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.