Electrical engineering is often referred to as one of the more complex fields of study and work in electrical engineering. It mixes deep theoretical principles with practical application, demanding a solid understanding of mathematics, physics, and laboratory and problem-solving skills. Is electrical engineering hard?, Just does this make it “hard” by default? Let’s go to the actualities of studying electrical engineering and check whether it is that difficult. People pursuing electrical engineering should have a strong interest in entering the:
- Physical and mathematics of electronics
- Electricity
- Electromagnetism
This field of study can be challenging, even for those who have a natural aptitude for it. Unlike disciplines like mechanical engineering, where the results of your work are often visible and tangible, electrical engineering typically demands more imagination and abstract thinking to grasp the impact of your efforts.
What Is Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering (EE) refers to the study, design, and application of devices and systems that utilize electricity. This spans the entire energy generation process, from gigantic power grids right through to tiny circuitries that run your mobile phone. Very largely, then, electrical engineers contribute towards the development of technologies used in telecommunications, robotics, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
Electrical engineers may work on anything from power generation and transmission to telecommunications and consumer electronics, as well as on renewable energy systems. Electrical engineers work on various projects, including:
- Renewable Energy sources
- Biomedical Devices
- Electronic Circuits
- Power Generation and Distribution
- Communication networks
- Robotics
One of the most recognized and developed engineering fields, electrical engineering demands a strong basis in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
What Do Electrical Engineers Do?
Electrical engineers are those professionals who design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment. Their greatest use is found in industries such as power generation, telecommunications, electronics, and automation. Some major areas are:
- Power Systems: Design and maintenance of the electrical grids that supply energy to homes, businesses, and industries.
- Electronics: Involves circuits, sensors, microcontrollers, and devices such as computers, phones, and medical devices.
- Control Systems: The design of systems controlling the working of machines in, say, factories, or transport systems.
- Telecommunications: The design of communication systems like satellite networks, fiber optics, and wireless technologies.
- Renewable Energy: The design of systems embracing sun, wind, etc., and other renewable energy sources.
6 Major Engineering Branches
IS ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING HARD?
1. Power and Energy Engineering
This branch of engineering is Electrical Power Engineering. It encompasses generation, distribution, and application of electrical power with the development of devices such as:
- Electric generators
- Transformers
- Motors
- Other Power systems, including electricity grids
2. Signal Process Engineering
Signal processing is the study and manipulation of analog and digital signals. These signals may require amplification or modulation for telecommunications, or processes such as compression and error detection when sampled digitally. This applies to various fields, such as:
- Biomedical
- Communications
- Control
- Broadcasting
3. Control Engineering
The present field refers to that aspect of engineering which is actually working on the designing of controllers making systems work as they ought to. This could cover a wide array of applications, such as aerospace flight and propulsion systems, industrial automation, and robotics. Control systems are usually designed to furnish feedback performance capability for venting out problems in dealings or initiating automatic responses in a system such as autonomous drones, vehicles, and other devices.
4. Electronic Engineering
Here’s a list of key areas that electronic engineering involves:
- Designing and testing electronic circuit for radios
- Radar and Communication systems
- Embedded systems
- Microelectronics
5. Computer Engineering
Computer engineers design computers and computer systems for hardware devices such as:
- Mobile phones
- Video game and consoles
- Network and communication
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Robotics and automation
6. Micro and Nano electronic Engineering
It refers to devices that comprise components whose size is measured in micrometers, the field of microelectronics. The design of integrated circuits, semiconductors, transistors, capacitors, and sensors is the backbone of most modern electronic devices, while Nanoelectronics is an extension of microelectronics to the nanometer scale. Generally, electronic devices are much smaller at this level, hence achieving better performance, lower power consumption, and perhaps new functionalities.
How Do I Become An Electrical Engineer?
Electrical Engineering Degrees
To become an electrical engineer, you must have:
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering(EE) from and institution or university for engineering and technology
- Electrical Engineers often have either a bachelor of science in Electrical Engineering(BSEE) or a bachelor of science in Engineering(BSE) with a focus on electrical engineering.
Some universities offer accelerated five-year degree options in which students receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at less cost. A graduate degree may lead to job opportunities in research and development or teaching at a university.
Licensing
While the PE license is not important for entry-level jobs, it does not hurt when you later need it. It is often pursued by most engineers after some few years of experience.
Fundamentals of Engineering(FE) Exam
Passing the FE examination is the first step to licensure.
Principles and Practice of Engineering(PPE) Exam
After passing the FE exam, you may now refer to yourself as an engineer-in-training or engineer intern. You will then be a licensed PE upon meeting other qualifications and passing the licensing examination: Principles and Practice of Engineering. Such licensure is required in the United States in order to officially become one.
