What is Electrical engineer: Definition and 105 Discussions

Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use.
Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of different fields, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, electronics, and optics and photonics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science.Electrical engineers typically hold a degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering. Practising engineers may have professional certification and be members of a professional body or an international standards organization. These include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (formerly the IEE).
Electrical engineers work in a very wide range of industries and the skills required are likewise variable. These range from circuit theory to the management skills of a project manager. The tools and equipment that an individual engineer may need are similarly variable, ranging from a simple voltmeter to sophisticated design and manufacturing software.

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  1. D

    Is it realistic to want to become an Electrical Engineer at 45?

    Im 44 almost 45 and have returned to college to begin pursuing a degree as an Electrical Engineer. I know it will take a lot of work and a long time. Is this goal realistic?
  2. B

    Am I missing out by being and electrical engineer?

    My goal and dream since I was 16 was to study engineering physics at a certain university. I just loved the idea of combining physics (both theoretical and experimental) with the practicality and applications that come with being an engineer. However, due to various factors which I won't get...
  3. E

    Best calculator for electrical engineer

    Hi I need best calculator for electrical engineer ( communication or computer networks) I think ti-89 for DE solver read about casio and hp but still need advance for pro. Thanks
  4. M

    Interviewing an Electrical Engineer for a Career Project

    excuse me i am in need of help i need to interview an Electrical Engineer for a Career Project in school i just have 10 questions that i need answered
  5. S

    Engineering Electrical Engineer: Job Satisfaction, Location, and Family Life

    Hello! I'm looking into getting an electrical engineering degree. I understand that there is a very wide variety of electrical engineers, located all over the world, but my questions are a little more specific. I noticed there's a demand for electrical engineers in Texas and surrounding...
  6. J

    Electrical engineer interview

    I need to interview an electrical engineer for a school project and I've been looking on the internet for days how to do it. I need someone who has graduated from college and is working as an engineer, I would really appreciate it! What engineering skills have you developed in the past year...
  7. N

    Engineering Work Environment of an Electrical Engineer

    One thing I always enjoyed about doing work is working with your hands and getting "dirty" so to say. I like putting in a hard day's work that has a physical aspect to it. But I also really like doing the math and thinking critically and solving hard and complex problems using a more mental and...
  8. wilsont23274

    Electrical Engineer that struggles in remedial algebra?

    Hello! When I was young, I had absolutely no issues with Math. We moved to a different state that was much further behind on their coursework and as such when we moved back 5 years later, I was very behind. English and Social Studies were easy to catch up on because...well...I never really have...
  9. D

    Questions for a professional Electrical Engineer

    I have a list of questions I'd like to ask an electrical engineer. Not only is this for an assignment, but I truly would like to see why the responding electrical engineer chose this path. If you would please leave your email after responding to all the questions that would be great. You won't...
  10. M

    Engineering Can an electrical engineer be a software engineer and vice versa?

    Or are differences in how one engineer is trained such that you either become one or the other but not both?
  11. G

    Should I become an electrical engineer?

    Good evening to the PF members! I am -once again for those who remember my thread a couple months ago- confused about what to study after high school. I applied for electrical engineering, because even though my passion is physics, seeing the bad economical situation worsening, I decided I...
  12. D

    What hands on trade would benefit an electrical engineer?

    I'm going into my second year of a 2 year electrical technology diploma (technologists are like middle men between engineers and technicians), and got hooked on discovery channels' show "biggest brain theory" recently. More than anything, the documenting of the contestants' work in the workshops...
  13. J

    Electronics engineer vs Electrical engineer?

    My major interest is in electronics. I have my college admission counselling in two days, and I'm stuck with this dilemma of which branch to choose. I also have Computer Science engineering as an option. These vacations I took up C++ and it's going well. Question 1 Can I do my masters in...
  14. S

    Engineering Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer Technologist

    Ok I know there will be a life long battle between EE's and EET's. This thread is not about the Pros and Cons of the two programs. I am well aware of what each program has to offer and how they differ academically. I understand there will always be some people who look down on EET's. I...
  15. I

    I need an electrical engineer to interview for high school project

    Hello, I'm a high school student who is doing a career project. My interest is in electrical engineering, and I need to interview a professional in this field. For someone who is answering these following questions- it would be great if you would answer thoughtfully. If you would like to answer...
  16. K

    Programs Electromagnetism for an Electrical Engineer Major?

