How To Become an Electrical Engineer

04/28/2025

Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity. Put simply, electrical engineers work with electric equipment. These experts work with a vast array of electric equipment from consumer electronics to electromagnetic devices.

Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems, including electrical circuits, electronics, and electromagnetism. Using knowledge of math and science, they are able to install, evaluate, and improve electrical components.

Electrical engineers can work in various industries, including power generation and distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. They can specialize in areas such as power systems, control systems, and electronics. Electrical engineering products are a part of everyday life, found in items ranging from electric motors to microchips.

Educational Requirements to Become an Electrical Engineer

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field is typically required to become an electrical engineer. Electrical engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or a Bachelor of Engineering (BE). Many programs provide classroom instruction, projects, as well as hands-on laboratory work.

Coursework in electrical engineering programs includes electrical circuit theory, control systems, and computer science. Course topics may include fundamentals of circuit analysis, International System of Units, energy conversion, communications systems, electromagnetic field theory, passive microwave circuit design, radar and RF signal propagation.

Many electrical engineers also pursue a master’s or Ph.D. degree to specialize in a particular area of electrical engineering. Some schools offer focused undergraduate electrical engineering programs such as telecommunications engineering or optical engineering. In addition to education, graduates may obtain practical experience through internships or cooperative engineering programs.

Key Skills and Qualities of an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers need strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills to design and develop complex electrical systems. Learning this field involves circuit design, applied mathematics, developing control systems, programming and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), safety standards knowledge and data analysis.

Having a strong background in advanced mathematics, like principles of calculus, may introduce students to concepts used in aerospace and other industries.

Soft skills such as critical thinking, troubleshooting, and time management are also essential. Many roles are collaborative, requiring teamwork. Good communication skills are essential for working with others on engineering projects and breaking down technical concepts with stakeholders. Electrical engineers must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly to others.

They must also have strong computer skills, including programming and using computer-aided design (CAD) software. CAD programs are used in the creation of models and technical drawings. Designers, architects, drafters and engineers may use CAD programs such as AutoCAD. Familiarity with coding languages, such as Python, can assist with programing and testing hardware. Software like MATLAB may be used for analyzing test results.

Electrical Engineering Career Paths and Specializations

You may be familiar with some of the companies that manufacture and develop products designed by electrical engineers. Apple, Samsung and NVIDIA develop consumer electronics. Electronics engineers working for the federal government often develop electronic devices and systems used in aviation, transportation, computing, and manufacturing. These devices may include satellites, radar and sonar systems, and flight systems.

Electrical engineers can also work in research and development, designing and testing new electrical systems and devices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023 engineering services, electric power generation, transmission and distribution were the largest employers of electrical engineers.

Intel, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments are some of the top competitors in the semiconductor marketing industry, according to Oppenheimer Equity Research Industry Update report. Telecommunications companies like Siemens and General Electric (GE) focus on power generation and renewable energy. Aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrup Grumman focus on electronics and defense technologies.

With experience, some electrical engineers may pursue roles in management, consulting, or program oversight.

Job Outlook for Electrical Engineers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% employment growth for electrical and electronics engineers between 2023 and 2033. A 9% increase is significantly more than the average growth of all occupations which is 4%. There are around 19,000 job openings for electrical and electronics engineers every year.

Steps to Becoming an Electrical Engineer

Earn an Electrical Engineering Degree

You can begin pursuing a career in electrical engineering by earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program. These programs help prepare students for occupations in aerospace, telecommunication, power generation and many other industries.

Coursework should include electrical circuit theory, control systems, and computer science. Students will learn about the theories, tools and technologies used by electrical engineers to solve problems and design products. The Bachelor of Engineering (BE) from American Public University System introduces students to critical math, computer science and life science concepts. Examples of course topics include electromagnetic field theory, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's law, and passive microwave circuit analysis.

Many ABET-accredited engineering programs include classroom instruction, field studies, and hands-on laboratory experience. Students will be introduced to principles related to electrical power engineering, control engineering, instrumentation engineering, telecommunications engineering, microelectronics and signal processing.

Electrical Engineering Compliance and Standards

Successful electrical engineers rely on key organizations and standards that help regulate the products and processes within their field of specialty. These organizations promote safety, consistency, and uniformity of devices and systems globally. The more time spent working with electric devices and systems, the more these specifications and codes will become familiar.

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes technical standards for industrial applications
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publishes global standards for products, services, and processes
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publishes global standards for electrical, electronic and related technologies
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes global standards for goods and services
• International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) establishes testing procedures for electric equipment
• Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA) publishes standards related to the use of electric power, data and control cable
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes standards for fire and electrical safety

Gain Practical Experience

Consider participating in engineering competitions or projects to gain hands-on experience. Obtaining practical experience through internships or co-op programs can be a critical part of understanding the field of electrical engineering and following industry trends.

