Career Opportunities with a
Major in Electrical Engineering
 

Does the design and operation of electrical equipment and systems, and optoelectronic devices fascinate you? Would you like to design radar remote sensing arrays to monitor the weather and other environmental variables, or energy systems that conserve resources or utilize solar energy? Do you have a strong interest in math and the physical sciences? Would the design of manufacturing control systems, lasers, microelectronic devises for residential and commercial use, and image and signal processors interest you? Does your bedroom look like the inside of an electronics store? How about designing or fabricating the next generation of microprocessor chips? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then a major in Electrical Engineering may be for you.

Engineering is the art of applying science to create things that benefit people. Approximately two million engineers work in the United States. Electrical and Computer Engineering are those branches of engineering that involve making things that use electricity. Specifically, electrical engineering covers everything related to electrical devices and systems. The field is extremely broad. For example, electrical engineers may be involved in the design and development of telecommunications networks, in the design and manufacture of consumer electronics, in the development of control systems for space vehicles and robots, and in many aspects of the power and automotive industries. Such things as satellite communications, cell phones, fiber optic networks, radar systems and neural networks all fall within the domain of the electrical engineer. Within all of these industries, electrical engineers work in design, testing and verification, and in manufacturing. They are the creators as well as the implementers of all things electrical.
 

SKILLS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

• Intrigued by designing electrical devices
• Enjoys experimentation and data analysis
• Possesses strong interest and aptitude for math and the physical sciences
• Demonstrates innovation and logical thinking
• Able to draw information from multiple sources
• Exudes strong problem solving ability
• Works effectively with a  team and independently
• Values accuracy and precision
• Exercises good written and verbal communication skills

The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with an Electrical Engineering major. Click on highlighted jobs for more information on training, income and job outlook.  The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which Electrical Engineer majors may consider.
 

EMPLOYERS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

• Aerospace Industry
• Automotive Industry
• Business/Industry
• Computer Manufacturing Industry
• Colleges/Universities
• Government Agencies (all levels)
• Manufacturing Industry
• Research Firms
• Technical Journals
• Technical/Medical Libraries
• Telecommunication Companies
• Utility Companies

WEB SITES RELATED TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

·          Careers in Science and Engineering

·          Colorado School of Mines Electrical Engineering Website

·          Colorado State University Electrical and Computer Engineering Website

·          Discover Engineering

·          Electrical Engineering Technology at Metro State

·          JETS

·          National Society of Professional Engineers

·          PhDs.org

·          Professional Science Masters

·          Sloan Foundation Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

·          Society of the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science  

·          Society of Women Engineers

·          The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

·          The Institute of Industrial Engineers

·          University of Colorado Boulder Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

·          University of Colorado Denver Electrical Engineer Department Website

The above information has been obtained from numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.