    I know I'm an electrical engineering major but I'm looking to get the most out of my courses. I'm curious about the significant differences between the two intro to electromagnetism courses offered at my school: the "engineering" and the "physics" versions. I'm not sure I get the whole applied...
  17. mishima

    Engineering Physics Teacher to Electrical Engineer

    I'm currently a high school physics teacher with BS in Physics and Astronomy, and will have a master of arts in teaching (physics) by this summer. I was just curious what it might take to start a career in electrical engineering at this point. Would I have to do an entire EE degree? Or could...
  18. O

    Engineering Electrical Engineer Certifications?

    I'm wondering what are some recommended certifications a soon-to-be college grad should get as an electrical engineer besides an E.I.T.?
  19. J

    Best route for electrical engineer

    I definitely want to do some kind of r&d with my degree so I am planning on graduate school. Now I've heard that you need some kind of physics along with ee to do the real new development type of stuff, kinda like creating new and improved components and processors ect. Doesnt engineer mean to...
  20. D

    Electrician to Electrical Engineer

    Hello everyone, I am a 36 year old Master Electrician and I'm thinking about going to to for Electrical Engineering. Is there anyone who may have any information on a transition such as this? I guess I'm looking to do as much of this as I can online, if that's even feasible? What classes should...
  21. O

    Grad Dip in Science (Physics) for an Electrical Engineer?

    I graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Commerce from a good-ranking Australian university in 2010. I've been in the workforce for 18 months – found it to be not nearly as stimulating as the uni environment, so I'm contemplating the possibility of pursuing a masters or PhD...
  22. E

    Electrical Engineer Career in Airport: Areas & Qualifications

    I want to know in which area can an Electrical Engineer work in an Airport? and What would someone special on to be better in any of the areas in an Airport? Hope to hear from you soon! thanks
  23. A

    Engineering Changing career path of an electrical engineer?

    Hey all, I am looking for some advice on what my options are to change career path. I will graduate this summer with a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering and have already secured a graduate job within a very reputable power engineering company. The job is everything I could have...
  24. I

    Difference between Mechanical and Electrical engineer?

    Hey I want to study Engineering in college, but I'm not sure which field to go into.. Can you list some differences between the two, such as strengths needed, what each type does, etc...
  25. M

    (Stressed Electrical Engineer) How Do You Learn to Design Circuits?

    This is probably an extremely awful question to pose at this point, but I feel lost. I'm in my Junior year at 4 year uni after transferring from 2yr college and the jump seems so huge. One of things that is giving me headaches a lot this semester is learning how to design with extremely little...
  26. H

    Health-Related Topic for Electrical Engineer

    Hello everyone I'm glad to type my the first post in this great forum. I'm about to write a report (1800 words) about a health topic this is related to electrical engineering. So, do you have any suggestions?
  27. K

    If I didn't do well in calculus will I be a lousy electrical engineer?

    So I'm currently a second-year college student, and I plan to transfer into an EE program at a four-year institution next spring. Overall I've done well on my math, but I struggled a lot in calculus with series and multi-variable integration. I also just finished a linear algebra class, and it...
  28. C

    55 yr old man, homeless. Has degree in electrical engineer and physics

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2011/08/10/maurice-johnson-homeless_n_922800.html He obtained his degrees in Purdue University in electrical engineering and in physics. How can Mr. Johnson be homeless? I think there's more to it than it meets the eye. Do we still have a shot for us...
  29. B

    I need to interview an Electrical engineer

    What made you choose to be an electrical engineer? What area of electrical engineering do you specialize? What University did you go to and why did you choose that one? What types of courses did you take in college? How quickly were you able to find a career after college? What is...
  30. C

    What math is needed in Electrical Engineer

    Specifically I'm looking at linear algebra, which topics in a first course of that class is useful to an electrical engineer. I'm taking the class right now and it feels like all the useful stuff (solving equations, matrix manipulation, etc) I already knew prior to this class. All the other...
  31. H

    Pros and Cons to taking the FE Exam as an Electrical Engineer?

