Trent Kite
November 1999
English 111-17A
Electrical Engineering Careers: How to Obtain a Job and Succeed at It
Almost every single product produced in the United States requires some work from an electrical engineer. Electrical engineers are involved in the production of toys, cars, computers, medical equipment, communication devices and just about anything you can think of. For those of us who love math, science and technology, a career in electrical engineering is a great way to go.
To be an electrical engineer you must first obtain an electrical engineering degree. Students who are well prepared, by having a lot of math and science in high school, can ordinarily obtain their degree in four years. By the time students reach their third year of college they should have a good idea of the particular area of electrical engineering that they wish to pursue. Knowing the area allows students to make the upper level class elective selections productive. Upper level class electives may be in controls, instrumentation, magnetism, microelectronics, plasma discharges/material processing, computer architecture or communications to name a few. After graduation, students are ready to enter the work force as entry-level electrical engineers. Current salaries for entry-level engineers are between $40,000 and $50,000 (EEzine). The average annual job openings for the state of Virginia due to growth and attrition are 870 (Braddock). Openings for the entire US are not as favorable as in Virginia; however, there is a projected annual increase of 19,720 jobs (Braddock).
According to Byron Stonecypher, Hardware Engineering Department Head at Wyle Laboratories, entry-level engineers should be very familiar with general computer office software as well as specialized software. Electrical engineers are required to submit many technical reports and proposals either to bid for jobs or for recommendations within a corporation. Spreadsheet software is also a necessary tool for the entry-level engineer. Spreadsheets are used to track man-hours, track job cost, inventory, simplify repetitive math and to express circuits mathematically. Familiarity with the World Wide Web and Internet tools such as email, message boards, and Internet conferencing are also beneficial. Often bids for engineering jobs and equipment research can be performed via the Internet. Oral communication skills are also a must for the entry-level engineer. When engineering services are performed to identify problems or for pure research, the findings are often presented to the customer in a formal or informal presentation (Stonecypher).
Beyond the entry-level electrical engineers there are supervisory engineers who supervise technicians and other electrical engineers. Most supervisory engineers ascend to such positions by graduate studies and by taking courses in business administration. In order to stay current and avoid termination by layoff, most engineers continue their practical studies as well. To be employed in positions where human life, health and property are at risk or where the engineering project is in the public domain, an engineer must be registered in the state in which the work will be done. This registration requires a degree and the passing of the state’s examination. The salary range for senior engineers is from $75,000 to more that $105,000 (Braddock).
Communication skills are a vital necessity for senior engineers. Writing skills are required for performance reports, job status reports, job proposals, papers presented at conferences, and documenting procedures (Stonecypher). Often senior engineers, not having luxury of personal assistants, rely on their own computer skills with the word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Senior engineers are also responsible for reviewing the work of other engineers correcting and approving their technical writings (Stonecypher). Writing is so important in the engineering world that classes are often brought to the work place on technical writing and critical thinking.
Engineering jobs are abundant and should remain an open field for all those who receive their degree (Braddock). Getting the job requires a strong background in composition. It doesn’t matter how good you are unless you can convey in writing that you are a viable resource to your prospective employer. One of the jobs of senior engineers is reviewing the documents of his employees, and if the hiring engineer can ascertain from your application/resume that you are a proficient writer you’re likely to be interviewed. Oral communication is just as important as written communication. Engineers are often involved directly with their customer in person or via videoconference (Stonecypher). Prospective employers are always looking for those who can represent themselves orally in a manner that represents their company well.
The electrical engineering field is growing at rate in which all new graduates should have a job waiting for them (Braddock). Obtaining that job requires not only a four-year degree but also knowledge of specialized engineering software and general office software. Keeping and advancing in electrical engineering requires that you stay current in the area of electronics and that you maintain proficient computer skills. Superior communication skills and business knowledge is the major requirements for advancement to supervisory roles. The jobs are out there— the pay is good, jobs are everywhere, options are endless, and with strong technical skills and communications skills, advancement and other job opportunities are always available.
Works Cited
Braddock, Douglas. "Electrical and Electronics Engineers." 1998-1999 Occupational Outlook Handbook. <http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos031.htm>.
EEZINE: The Online Magazine for Aspiring Engineers in the Electronics Industry. Accessed on 10 Nov. 1999. <http://www.eet.com/eezine>.
Stonecypher, Byron. Personal interview. 8 Nov. 1999.
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