Are you good at math? You can then become an electrical engineer
Introduction to the field of electrical engineering
An electrical engineer is above all someone who works in the engineering field. There are many definitions for the word 'engineer'. The definition we are going to use is the following: Someone who uses mathematics and science to design and build stuff.
The field of engineering is indeed vast. Some sample majors in engineering offered by universities are electrical, chemical, aeronautical, mechanical, and industrial.
In electrical engineering, the study of electricity and electromagnetism are the primary focus. For instance, engineers may be responsible to build power systems, radar, or cell phone systems.
The challenge of working as an electrical engineer
People in this field have really a great responsibility! Their jobs is to build secure and efficient devices. The failure to do so properly may result in great liability.
Furthermore, they must be able to use math to calculate almost, if not all pieces of a device involved in the design of some type of system.
Lots of math courses must be taken to perform this job. Besides engineering courses, any heavy math courses such as the following may be required:
- Calculus
- Abstract algebra
- Differential equations
- Vector calculus
- Complex variables
- Probability and statistics
One physics course you will definitely take is electromagnetism. Beware of that one! The study of magnetic field is a tough class as testified by me who took it and other folks.
If you get the job as an electrical engineer, you will be dealing with circuits way more complicated than the one you see in the figure above.
Because of this intellectual challenge this major offers, it is common for people in this field to switch their careers to teaching mathematics or physics.
They can make the switch with ease. However, because engineers make so much money, many may decide to stick around unless they really want to have an impact on students' lives.
Getting the job as an electrical engineer
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry level jobs in engineering. However, at times, when there is a critical need, math majors have found jobs in engineering.
Certification is required in all 50 states and the district of Columbia when you offer your services directly to the public.
Certification means that you have to pass successfully a series of examination given by the state.