Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is the practical application of mathematics and science in the production, control, distribution, and uses of electricity as well as the research design, development, testing, and supervision of the manufacture of electronic equipment. Electrical engineering is an extremely large branch of engineering and ranges from the design of tiny electrical circuits to the construction of large electrical power plants.*

Sample Occupations

  • Specialization Areas
  • Analog Electronics
  • Electromagnetics
  • Power & Energy Systems
  • Communications & Signal Processing
  • Digital Systems
  • Bioelectronics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Avionics Engineer
  • Defense System Specialist
  • Wireless/CDMA Designer
  • Quality Controller
  • Process Engineer
  • GIS Specialist
  • Digital Design Engineer
  • Test Engineer
  • Application Engineer
  • Engineering Technology
  • Design Technician
  • IT/Network Analyst
  • Technical Writer

Types of Employers

  • National Aeronautics & Space Administration
  • Electronics Manufacturers
  • Research Centers
  • Automobile Manufacturers
  • Telecommunications Companies
  • Scientific Service Companies
  • National Institute of Standards & Technology

Preparing for your career in

Electrical Engineering: Build teamwork skills by seeking opportunities to participate in group projects, learn to communicate complex work-related terminology in easy to understand terms, seek experience through internships, co-ops, or research, pursue design projects and lab experience, join a professional organization to learn more about the field and network, consider graduate school for advancement opportunities

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.