ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
DESCRIPTION
'Electrical engineers design, and evaluate the manufacture,
testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical and
electronic components, equipment and systems.';1 Electrical
engineers work with an array of equipment and machinery, such as
transformers, switches, electrical appliances and types of generators,
and are considered in fields involving communications, radar,
aerospace guidance, medical and biomedical research and computers.
ENVIRONMENT
Precision is a very regarded value for an electrical engineer. The
use of hands on techniques and a vast knowledge of mathematics
makes for the engineer to be very detailed in his or her work.
Must be
creative and initiating, and must be perspective in dealing with work
and the communication of others. Must have a feel for science and
technicality. Work is mostly done indoors in offices, labs, and
factories. Teamwork is essential, as work is often compared with
others.
Since technology is expanding as time goes on, a continuing
education is a must. Computers are used often to learn applications
and techniques.
PAY AND OUTLOOK
Pay varies depending on education, experience, and your place
of employment. 'Starting salaries range from $805 to $3,810 per
month.
Experience will land you from $1,295 to $4,980 per month,
and top ranges $1,510 to $5,199 per month. (California pay) Starting
salaries for national outlook are $2,000 to $3,175, experience $3,700 to
$4,965, and top can be $4,400 to $8,800 per month.';1 Little change
in growth is predicted for California in the years to come.
Opportunities are higher for those who can maintain a technological
edge. competition is relevant in the job market. On a national level,
faster than average growth is expected in future years.
PREPARATION
'A bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering,
electronics, or physics from a school accredited by the engineer's
Council for Professional development is the best preparation for
thisfield.';2 A aster's degree is highly recommended. A keen
knowledge of math, physical sciences, and engineering principles is
needed. A knowledge of tools, machinery and electrical equipment
also helps. Related occupations include electrical safety engineers.
They differ in that they perform safety investigations to detect unsafe
conditions. Also related are fiber-optic engineers, inventors, and
highway electrical engineers.
MY VIEW
I researched this field because I have a high interest in math and
science, and I am always interested in how things work and function.
I like how engineering is an exact concept.
I like precision and
accuracy, and how the jobs are hands on and are never repetitive. The
pay is good and livable, and you do not have to spend an eternity
going to school. This field does require constant thinking, so
headaches may occur often. Much math and science needs to be
learned, and science is sometimes complex, because, well, it's science.
It is always being studied, and at times cannot be explained easily.
Patience must be a virtue in dealing with science, and my patience
sometimes runs short. I guess I would have to learn more. I consider
that there are more advantages than not. I have always excelled at
math, and most math is pretty simple to me.
I am always analyzing
occurrences, so many of the characteristics that fall under this field can
relate to my personality. After researching this field, I would highly
consider going into this field, and also believe that this field would
offer stability, rewards, and a sense of self. I would take pride in
achieving a task in which I had a lot of involvement with. I am glad I
was able to research this field, as I have gained much knowledge and
understanding of what electrical engineering is about.
