Brody
My question is what would a day-in-the-life of an electrical engineer consist of Would this job require college/schooling/an apprenticeship as-well??
I'm in 11th grade and I honestly have a rough idea on what I'm interested in pursuing (Electrical Engineering) but I don't know for sure if this is the career for me. I know it requires a lot of brainpower and it is a harder career to pursue. My dad said basically I would be guiding the electricians on the job site and mostly sitting creating designs/etc. not really doing the hard hands-on work that beats up your body. I have good grades and a high GPA, I have a 23 on the ACT (still trying to improve that), and I live in Southern Mississippi on the Gulf Coast. I would like to help people when I get older, preferably directly and indirectly. And I don't really want to sit in a desk ALL day, but I don't mind the occasional couple hours of working while sitting. I don't think I'd want to go into the military. I know that I'm probably gonna need to go to some sort of school after high-school to cover Tri-Care for my medical stuff. I don't know how long I would need to go to school for though.
1 answer
Sijoy Sagar
Sijoy’s Answer
Electrical engineering is an exciting career that mixes design, analysis, and problem-solving with teamwork. Each day is different, with a mix of desk work like designing circuits and field work like testing systems and working with electricians. To start this career, you will need a 4-year college degree in electrical engineering.
Here's what a typical day looks like:
Morning: Team meetings to discuss project goals and work together with other engineers.
Mid-Morning: Designing and analyzing using tools like AutoCAD Electrical and MATLAB. This includes creating schematics and running simulations.
Afternoon: Testing and implementing, which means visiting sites, checking circuits, and working with electricians.
End of Day: Writing reports and preparing for the next steps.
Work Balance: It's not just desk work. You will spend time in labs and on-site to make sure everything works well.
Education Path:
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year program in electrical engineering is needed.
Licensing: Many engineers in the U.S. get a Professional Engineer (PE) license after gaining experience.
Graduate Study: A master’s degree can help you specialize but isn't necessary to start.
Apprenticeships: These are for electricians, not engineers. Engineers design and guide, while electricians do the hands-on work.
Things to Think About:
Your Strengths: With your strong grades and improving ACT score, you are ready for engineering programs.
Career Fit: If you want to make a difference, electrical engineering helps in healthcare, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
Lifestyle: Expect a mix of desk and field work. It's less physically demanding than being an electrician but needs focus and problem-solving skills.
Schooling Length: Plan for 4 years of college. Some roles might need internships.
My Personal Advice: Electrical engineering is challenging but rewarding. It needs a college degree and offers a mix of design and real-world work. With your academic strengths and desire to help, it could be a great fit, especially in areas like renewable energy or medical devices.
Wishing you clarity and confidence as you consider this path.