Guide To An Electrical Engineer Career Path
Electrical engineers are always in high demand. If you want to build a career path as an electrical engineer, know that there are several employment opportunities depending on your field of specialisation. Read on to learn more about the career path of an electrical engineer.
What does an electrical engineer do?
An electrical engineer mainly focuses on large-scale electrical systems. They work on a diverse range of technologies. Those who aspire to become electrical engineers can branch out across many fields of specialisation. Among the specialised career paths commonly taken by electrical engineering graduates are:
Microelectronic Engineer
Microelectronic engineers are responsible for creating, designing, and building prototypes for electronic circuit chips, circuit boards, and semiconductors. They can also upgrade older designs by specialised tests, recording and interpreting data on the performance of new models.
Instrumentation Engineer
An instrumentation engineer usually works for industries with automated processes to improve productivity, optimisation, stability, and safety. Instrumentation engineers are often responsible for integrating, testing, and conducting maintenance of sensors connected to recorders, displays, transmitters, or control systems.
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications engineers are experts in managing telco data such as voice, calls, text, and video. Responsibilities may include installing and designing different telecommunications equipment, examining new network technologies, and offering suggestions regarding integration.
Electrical Design Engineer
An electrical design engineer develops new electrical systems for various applications from design to technology. Electrical design engineers are also responsible for testing their systems and make adjustments as needed. They also provide support throughout the manufacturing of the electrical systems they have designed.
Salary Range
The average salary of an electrical engineer is RM 42,974 per annum, according to Payscale. Years of expertise, location, and specialisation are key factors that contribute to the salary of an electrical engineer.
Those looking for salary ranges specific to their location or specialisation may check the JobStreet Salary Insights.
What is the career path of an electrical engineer?
The more experience you have can lead to the right opportunity, but specialisation is the key to a fulfilling and lucrative career path in electrical engineering.
Junior Level (1-3 years experience)
- Graduate Electrical Services Engineer
- Junior Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Design Engineer
Mid Level (4-8 years experience)
- Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer
- Risk Engineer
- Electrical and Controls Engineer
Senior Level (8 years or more)
- Lead Electrical Engineer
- Principal Electrical Engineer
- Senior Electrical Engineer
What requirements do you need to become an electrical engineer?
Electrical engineers must have a good grasp of science and mathematics to solve problems and move projects forward. Successful electrical engineers need a solid foundation to be able to analyse, build, and maintain electrical equipment and systems. Basic and important skills include:
- Circuit design
- Linear systems theory and analysis
- Developing electrical schematics
- Data collection and analysis
- Building and operating computer systems
- Creation and preparation of operational plans
- Maintenance of electronic equipment
- Direct construction activities and equipment upkeep
Other skills
Problem-solving
Electrical engineers are, at their core, problem solvers. They are often required to think logically to solve a problem.
Critical thinking
Possessing the ability to view things out of the box and challenging the norm can make a big difference.
Communication
Communication skills are important to understanding the needs and requirements of a project. Working alongside project teams, other departments, and stakeholders, electrical engineers must be able to communicate clearly and concisely are an essential part of the role.
Organisational skills
Organisation and time-management abilities are very useful for electrical engineers since work is usually time-sensitive or project-based.
Numerical skills
A strong mathematical background is vital to advancing your skills in electrical engineering.
Programming skills
No matter what area of expertise, an electrical engineer must be able to possess coding skills. Programming languages such as Java, C, C++ and Basic is a valuable asset for any electrical engineer.
Educational Background
There are two educational paths for those interested in becoming an Electrical Engineer:
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering – 2.5 years
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering Degree – 4 years
Most universities require students to go through industry training to gain practical skills in a real working environment. It is important to do proper research when it comes to school and specialisation since many institutions have different requirements.
Students who have completed their Electrical & Electronic Engineering Diploma can enter the workforce and find entry-level employment.
To gain more in-depth knowledge, students can get an Electrical & Electronic Engineering Degree. A degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering usually takes four to five years.
Both local and foreign graduates must register as a Graduate Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) to work as an Electrical Engineer in Malaysia.
Applicants who would like to be recognised as a Professional Engineer in Malaysia must be registered first as a Graduate Engineer, pass the assessment examination, and have a minimum of 3 years of work experience.
Opportunities for Continuous Education
- Take online courses to keep up to date with emerging technologies.
- Explore and study other specialisations within the field of Electrical Engineering, to widen your career path.
- Pursuing post-graduate studies in Electrical Engineering opens the door to many new career pathways, including joining the academe should research and theory be a focus of interest.
How to Write a Resume for an Electrical Engineer
| FULL NAMEHome Address | Mobile Number | Email Address Career Summary Electrical Engineer with 6+ years of experience working with companies in the electrical industry.Well-versed in the implementation of digital systems. Excellent communication abilities and possess a wide range of technical skills. Enjoy being in a productive team structure, whether it is managing, motivating and/or training. Employment History Company name, Location Electrical Improver/Supervisor July 2019 – Present
Company name, Location Electrical Improver/Supervisor August 2015 – July 2019
Education Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering [Name of University], 2011-2015 Key Skills Allegro Design Entry, Assembly, C/C++, DxDesigner, Eclipse, IAR, MATLAB, Modelsim/Questa, Oscilloscope, Python, Quartus, SPICE, Subversion, Verilog, VHDL, Visual Studio, Unix |
Download the Electrical Engineer resume template here
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