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What do electrical engineers specialize in?

What do electrical engineers specialize in, and what do they normally do in their day-to-day jobs? I know they do signal processing and other things, and their tasks are pretty wide-ranging, so what do they do?

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Spencer’s Answer

Electrical engineers work in all kinds of fields! There are electrical engineers that work at power plants and help keep the electricity flowing. But there are also electrical engineers who design and build all the electrical devices you see around you. They might design circuit boards that power your computer, or even the stop lights on your street. Anything that connects to electricity is something an electrical engineer worked on.

Another thing that many electrical engineers end up doing is working as software engineers. Lots of the biggest companies like Google and Microsoft specifically look for software developers who have an electrical engineering background because they know how smart you have to be to major in electrical engineering and the types of problems you have to solve are similar.

One thing that might be worth while is thinking about a hobby or something else you love and thinking about how an electrical engineer might have contributed to that. If you are watching television, for example, think of all the different steps required to get that picture into your home.

Spencer recommends the following next steps:

Try reading books about how people have used electrical engineering to change the world. "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind" is a good example: https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Harnessed-Wind-Electricity/dp/0061730335
Ask a teacher or another adult to help you find people in your town who work as electrical engineers and see if you can shadow them for a day. Or try to find someone at the local college or university who teaches electrical engineering.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Paul
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Vamshee’s Answer

An electrical engineer specializes in the physics and mathematics of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics to design and develop new electrical equipment and systems, to solve problems, and to test equipment.

Electrical engineers can work on various projects and do different tasks, from designing household appliances, to designing large-scale electrical telecommunication systems, electrical power stations, and satellite communications systems

Electrical engineering specifically deals with electricity, electro-magnetism and electronics. It also covers power, control systems, telecommunications, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers work in various industries and the skills required also vary. These skills can range from basic circuit theory to those required to be a project manager.

Based on online resources. An electrical engineer's job duties may require:


Evaluating electrical systems, products, components, and applications
Designing and conducting research programs
Applying knowledge of electricity and materials
Confirming system's and components' capabilities by designing testing methods and properties
Developing electrical products by studying customer requirements
Researching and testing manufacturing and assembly methods and materials
Developing manufacturing processes by designing and modifying equipment
Assuring product quality by designing electrical testing methods
Testing finished products and system capabilities
Preparing product reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends
Providing engineering information by answering questions and requests
Maintaining product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations
Maintaining product data base by writing computer programs and entering data

There are many sub disciplines in electrical engineering:
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Microelectronics Engineer
Signal Processing Engineer
Power Systems Engineer
Control System Engineer
Telecommunications Engineer
Instrumentation Engineer
Computer Engineer
Hardware Engineer

I did my undergrad in electrical engineering and ended up settled in wireless telecommunications field.

Hope this helps and wish you all success in your future endeavors!!
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Paul
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Todd’s Answer

Electrical Engineering has several facets that someone may choose to specialize, but the fundamentals is the study of electromagnetics. Electromagnetics is the foundation for wireless communications, power, solar, computer processors. A degree in Electrical Engineering provides a fundamental understanding of EM theory and helps to develop an analytical mindset and skills in critical thinking that will enable you to be successful in many fields.

While my career path led to a management role in wireless telecom, I leverage my understanding of EM theory to understand evolving technology and develop plans and processes to meet company goals. Other engineers in my organization might be focused on optimization of spectrum, wireless signals or antennas to improve customer experiences.

Electrical engineering degrees are in demand across all industries and contribute in several roles.
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Joseph’s Answer

IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineering), Lists over 35 specialties. (IEEE.org)

Some of these field positions could be in:

* Power systems
* Computer design
* Chip design
* Robotics
* Software
* Embedded systems
* Avionics

and more!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Paul
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