Electrical engineers are involved in design and problem solving in the field of electronics. They work in many areas including health, computing and communications [source: Princeton]. If you're considering a career in electrical engineering you will need to do well in math and science while in high school [source: BLS, College Board]. Here's what to do to become an electrical engineer.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in engineering with a major in electrical engineering. There is also the option to complete a two or four year program in engineering technology. Those who complete a four-year program will obtain a qualification regarded as equivalent to a bachelor's degree. If you study in a four-year non-degree course your coursework will be more practical, while if you study in a degree program your coursework will include more courses in the theoretical side of electrical engineering. As an electrical engineer major you will learn all about electricity, including how it works, how it's used to provide power and how to design electric power plants. Make sure the institution at which you study is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This will be important if you later need to be licensed as an engineer.
- Get experience by working as an apprentice under an electrical engineer.
- Get licensed by the state in which you wish to work. This is especially important if you wish to work directly with the public. In order to be licensed you will need to be a graduate of a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology as well as having four years of appropriate work experience. You will also need to pass a state examination to get your license.
- Keep up with the latest advances in technology by continuing to take courses in the areas relevant to your work [source: BLS].
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