Electrical Engineer Career Information
Since its discovery, electricity has been an integral part of mans progress. Everything form toasters to computers run on electricity. One just cannot imagine life without it. From toasters to computers, electrical engineers are responsible for a wide range of technologies. Interested? Read on…
What an Electrical Engineer does
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment. Some of this equipment includes power generators, power transmission devices, broadcast and communications systems, electric motors, lighting buildings, automobiles, aircraft, computers and other office equipment and home appliances. In addition, this field encompasses audio video communication systems and industry automation.
Electrical engineers also write performance requirements and develop maintenance schedules. In addition to this, they solve operating problems and estimate the time and cost of engineering projects.
Electrical engineers are required to specialise in different areas such as power generation and distribution, communications and computers and electrical equipment manufacturing - or a subdivision of these areas- for example industrial robotics or electrical systems in aircraft.
Job Opportunities
Most jobs are in engineering and business consulting firms, manufacturers of electrical equipment, industrial machinery and professional and scientific instruments. Communications and utilities firms, manufacturers of aircraft and computer firms also employ electrical engineers.
In the government sector electrical engineers find jobs in the various electricity boards as well as in the armed forces. You will need to appear for the "Indian Engineering Services" exam conducted by the UPSC at the national level or join various departments at the state level through their respective exams. The armed forces also induct a number of electrical engineers.
Career Prospects
Virtually every company that produces an electrical product employs electrical engineers. As the demand for newer and better electrical appliances and machinery for house holds and for industry increases so does the demand for skilled engineers to make new breakthroughs. Specialisation is the name of the game these days and it wouldn't be such a bad idea to pursue a Masters degree abroad. Back home too, with the increase in the number of infrastructure projects undertaken by the government and Indian Industries, there has been a steady demand for engineers capable of delivering innovative solutions. Self employment also is emerging as a lucrative option be it small industrial project or fabrication activity
Off late, engineers are in great demand, not just for their technical services, but for their managerial abilities as well. An engineer with management qualifications is most sought after for implementing increasingly complicated projects.
Abilities & Traits Required
Virtually every company that produces an electrical product employs electrical engineers. As the demand for newer and better electrical appliances and machinery for house holds and for industry increases so does the demand for skilled engineers to make new breakthroughs. Specialisation is the name of the game these days and it wouldn't be such a bad idea to pursue a Masters degree abroad. Back home too, with the increase in the number of infrastructure projects undertaken by the government and Indian Industries, there has been a steady demand for engineers capable of delivering innovative solutions. Self employment also is emerging as a lucrative option be it small industrial project or fabrication activity
Off late, engineers are in great demand, not just for their technical services, but for their managerial abilities as well. An engineer with management qualifications is most sought after for implementing increasingly complicated projects.
Qualifications
In order to qualify as an electrical engineer, you need to have a BE Electrical Engineering, BTech Electrical Engineering, ME Electrical Engineering or MTech Electrical Engineering. There are both degree as well as diploma courses in electrical engineering. If you want to make an early beginning you can choose this route. After the 10th exams you can do a three year diploma course. After this course you have two options. Join an engineering firm straightaway or enroll for a three year degree programme, which will enhance your job prospects.
Alternatively instead of jumping into a diploma after 10th, you could study science all the way up to 12th (with Physics, Chemistry & Maths) and then enroll for a four-year degree course in electrical engineering.
The electrical engineering course lays heavy emphasis on electrical networking, electronic devices and components, electronics and communication, distribution systems, electromagnetic theory and power electronics.
If you wish to study further after graduation you could choose between doing a Masters in Electrical Engineering, like an ME, MTech or MS (Master of Science-if pursued in the US) or alternatively doing a Management course (MBA). In all these courses you are required to study for another two years. You can also do a PhD if you want to enter the field of teaching of advanced research.
Salary
With a degree in electrical engineering you can expect to earn a salary of about Rs 30000-40000 or more a month. However your earnings will be much lower if you are just a diploma holder.