3 answers
3 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
To complement Alessadra's response - in the US an undergraduate degree is a four year university program. A masters degree will typically take one to two years, dependent on the particular program structure and credit requirements. On the job training, either from a co-op or part time program with a company while in school, or initial full time work is the experience which is very important to continue to develop your skills and capabilities.
Updated
Bill’s Answer
To complement both Alessandra and John's responses, it took me 5 years to obtain my BSEE at the University of Texas at Austin. During that time, I enrolled in a Co-op program which added the extra year onto my time in college. I highly recommend that you enroll in a Co-op or intern program at the university that you are attending (or plan to attend). The work experience that you gain while in school is invaluable to help you decide what specific EE or ME areas that you do/do not want to pursue in your career. Additionally, the work experience (even though it typically adds an extra year onto your college education) gives you an advantage over someone who does not have that experience as you search for that career coming out of college. Your college education provides the basic skills (whether EE or ME), but you really never stop learning throughout your career. You will obtain valuable on-the-job training during every position you take, and will build upon your basic skill set all throughout your life.
Updated
Alessandra’s Answer
Well it took me 5 year at Engineering school to get my MSEE in Italy, but what your learn at College/University is just the beginning and the baseline.
If you are passionate about specific topics you definitely have to start making your experiences while you study on small projects, but most of your learning will be on the job. Nobody expects you to be an expert at your fist job as Electrical Engineer, but what is evaluated is your capability to analyse the problems and put apply the skills your learned during your study to solve them.
It is very important your attitude and your capability in problem solving rather that precisely technical details that usually help. You always will have your references at reach if you don't remember a specific formula or value!!
Be passionate and go for it!
If you are passionate about specific topics you definitely have to start making your experiences while you study on small projects, but most of your learning will be on the job. Nobody expects you to be an expert at your fist job as Electrical Engineer, but what is evaluated is your capability to analyse the problems and put apply the skills your learned during your study to solve them.
It is very important your attitude and your capability in problem solving rather that precisely technical details that usually help. You always will have your references at reach if you don't remember a specific formula or value!!
Be passionate and go for it!