Curious about a career as an electrical engineer

I'm considering engineering as a major in college, and electrical engineering caught my eye. What's a typical day like for an electrical engineer, and what are the key skills needed? Any insights into the job duties would be helpful!

Electrical engineering is indeed an exciting field with great career prospects. A typical day for an electrical engineer can vary greatly depending on the specific area of work, such as in power generation, telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, etc.

However, common duties can include designing and testing electrical systems or components, troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for project completion, and continually researching to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field. Some electrical engineers may also spend a significant portion of their time in a management role, supervising teams or overseeing projects.

Key skills needed in the field of electrical engineering broadly include:

1. Analytical skills: Pivotal in understanding and applying electrical and electronic theories to design and troubleshoot systems.

2. Problem-solving skills: Essential for addressing design issues or malfunctions in applied settings.

3. Mathematics: Electrical engineering relies heavily on math principles, so strong skills in calculus and trigonometry are crucial.

4. Computational Skills: Familiarity and competence with programming and using design and simulation software is crucial.

5. Communication Skills: Articulating complex ideas to fellow engineers, clients, or non-technical team members effectively is paramount in project execution.

Of course, this is the generalized description. The actual responsibilities and needed skills would depend on the specific role or industry. For instance, an electrical engineer at a start-up might have a wide range of duties from design to software programming, while an engineer at a large corporation may have a more specialized role.

Also, keep in mind that while your degree prepares you with a strong engineering foundation, there will inevitable be a learning curve when you enter the workforce as each company and role can be quite distinct. Emphasizing transferrable skills, such as problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability, in your studies will definitely be helpful in your future career.