Join professional organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to network with other electrical engineers. IEEE members advance technology by contributing to publications and conferences, developing technology standards, and hosting educational activities. Joining IEEE gives you access to a worldwide engineering and technology community.

Formal engineering roles may require 4 years of experience in the field as well as with passing the following engineering licensing exams by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES):

• The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam prepares you to be an Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
• Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam prepares you to become a Professional Engineer (PE)

To become an professional engineer, you will need to obtain licensure by passing the FE exam, gaining 4 years of experience and passing the PE exam.

Continuing Education and Advanced Degrees

You may consider obtaining certification or an advanced degree in a particular area of electrical engineering, such as power systems or electronics. If there is a particular area of electrical engineering you are passionate about or know you want to focus on, there may be a master’s degree or Ph.D. available for that specialty.

After completing a degree in electrical engineering, students may choose to specialize in areas such as electrical and computer engineering (ECE), robotics, renewable energy, electronics and electrical engineering, automation, signal processing and machine learning, as well as power electronics and electromechanics.

Depending on their trajectory, some electrical engineering professionals may pursue additional certifications such as PLC programming, AutoCAD or Renewable Energy Systems. Doctoral programs may support opportunities to teach, manage programs, or lead engineering projects, depending on experience and qualifications.

Electrical Systems and Applications

Electrical systems are used in a wide range of applications, including power generation and distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. You may be familiar with these advanced technologies that are used for smart grids, electric vehicles (EVs), Internet of Things (IoT) integration, and sustainable energy solutions.

Examples of the industries that utilize electrical systems include:

• Architectural engineering and related services
• Audio and Video Equipment manufacturing.
• Consumer electronics
• Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
• Electromedical manufacturing
• Hydropower generation
• Lighting and wiring
• Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instrument manufacturing
• Renewable energy
• Telecommunications

Electrical systems are used in many devices, including computers, smartphones, and medical equipment. Because the field of electrical engineering encompasses so many types of electric equipment, systems and components, there are many other applications, from commercial, scientific and industrial uses to military and manufacturing.

The Role of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems, including electrical circuits, electronics, and electromagnetism. They are involved in many aspects of electric equipment, from the ideation and design stage of a project to manufacturing, installation, defining safety standards, repairing equipment.

Electrical and electronic engineers work in a wide range of industries, including power generation and distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. Working on electric components involves technical skills and specialized training. These engineering professionals complete tasks such as designing electrical systems, creating electrical circuit simulations, developing microelectronics, and troubleshooting power generators which rely on electromagnetism.

Electrical and electronics engineers must have strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills to design and develop complex electrical systems. Critical thinking is required to create innovative solutions and improve technical performance of electric systems.

Tools and Technologies Used by Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineers use a variety of tools and technologies, including design simulators, programming languages, and other software. With so many applications for electrical systems, there is an enormous amount of technologies available to create, design, test, install, and maintain electrical equipment.

Electrical engineers also use a variety of equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and multimeters. This equipment evaluates variables like battery voltage, and current. They are used for debugging, checking for resistance or evaluating other electric parameters.

Coding languages, like Python, can assist with automation, testing circuit performance and firmware development. Computer-aided design (CAD) software, like AutoCAD, is used to draft and design products. Data analysis software, like MATLAB, evaluates simulation performance and creates models. Power systems analysis software, like CYME, measures power distribution.

Electrical Engineers must stay up to date with the latest technologies and advancements in electrical engineering. They must follow safety standards, code requirements, and other protocols.

Next Steps for Electrical Engineers

As a whole, electrical engineering encompasses a wide range of subfields, including power systems, control systems, and electronics. Electrical engineers address complex problems related to electrical power generation systems, radar and navigation systems, superconductors, wave propagation and energy storage. They work on advanced technologies such as microchips, renewable energy, and the electric motors found in autonomous vehicles.

Becoming an electrical engineer requires a strong foundation in math and science, as well as practical experience and licensure. After completing educational requirements and passing the first NCEES exam, graduates will benefit from field work, where they can observe how electrical systems are built and maintained. With experience, electrical engineers can move into management positions or start their own consulting firms.

Electrical engineering managers can use their knowledge of selective coordination, grounding, harmonics, and other engineering principles to lead a team of engineers and technicians. Tech startups focused on AI systems or renewable energy solutions may hire a professional electrical engineer with the technical expertise to develop unique solutions.

Professional electrical and electronics engineers work in a wide range of industries and can specialize in areas such as power distribution and microelectronics. Electrical components are crucial element of commercial, scientific, industrial, and military products and systems.