6 answers
Rachel
Student
Torrance, California
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do to prepare to be an electrical engineer ?
What should I do to prepare to be an electrical engineer?
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6 answers
Seni O’Neill
Electrical/E&IC
7
Answers
Madison, Mississippi
Updated
Seni’s Answer
Hello,
While at school work very hard in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Try to visit engineering companies around your home or state. Shadow an electrical engineering for a few hours to see what their daily job is. If you are in college, try to intern or coop while attending college to gain experience that will help you land a job in the future.
Best Lucks!
While at school work very hard in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Try to visit engineering companies around your home or state. Shadow an electrical engineering for a few hours to see what their daily job is. If you are in college, try to intern or coop while attending college to gain experience that will help you land a job in the future.
Best Lucks!
Luciano Gehrke
Engineer
23
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Luciano’s Answer
Hello Rachel,
Just to add a little more to what my friends have shared, I'd suggest embracing curiosity. Be eager to learn about various things, stay updated with the news, and explore diverse topics.
I know it's common for engineers to shy away from reading, writing, or public speaking. But why not stand out from the crowd? Dive into all of it! You'll find joy in what you do, meet new faces, engage more, and discover new opportunities.
This approach will set you apart from many of your peers, giving you a unique edge. Wishing you all the best and success in your endeavors!
Just to add a little more to what my friends have shared, I'd suggest embracing curiosity. Be eager to learn about various things, stay updated with the news, and explore diverse topics.
I know it's common for engineers to shy away from reading, writing, or public speaking. But why not stand out from the crowd? Dive into all of it! You'll find joy in what you do, meet new faces, engage more, and discover new opportunities.
This approach will set you apart from many of your peers, giving you a unique edge. Wishing you all the best and success in your endeavors!
Tony Riccobono
Technical Program Manager
12
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
I would like to add a few additional suggestions to the excellent answers that have already been provided:
== Try some experimentation on your own. If you can afford it, purchase an electronics experimentation kit (you can find them on Amazon) or something like a Raspberry Pi (https://www.raspberrypi.com/) and use them to start gaining basic knowledge about electronics hardware. And as the others have suggested, experiment with software coding as well to gain proficiency.
== If you can get accepted to and can afford a top school, I definitely recommend attending one of those programs if you are able. But if it turns out that those schools are out of your reach, or if y wish to stay closer to home, be aware that many excellent engineers have graduated from other engineering programs at most of the UC, Cal State and Cal Poly campuses.
== Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain (the foundation of cryptocurrency) concepts are becoming more prevalent in engineering and particularly electrical engineering. Find articles in technical journals (not mainstream press) that will help you learn the basics of these topics.
== When you do start college, consider a student membership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). While the content of their technical papers may be overwhelming to a freshman (or even a grad student), their monthly magazine (Spectrum) has many interesting articles about many facets of engineering, and the different IEEE societies can give you a sense of the many different directions that an electrical engineer can take in their career. IEEE also sponsors conferences and a variety of learning opportunities.
== Try some experimentation on your own. If you can afford it, purchase an electronics experimentation kit (you can find them on Amazon) or something like a Raspberry Pi (https://www.raspberrypi.com/) and use them to start gaining basic knowledge about electronics hardware. And as the others have suggested, experiment with software coding as well to gain proficiency.
== If you can get accepted to and can afford a top school, I definitely recommend attending one of those programs if you are able. But if it turns out that those schools are out of your reach, or if y wish to stay closer to home, be aware that many excellent engineers have graduated from other engineering programs at most of the UC, Cal State and Cal Poly campuses.
== Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain (the foundation of cryptocurrency) concepts are becoming more prevalent in engineering and particularly electrical engineering. Find articles in technical journals (not mainstream press) that will help you learn the basics of these topics.
== When you do start college, consider a student membership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). While the content of their technical papers may be overwhelming to a freshman (or even a grad student), their monthly magazine (Spectrum) has many interesting articles about many facets of engineering, and the different IEEE societies can give you a sense of the many different directions that an electrical engineer can take in their career. IEEE also sponsors conferences and a variety of learning opportunities.
