If you love technology and want to work as an electrical engineer, then this is the job for you.Technology improves the lives of others.If you want to become an electrical engineer, you need to develop your math and science skills in high school.It is important to enroll and graduate from an ABET accredited engineering program.After a few years of work experience, you will want to pursue professional licensing.
Step 1: It's a good idea to research the field.
The field descriptions are offered by engineering schools.There are introductory books on engineering.As you continue your research, it's a good idea to narrow down your focus to one part of engineering, such as electrical or chemical.In order to improve human life, electrical engineers work with electricity and electronic devices.It is helpful to speak with an actual engineer.If you want to reach out to one of the professors, you can always look up a university's engineering faculty list online.You could write, "Hello, I'm a student at the high school."I was hoping that you could give me some advice about engineering in college.
Step 2: Look at the job outlook.
The profile for electrical engineering can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.There are statistics about job growth potential.Information on various career options for engineers can be found on the site.In 2015, the median pay for electrical engineers was nearly $100,000.There is no change in the job growth profile for electrical engineers in 2015.From Boeing to Nashville Electric, electrical engineers find jobs.They work in a number of fields.
Step 3: Carefully choose your high school course.
Enroll in advanced math and science classes.You will be able to use physics courses later on.College admissions committees will closely scrutinize your final grades in these classes.If you want to know if you have a skill for drafting and design, you can take art classes.Either at the high school level or later on in college, make sure to take at least one general communication or business communication class.You will learn how to interact with your future clients.
Step 4: You should join the right school clubs.
It is a good idea to become involved in any club that interests you.It would be helpful to participate in a technology group if you were to become an electrical engineer.Some of these clubs complete at the local, state, or national levels.The National Honor Society is a club you should join if you are invited.This will make your college application stand out from the crowd.
Step 5: Enroll in an engineering college.
Those university departments that adhere to the highest standards of the field are chosen by the ABET.If you go to an accredited school, you can learn the latest technologies and pass licensing exams later on in your career.To find out if a program is accredited by ABET, look at the department's website.Most departments will proudly display their accreditation status and some will even offer additional details, such as the date of the last ABET visit.
Step 6: You should do well in engineering courses.
It's not enough to get into a solid engineering program, you need excellent grades as you progress through the program.As an electrical engineering student, you will most likely follow a curriculum that is heavy on math and science, with only a few elective courses mixed in.Engineering exams require an application of what you've learned and will be more advanced than assignments.It is important to study old exams.Major field classes will range from introductory surveys to more advanced courses focusing on circuits and other specific topics.Before you can enroll in an advanced class, you need to get a particular grade at the survey level.
Step 7: You can choose an electrical engineering sub-field.
You should begin to seriously consider the electrical engineering specialties that appeal to you as you get older.Networking systems, neuroengineering, or many other areas can be done by a professional electrical engineer.It's a good idea to talk with your professors.They can help you figure out the pros and cons of each option.Areas of strong job growth can be found in some specialties.
Step 8: If you want to pursue an advanced degree, consider it.
As you near your college graduation, you may want to enroll in a M.S.There is a program for electrical engineering.You can teach at the university level with an advanced degree.It's a good idea for anyone who wants to conduct advanced electrical research.Around 30% of undergraduate electrical engineering students go on to pursue an advanced degree in the field.
Step 9: You have to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
Before you graduate from college, you should take the FE exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.The general engineering knowledge test is a computer-administered test.The first step is to do well on the exam.There are more than 100 multiple-choice questions in the exam.It takes six hours to finish.After you take the exam, your results are usually online within a week.The NCEES website has more information about the testing.For this exam, it is a good idea to study for a few months in advance.The NCEES website has study guides, practice exams and reference handbooks.
Step 10: If you want a job or apprenticeship, apply.
After you pass the FE exam, you have to work for at least four years under the supervision of a practicing engineer before you can apply for a professional license.Even if you work at a traditional engineering job, this period is often called an internship.As you consider your employment options, you may want to look into the power utilities industry, health monitoring or medical technology, the defense industry or manufacturing.A detailed resume is required before you apply for a job.From college onward, include all of your professional activities.
Step 11: You should keep a daily work diary.
Take a small notebook with you and write down the details of your tasks.You can spend 10 minutes every night updating your log on your computer.You are required to recount 4+ years of professional development as part of most applications for licensing.Each project's work log should include: contact information for any other engineers or professionals involved; a detailed description of the project; the official job title; and a list of tasks that you completed.
Step 12: There are contacts in the field.
Make connections with other engineers when you complete your projects.Talk to them about what they do.Discuss developments in electrical technologies.You can be involved with the NCEES as a volunteer.There is information on volunteer opportunities on the NCEES website.You can email them to check on upcoming events.
Step 13: Don't forget to keep track of industry news.
It's important to be informed about your field in order to become a professional electrical engineer.Discussing licensing changes or other news can be found on the website of your state's licensing board.If the board publishes a newsletter, consider writing an article for submission.An annual report from the NCEES can give you some insight into how that organization operates.The statistical record of engineering licensing can be found in the newsletter Squared.
Step 14: Continue to build your skill set.
It's a good idea to think about your strengths and weaknesses as an engineer.Engineering jobs will help you continue your professional development.Take practice tests to stay fresh in your math skills.Exchange drafts with other professionals to improve your technical writing skills.
Step 15: You should review your state's licensing requirements.
You need a license to become an electrical engineer.Each state has its own licensing requirements.Look up the licensing board for your state and carefully read through the required materials.The NCEES website has an interactive map that can be used to direct you to the licensing board in your state.This is a good place to start.Without a license your professional opportunities may be limited.Texas and other states only hire licensed, professional engineers for public works projects.
Step 16: Take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
The first requirement for professionalization is to pass the 8-hour test.It compares your theoretical and practical knowledge of electrical engineering.Only engineers who have received prior board approval can register for the PE exam.You should study for this exam before you take it.Discuss potential questions with your fellow engineers and look at practice exams.The PE exam allows you to bring reference materials with you.You will have to pay a fee for both the FE and PE exams.Depending on your location, this fee varies.Your PE results will be ready in 1-2 months.
Step 17: You can write up your supplementary experience record.
Transferring diary information into a narrative format known as a SER essay is required by many licensing boards.Professional development should be traced from college onward in this piece of writing.Put your individual contributions at the center of the narrative by writing from a first-person perspective and using active verbs.
Step 18: You can choose your professional references.
You have to submit contact information for at least three professionals with whom you have worked in order to get a license.It is best if they are licensed professional engineers in the same state as you.It is possible that your references will check out the information within your SER.
Step 19: Get a license from the local board.
The licensing board has a website where you can fill out your application after you have gathered all of the necessary materials.To hit the submit button, double-check that everything has been included.You can check the progress of your application online.The N Records Program is for people who don't like paperwork.This program gathers all of the application information for you and completes the submission process as well.There is a fee for this service.