Job Opportunities in the Electrical Engineering Field

Electrical engineers are in demand across nearly every industry. They work in the manufacturing, energy, transport and telecommunication industries, as well as at engineering labs and offices.

Consider attending networking events and seminars that focus on the field of electrical engineering to meet professionals who can recommend you for a job or mentor you in your career path. Also, consider getting certified and acquiring your license to stand out in the job market.

Electronics Engineering

Electronic engineers work on components, devices or systems that use electricity as part of their source of power. They may work on the design and development stage of a new product or system, manufacture prototypes and assist in the installation and implementation phase. They work in project teams with colleagues from other branches of engineering and supervise technicians, craftspeople and fellow engineers.

Electronics engineers are found across many industries including energy, manufacturing and telecommunications. They can be found in the offices of consultancy companies, at fabrication plants, on board ships and in pristine laboratories.

The rapid pace of technological innovation and the need to upgrade national power distribution systems are likely to boost electrical engineering jobs. This field will also grow with the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower.

While engineering might seem like a fairly individual and isolated career, it thrives in collaboration. As such, there are plenty of opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry through events, conferences and seminars. These can be a great way to meet other electrical engineering specialists and get a feel for the wider industry, as well as to make connections that could help your career in the future. Joining professional organisations is another excellent option to increase your chances of employment and getting noticed by employers.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering

As robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to play a more significant role in our everyday lives, there is increasing demand for electrical engineers with advanced skills in these areas. This is particularly true for those who can combine software engineering with hardware development. This multidisciplinary expertise is essential for the development of cutting-edge technologies that are used in a wide range of industries from self-driving cars to customer service and healthcare.

While some are concerned that these advancements will make human jobs obsolete, it is estimated that AI and robotics will create more jobs than they will replace. With proper planning and retraining, engineering professionals can take advantage of this growing industry.

Those with an electrical engineering degree may find employment in a variety of fields, including engineering services firms, electric power companies, semiconductor/component manufacturing and electromedical manufacturers. Many also choose to become licensed engineers, which can improve their job prospects and earning potential.

An internship is another great way for graduates to get a foot in the door of this exciting field. In addition to providing valuable work experience, an internship can help graduates build a network of industry professionals. These contacts can provide valuable career advice and recommendations for future employment. They may even be able to offer a job referral or act as a mentor.

Power Systems Engineering

Sitting at the crossroads of math, physics and energy, electrical engineering is responsible for some of our most useful inventions. Indispensable items like light bulbs, telephones and televisions were all birthed from this dynamic field, with more innovations emerging daily.

If you’re interested in a career in power systems, the best way to get started is to build a strong professional network and participate in industry events. This will allow you to find new job opportunities and connect with other professionals in your field who can mentor you.

Power system engineers design and build power systems and related equipment. They may also work on off-grid power systems, which are used in places where connecting to the grid isn’t practical or economical.

Some jobs in this field require working evenings or night shifts. However, most positions in this field operate during regular weekday hours.

As the world moves away from fossil fuels, there’s a growing need for experts in power systems. In addition to ensuring that electricity is always available, these engineers are responsible for creating renewable energy strategies and technology that can be integrated into these power systems.

Signal processing is a complex field that involves creating algorithms for specific tasks. These algorithms are then coded into software and used to capture real-time outcomes. Some areas of expertise include speech and image processing, pattern recognition, chip design and radio frequency (RF) signals. Signal processing engineers can work in a wide variety of industries.

Electrical Engineering Management

Electrical engineers are vital to a wide variety of industries. Their work encompasses the design and development of everything from computer hardware and IT systems to the complex technical systems used in telecommunications, power generation and distribution, and automotive equipment.

Those seeking to advance their career can find opportunities in management, as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrical engineering managers handle the hiring and training of staff, assigning them to projects and estimating costs. They also collaborate with other departments to ensure quality, marketing and other goals are met. The BLS indicates that a master’s degree is often required for this position, which can be obtained through programs with a managerial focus, such as the 100% online UCR MEng Electrical Engineering Management program.

It is important for electrical engineers to continue to sharpen their skills to stay competitive in the field. This can be done through ongoing education and by gaining experience in areas that interest them, such as microelectronics. It is also a good idea to obtain licenses and certifications to increase the competitiveness of a resume when applying for positions. Getting an internship while in school or after graduation is another way to gain hands-on experience and help build an impressive resume. As science continues to evolve, the demand for electrical engineers will only increase.