Rabia Hanafi
Student
2
Answers
Owensboro, Kentucky
Updated
Rabia’s Answer
To prepare to be an electrical engineer, focus on your education in math, physics, and computer science. Gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs. Join relevant clubs and stay updated with industry trends.
I would suggest looking into universities or technical institutes that offer electrical engineering programs. Research their admission requirements and application processes. Consider reaching out to current electrical engineering students or professionals in the field for insights and advice. This will help you prepare for the next phase of your educational journey to become an electrical engineer.
Strengthen your foundation: Focus on building a strong understanding of core subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. This will provide a solid groundwork for your future studies and career.
Gain hands-on experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in electrical engineering through internships, summer programs, or research projects. This will not only enhance your skills but also give you valuable real-world exposure to the field.
Develop technical skills: Take advantage of resources such as online courses, tutorials, and workshops to develop technical skills relevant to electrical engineering. This could include topics like circuit analysis, programming languages, or electronics.
Build a strong foundation in coding: Coding is an essential skill for electrical engineers. Focus on learning programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB, as they are commonly used in electrical engineering applications. Develop your coding skills through online tutorials, coding competitions, or by working on personal projects related to electrical engineering. By strengthening your coding abilities, you'll not only enhance your problem-solving skills but also have an advantage when it comes to implementing and designing electrical systems and algorithms.
Rabia recommends the following next steps:
Rabia Hanafi
Student
2
Answers
Owensboro, Kentucky
Updated
Rabia’s Answer
To prepare for a career as an electrical engineer:
1. Focus on math, physics, and computer science in your education.
2. Gain practical experience through internships or projects.
3. Join engineering clubs and stay updated with industry trends.
4. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications for specialization.
I would suggest looking into universities or technical institutes that offer electrical engineering programs. Research their admission requirements and application processes. Consider reaching out to current electrical engineering students or professionals in the field for insights and advice. This will help you prepare for the next phase of your educational journey to become an electrical engineer.
Strengthen your foundation: Focus on building a strong understanding of core subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. This will provide a solid groundwork for your future studies and career.
Gain hands-on experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in electrical engineering through internships, summer programs, or research projects. This will not only enhance your skills but also give you valuable real-world exposure to the field.
Develop technical skills: Take advantage of resources such as online courses, tutorials, and workshops to develop technical skills relevant to electrical engineering. This could include topics like circuit analysis, programming languages, or electronics.
Build a strong foundation in coding: Coding is an essential skill for electrical engineers. Focus on learning programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB, as they are commonly used in electrical engineering applications. Develop your coding skills through online tutorials, coding competitions, or by working on personal projects related to electrical engineering. By strengthening your coding abilities, you'll not only enhance your problem-solving skills but also have an advantage when it comes to implementing and designing electrical systems and algorithms.
1. Focus on math, physics, and computer science in your education.
2. Gain practical experience through internships or projects.
3. Join engineering clubs and stay updated with industry trends.
4. Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications for specialization.
Rabia recommends the following next steps:
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Rachel:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Electrical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, statistics and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be computer science and applied technology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Electrical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Electrical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Electrical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-electrical-electronic-communications
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
According to Indeed.com, here are some top careers in Electrical Engineering:
- Controls Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Electrical Project Manager
- Electrical Designer
- Sustainability Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Software Engineer
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-with-electrical-engineering
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Electrical Engineering!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Electrical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, statistics and calculus will be needed. Other classes to take will be computer science and applied technology. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Electrical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Electrical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Electrical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-electrical-electronic-communications
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
According to Indeed.com, here are some top careers in Electrical Engineering:
- Controls Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Electrical Project Manager
- Electrical Designer
- Sustainability Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Equipment Engineer
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Software Engineer
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-with-electrical-engineering
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Electrical Engineering!