How to become an Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineering is a discipline of engineering that focuses on studying and using electronics, electricity, and electromagnetic. It is sometimes known as electrotechnical engineering. Given that the discipline of electronics as a whole has only been around for nearly a century, it is reasonable to argue that this branch of electrical engineering is also a relatively new development. Electrical engineers are involved in the design, development, and testing of components, systems, and equipment that make use of electricity/electromagnetism - everything from microchips and voltmeters to massive power station generators and aerospace components - as well as the design, development, and testing of systems and equipment. They also carry out testing on the items to determine their overall performance and long-term durability.

Navigation systems, electrical systems for autos, signal processing, control systems, and communication systems are just a few of the areas in which an electrical engineer's efforts are focused. It is the responsibility of an electrical engineer to work on a project from its conception phases through its completion, which might range from small home products to large-scale electrical systems. They are also engaged in the production process of the electrical product and the creation of the electrical product itself. Through the application of their understanding of physics and mathematics, they can create new electrical devices and systems.

While the particulars of an electrical engineer’s role are multifaceted, depending on their area of specialization, it generally comprises of the following responsibilities:

• To identify project requirements and specifications and prepare technical reports
• Prepare budgets and discuss proposals with clients
• To apply the principles of engineering, mathematics, and physics for the production, modification, and maintenance of electrical systems
• To test the capabilities of finished products and systems to ensure they meet the specified standards
• To provide recommendations for modification of equipment design upon evaluation of the relevant procedures and systems
• To plan and conduct research projects as well as compile the data from existing studies or projects regarding electrical engineering
• To ensure that installation and operations processes are in line with the standards and requirements of the consumer, by providing technical drawings and specifications
• To inspect the installation and use is in compliance with the operational and safety standards as well as the design specifications
• To manage and supervise team members as well as confer with other engineers and the client to discuss projects
• To collect and analyse the data regarding the recent trends as well as about customer requirements to guide the product development
   

Electrical engineering requires a thorough knowledge of electrical and electronics theory, mathematics, and materials science. This information enables engineers to build circuits that fulfil specified tasks while meeting safety, reliability, and energy efficiency standards when used imaginatively. These are some of the most critical abilities of an electrical engineer: Technical expertise. Electrical engineers must have a profound grasp of a variety of technical subjects, including circuit design, electrical current, and electrical device functioning. They use this expertise to develop, manufacture, test, maintain, and repair electrical goods.

Reasoning critically Electrical engineers use their critical thinking abilities to determine a product's strengths and flaws. When they discover a flaw in the product, they use their problem-solving abilities to resolve the issue. While logical reasoning is necessary, new solutions often need more imaginative problem-solving. Mathematics when creating and testing electrical goods, electrical engineers must conduct sophisticated calculations. Calculations are critical for prototyping and establishing electrical potential. Therefore, electrical engineers must have high math abilities since they may be required to uncover mathematical mistakes that might have a negative impact on projects and products.

Electrical engineers may also depend on their calculations while performing routine maintenance or repairing electrical components. Applications for computers Computers of the modern-day, a technology built in part by the same group, may now be used to replicate the operation of electrical equipment and systems. Electrical engineers, for example, may utilise computer simulations to create models of national power networks or microprocessors. This is why electrical engineers must be computer literate. Today, the field is primarily concerned with designing electrical devices and systems using fundamental components like batteries, magnets, coils, conductors, and resistors.

Electrical engineers deal with valuable equipment and systems that have evolved into a worldwide household necessity. Electrical engineering is required for almost all electrical and electronic equipment, from power plant generators to the microprocessors in your phone. To succeed in the industry, an electrical engineer must augment formal education with soft skills. These soft talents include the capacity to be detail-oriented and self-motivated and an aptitude for creativity and innovation. It is also necessary to have a solid theoretical and practical understanding foundation in essential disciplines like wireless communication, electrical devices and circuits, digital signal processing, and microprocessors.

Apart from academic knowledge, an electrical engineer must excel in a variety of other abilities, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and flexibility. Because they must deal with contemporary machinery's complex and convoluted systems, they must also possess the critical thinking ability to recognise and resolve issues and construct solutions. Additionally, they must be adept in time management and interpersonal communication. A candidate must also gain dexterity in applying logical principles in practice. Commercial knowledge of the sector is another plus for career success. Finally, they should be comfortable working with CAD, MATLAB, and AutoCAD applications.

In order to enroll into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply at any university in India. It is a challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, and skillsets, aspirants may apply for the following electrical engineering jobs:

• Service Maintenance Engineer
• Test engineer
• Network Planning Engineer
• Electronics and Communications Consultant
• Electrical Technician
• Product designer
• Technical Director
• Project Manager - Production & Maintenance