Electrical Engineering is a field that encompasses the application of electronics and electromagnetism in addition to electricity. However, while Electronics Engineers typically focus on using electricity to transmit information, Electrical Engineers focus on using electricity to transmit energy, and on using that energy to power various types of systems. Electrical Engineers work in a wide variety of locations, from industrial and manufacturing plants, to businesses or research facilities.

Electrical Engineers must be creative and analytical, with good problem-solving skills, and a good eye for details. Good communication skills are important for careers in Electrical Engineering, as these careers involve not only working in a team with others, but also working with specialists in other fields.

All Careers in Electrical Engineering require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. In addition, Electrical Engineers who offer their services to the public (rather than working within a company) must also obtain licensure, which requires a degree from a school approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, as well as the successful completion of an examination.

According to the US Department of Labor, most careers in Electrical Engineering are expected to have slower-than-average employment growth over the next decade, through to the year 2016. Despite this, overall opportunities are expected to be good for new entrants to the field. However, in the field of Industrial Engineering, employment opportunities are expected to grow by around 20%, due to increasing industrial demand for efficient and inexpensive production methods.

New entrants to the field of Electrical Engineering typically start their careers earning an average salary of approximately $50,000. Experienced Engineers may earn up to $115,000. The average salary for all Electrical Engineers is approximately $76,000.

Salary varies widely depending not only on level of experience, but also on the specific field in which an Electrical Engineer works. For example, an Electrical Engineer working in the satellite telecommunications field may earn up to $113,000, while in scientific research and development, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer is approximately $86,000.

Electrical Engineers design, develop and test electrical equipment and systems, such as lighting systems, machinery controls, and electric motors. They may work on a wide variety of different tasks depending on their specialization. For example, they may be involved in designing or maintaining transport networks such as rail signaling, power generation, in manufacturing or construction, or in designing and maintaining building services such as lift systems, heating systems or lighting systems.

The Electrical Engineer’s work may include designing systems for new projects, creating budgets, coordinating and supervising the work of other technicians, and installing and testing new systems to ensure they meet safety regulations. They may be employed in a variety of settings, including power plants, industrial or manufacturing plants, or in large buildings with complex electrical systems.

Electrical Engineers should have excellent analytical, problem-detection, and problem-solving skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as is good judgment and decision-making skills. The ability to create budgets, plan and prioritize work, and to both understand and explain complex problems and concepts are also important attributes.

The field of Power Engineering is concerned with generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity efficiently and safely. The Power Engineer’s work focuses on these concepts, and they may be involved in the design and maintenance of power grids, the power systems that connect to grids (on-grid systems), and other systems that do not connect to grids (off-grid systems, such as those designed for remote industries that must supply their own power).

A Power Engineer may be employed by a power generation plant, an industrial facility that generates its own power, or industrial or commercial facilities that draw power from the local grid. They are typically responsible for ensuring the safe operation of equipment and machinery such as generators, motors, boilers, pumps and heat exchangers, as well as the maintenance of the equipment they work with.

Good problem-detecting, problem-solving, and analytical skills are important for Power Engineers. Communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as Power Engineers must not only understand complicated concepts, but must also be able to explain them in a way that lay-people can understand.

Control Engineering focuses on the modeling and creation of dynamic systems, and the creation of controllers that operate these systems. Control systems are often, but not always, electrical in nature.

Control Engineers use aspects of analysis, modeling and design, as well as a concept called ‘feedback’ to create systems that operate in the desired fashion. This means, for example, that a Control Engineer may design a system that can detect signals and ‘report’ information to the controller of the system, which then adjusts the operation of the system. An example of such a feedback system is the cruise control used in cars. This system uses a controller that adjusts the speed of the vehicle according to feedback that is given by a sensor that monitors the current speed.

Control Engineers must have good analytical skills, as well as troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Interpersonal skills and communication skills are also necessary for Control Engineers, as they must be able to explain complicated concepts and problems to people who do not have their level of expert knowledge.

Electronics Designers research and design electronic components and systems, such as telecommunications equipment, medical equipment, datacommunications equipment and systems, industrial machinery, and automated systems. They may also be involved in research in fields such as:

• optics
• acoustics
• nanotechnology
• physics

Most Electronics designers will work in a team that includes other designers as well as technicians and IT staff.

On a day-to-day basis, the work of an Electronics Designer may include drawing up technical blueprints and plans for new equipment, assessing new designs to test feasibility, estimating costs for the manufacture of new designs, testing prototypes, and ensuring that new designs meet the required safety standards. Depending on their level of experience they may also be responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of other technicians.

Electronics Designers should have excellent analytical, problem-detection, and problem-solving skills. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also important, particularly for those working in a supervisory role. The ability to plan and prioritize work, create budgets, and understand and explain complex concepts and problems are also important attributes for Electronics Designers.

Industrial Engineers use mathematical and physical science concepts to design safe and efficient systems, often for industrial and manufacturing purposes. In addition, they must also consider not only machinery design, but also other important factors such as the people who must operate machinery, the amount of energy required for operation, and the types of materials used for and by machines. In short, their function is to increase productivity by efficiently managing people and technology.

Industrial Engineers increase efficiency of systems by studying the requirements of a given system, and developing methods to improve efficiency without increasing costs. They are often involved in financial planning in some capacity, as well as quality control and system coordination. An Industrial Engineer may focus on a diverse range of tasks—for example, they might be involved in developing a distribution method for products or services, or in developing a salary administration system.

Industrial Engineers must have good analytical skills, as well as problem-detection and problem solving skills, and good judgment and decision-making skills. They should be able to effectively plan and prioritize their work-load, and also have good communication and interpersonal skills, particularly if they work in a supervisory role.