equipment you want to be. Again, if you get the EE degree and you realize its not what you want to be doing, it will translate into other fields. My path as a technician has me doing similar work to mechanical, electrical, and computer hardware engineers, but it has limited me from doing larger projects and more impacting work.
Matt Kisling
Talent Acquisition
4
Answers
Mount Airy, Maryland
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Electrical Engineering is a fascinating field because it blends knowledge of math, programming, hardware, and software. This expertise can be used in many industries, making it a stable career choice even during economic downturns or technological changes like AI. Important skills in this field include designing circuits, creating printed circuit boards (PCBs), programming, and using measurement tools. Some certifications that can boost your career are ISA Certified Control Systems Technician, IPC Certified Interconnect Designer, and Autodesk Certified Associate or Professional in AutoCAD or Revit. Depending on the job, you might need a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
Tom McCaffrey
Management
21
Answers
Madison, Mississippi
Updated
Tom’s Answer
I really liked the other responses, but here's another perspective. As an electrical engineer, there are so many exciting opportunities waiting for you when you graduate. I remember studying for my professional engineer's license and being amazed by the wide range of topics, from lighting and logic to power and controls. You get to learn a bit about everything while earning your degree, and then you can choose your own career path. It's such a great opportunity. Many of my college friends who studied electrical engineering went on to work in some really interesting and diverse fields, all thanks to what we learned in college.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
238
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Simon,
This is a thought provoking query. Firstly, let's take a quick look at some of the important factors to consider when choosing a career.
What we are exceptional at are excellent opportunities for crafting successful careers. Besides, it's important to love and enjoy what we do so we strive to be our very best selves. Fulfilling human needs remains the most compelling desire for human activity and can easily guarantee financial freedom.
Electrical engineering is a critical contributor to the human drive to meet some of the pressing needs of society.
Common electrical appliances are routinely used domestically, in businesses and industry.
Control & Automation and software engineering are widely used in manufacturing, technical products e.g automobiles, aerospace vehicles, earthmoving equipment etc. and robotics as well as AI.
At the level of practice, opportunities are available in design, production/manufacture, projects, maintenance, research & development, consulting, teaching in institutions of higher learning.
Clearly, you have plenty to choose from.
There are important skills we require, irrespective of the profession we are in, that are important for our effectiveness and efficiency. Amongst them are our ability to plan, schedule & execute work; organize, identify & resolve problems, communicate effectively, analyze, effectively work in teams etc.
I sincerely hope this sheds some light on your query.
Best of luck in your studies and career.
This is a thought provoking query. Firstly, let's take a quick look at some of the important factors to consider when choosing a career.
What we are exceptional at are excellent opportunities for crafting successful careers. Besides, it's important to love and enjoy what we do so we strive to be our very best selves. Fulfilling human needs remains the most compelling desire for human activity and can easily guarantee financial freedom.
Electrical engineering is a critical contributor to the human drive to meet some of the pressing needs of society.
Common electrical appliances are routinely used domestically, in businesses and industry.
Control & Automation and software engineering are widely used in manufacturing, technical products e.g automobiles, aerospace vehicles, earthmoving equipment etc. and robotics as well as AI.
At the level of practice, opportunities are available in design, production/manufacture, projects, maintenance, research & development, consulting, teaching in institutions of higher learning.
Clearly, you have plenty to choose from.
There are important skills we require, irrespective of the profession we are in, that are important for our effectiveness and efficiency. Amongst them are our ability to plan, schedule & execute work; organize, identify & resolve problems, communicate effectively, analyze, effectively work in teams etc.
I sincerely hope this sheds some light on your query.
Best of luck in your studies and career.
Thank you for the advice, William.
simon
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
668
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
Start by building a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and circuit theory, since these are the core skills in electrical engineering. Programming (Python, C, MATLAB/Simulink) is also useful. Electrical engineering is challenging, but it is absolutely possible and rewarding with consistent effort. Once you understand the basics, move into practical learning by working on projects like simple circuits, Arduino and Raspberry Pi systems, and simulation-based models.
Gain real-world exposure by joining student clubs, electrical labs, workshops, internships, and volunteering, which help connect theory with practice. As you grow, identify your specialization based on your interests, strengths, and career goals, such as power engineering, electrical machines, control system engineering, communication engineering, high-voltage systems, or renewable energy. Stay updated with areas like electric vehicles and smart power systems, and strengthen your profile with certifications like FE and PE for licensed roles, or PLC/automation and electrical systems certifications for industry-focused careers.
Gain real-world exposure by joining student clubs, electrical labs, workshops, internships, and volunteering, which help connect theory with practice. As you grow, identify your specialization based on your interests, strengths, and career goals, such as power engineering, electrical machines, control system engineering, communication engineering, high-voltage systems, or renewable energy. Stay updated with areas like electric vehicles and smart power systems, and strengthen your profile with certifications like FE and PE for licensed roles, or PLC/automation and electrical systems certifications for industry-focused careers.