3 answers
Lani
Student
1
Question
Asked
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About how long would it take me to become an electrical engineer and is it worth it to go to school for that long?
I am still battling with what I want to pursue after high school and engineering is at the top. Unfortunately, some of my peers don't agree and think its a waste of my time.
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3 answers
Mike Tolbert
Vendor Manager / RF Engineer
1
Answer
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Mike’s Answer
If you want a BSEE it will take you 4 years at a University. Sometimes you can do the first 2 years at a community college and then the last 2 at an Engineering School. The time is definitely worth it depending on what you want to do. You cannot get into certain jobs unless you have a Bachelor's Degree.
Thanks for the advice.
Lani
Shannon Jameson
Associate Director - Network System Performance
10
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Any degree in STEM including EE is worth the time. The salaries are well above the national average and it's part of the field of technology that is every changing. Speaking domestically here in the U.S., four years of a full load of classes will get you a degree. Someone else posted a very good detailed run down for education including internships and license requirements. It isn't required in everything you may pursue after graduating from a university. But it definitely helps for career advancement beyond the degree itself. The various avenues EE opens up to are Research and Development, Engineering Services, Manufacturing, Telecommunications (my field), and working with the federal government. We would love to have you join us in the field of technology. It is very rewarding in more ways than one.
Ok thank you!!
Lani
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6794
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Lani
Duration to Become an Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you typically need to complete several educational and professional steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
High School Education (4 years):
The first step is completing high school, which usually takes four years. During this time, it is beneficial to take courses in mathematics (algebra, calculus), physics, and computer science if available.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (4 years):
After high school, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. This undergraduate program generally takes four years to complete and includes coursework in circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, control systems, and digital systems design.
Internships/Co-op Programs (1 year):
While pursuing your degree, participating in internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation. These experiences can often be integrated into your academic schedule but may extend the time spent in college by about one year if pursued extensively.
Professional Experience (0-2 years):
After earning your degree, many electrical engineers start their careers as entry-level engineers. Gaining practical work experience typically takes 0 to 2 years before you might consider pursuing further certifications or specializations.
Licensure (optional but recommended):
In many regions, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduation and gaining relevant work experience (usually around 4 years). Following this period, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain licensure.
In total, if we sum these durations:
High School: 4 years
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
Internships/Co-op Programs: up to 1 additional year
Professional Experience: 0-2 years
This leads us to a total of approximately 8 to 11 years from high school through gaining initial professional experience.
Is It Worth It?
The decision on whether pursuing a career as an electrical engineer is worth the time invested depends on various factors:
Job Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electrical engineers will grow by about 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is consistent with average job growth across all occupations. This indicates stable demand for professionals in this field.
Salary Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021, the median annual wage for electrical engineers was approximately $100,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on location, industry sector, level of education, and experience but are generally competitive compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education.
Career Opportunities: Electrical engineering offers diverse career paths including roles in telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electronics manufacturing, robotics, and renewable energy sectors among others.
Personal Interest: If you have a strong interest in technology and problem-solving along with a passion for mathematics and science, pursuing this field could be fulfilling both personally and professionally.
Peer Influence vs Personal Goals: While peer opinions can influence decisions during formative years like high school or early college days, it’s crucial to weigh personal aspirations against external pressures when making career choices.
In conclusion, becoming an electrical engineer typically requires about 8 to 11 years of education and initial work experience after high school; however, the investment can lead to rewarding career opportunities both financially and intellectually.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
This source provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including salary information and employment trends specific to electrical engineering.
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
ABET accredits engineering programs ensuring they meet quality standards necessary for preparing graduates for technical careers in engineering fields including electrical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers
This organization offers resources regarding licensure requirements for engineers as well as insights into professional development opportunities within the engineering profession.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
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|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Duration to Become an Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you typically need to complete several educational and professional steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
High School Education (4 years):
The first step is completing high school, which usually takes four years. During this time, it is beneficial to take courses in mathematics (algebra, calculus), physics, and computer science if available.
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (4 years):
After high school, the next step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. This undergraduate program generally takes four years to complete and includes coursework in circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetics, control systems, and digital systems design.
Internships/Co-op Programs (1 year):
While pursuing your degree, participating in internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and enhance your employability upon graduation. These experiences can often be integrated into your academic schedule but may extend the time spent in college by about one year if pursued extensively.
Professional Experience (0-2 years):
After earning your degree, many electrical engineers start their careers as entry-level engineers. Gaining practical work experience typically takes 0 to 2 years before you might consider pursuing further certifications or specializations.
Licensure (optional but recommended):
In many regions, becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam after graduation and gaining relevant work experience (usually around 4 years). Following this period, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain licensure.
In total, if we sum these durations:
High School: 4 years
Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
Internships/Co-op Programs: up to 1 additional year
Professional Experience: 0-2 years
This leads us to a total of approximately 8 to 11 years from high school through gaining initial professional experience.
Is It Worth It?
The decision on whether pursuing a career as an electrical engineer is worth the time invested depends on various factors:
Job Demand: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for electrical engineers will grow by about 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is consistent with average job growth across all occupations. This indicates stable demand for professionals in this field.
Salary Potential: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2021, the median annual wage for electrical engineers was approximately $100,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on location, industry sector, level of education, and experience but are generally competitive compared to other professions requiring similar levels of education.
Career Opportunities: Electrical engineering offers diverse career paths including roles in telecommunications, power generation and distribution, electronics manufacturing, robotics, and renewable energy sectors among others.
Personal Interest: If you have a strong interest in technology and problem-solving along with a passion for mathematics and science, pursuing this field could be fulfilling both personally and professionally.
Peer Influence vs Personal Goals: While peer opinions can influence decisions during formative years like high school or early college days, it’s crucial to weigh personal aspirations against external pressures when making career choices.
In conclusion, becoming an electrical engineer typically requires about 8 to 11 years of education and initial work experience after high school; however, the investment can lead to rewarding career opportunities both financially and intellectually.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
This source provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for various professions including salary information and employment trends specific to electrical engineering.
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
ABET accredits engineering programs ensuring they meet quality standards necessary for preparing graduates for technical careers in engineering fields including electrical engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers
This organization offers resources regarding licensure requirements for engineers as well as insights into professional development opportunities within the engineering profession.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Lani
Thank You Lani, and do not forget to ask if you need more information!
James Constantine Frangos