    So a lot of my engineering friends not in EE are required to take the FE exam, but I noticed that it was not required for my major. I am graduating in December, and so far out of the dozens of companies I have applied to only 1 has asked me to take the exam. I guess I am wondering is why...
  32. M

    Engineering Need help understanding Electrical Engineer

    I need help understanding electrical engineering. I want to know if i go with EE i will experience the same level of creativity and beauty that i would doing mechanical eng. or chemical eng... I like to build stuff - like if its was lego - but i have this idea about EE that the major is only...
  33. L

    Engineering What is a impressive salary for an Electrical Engineer

    what would you consider an impressive and or respectable salary (range) for an Electrical Engineer with 12 years of experience?
  34. S

    A language for an electrical engineer

    With China being an up and coming world power I am considering taking Chinese as a minor during my undergrad studies. Some of my friends think that this will be distracting and may take focus away from my other intense courses but I figure that the language is only 3 credit hours boosting my...
  35. E

    Electrical Engineer Academic Disciplines

    Hello everyone! I am studying electrical & computer engineering and I have to choose a sector to specialize in. I am 100% sure that I like mostly the lessons considering energy distribution systems, telecommunication systems and electronics. So I decided to choose the subdisciplines of...
  36. L

    Engineering Starting Off as an Electrical Engineer: Roles and Responsibilities

    Hey guys, I was wondering after you graduate with a bachelors in Electrical Engineering, what do you do in the field starting off in general. Do you just test software, design...?
  37. Y

    How to 'convert' from physicist to electrical engineer

    Here's the situation. I finished my bachelors in physics last year, and I want to ‘convert’ from a physicist to an electrical engineer. Now that I’ve got grad school offers (MS) in electrical engineering, how do I actually go about converting myself to an electrical engineer? I’m planning to...
  38. M

    Engineering Am I cut out to be an electrical engineer?

    I'm really good at math, but I'm horrible at hands-on stuff. I can't build things; for example, I couldn't even assemble my bed without help. I had no idea how to do it even with a manual. My dream is to go into EE but I don't know If I can do it. I know I can do CS, but I'd rather do EE. Am...
  39. L

    Want to become an electrical engineer but have a few questions about hiring

    I enjoy computer gadgets like smart phones, ipods, computers etc. I would like to be part of the team that helps to design these devices, so i guess that would fall under a hardware design job title? also what's a good company to start at after college for this type of thing? i have found out...
  40. L

    Engineering Want to become an electrical engineer but have a few questions about hiring

    I enjoy computer gadgets like smart phones, ipods, computers etc. I would like to be part of the team that helps to design these devices, so i guess that would fall under a hardware design job title? also what's a good company to start at after college for this type of thing? i have found out...
  41. A

    Engineering I want to work with electric vehicles. Chemist or Electrical Engineer?

    I love Electric motors and vehicles, and i want to fully understand how electricity works and how is generated, i see that batteries have a lot of chemistry and the wires also have a lot of chemistry. So if i want to fully undertand how this things work should l go electrical engineering or...
  42. S

    Engineering Future of Electrical Engineering: In-Demand Sub-Fields and Job Market Insights

    Which sub-fields of EE are the most in demand right now? How about for the next 10 years or so? I'll be graduating soon and want to best position myself for the job market.
  43. P

    Questions for a electrical engineer sub. power

    I am curently working in the oilfield and want to go back to school to pursue engineering. I haven't quite decided what type but electrical sub power seems interesting but i can't find enough info on day to day work or types of jobs that the field consists of. I am upgradeing from being out of...
  44. J

    Engineering What job should I get before I become an Electrical Engineer?

    I am currently in the academic process of becoming an electrical engineer. I have not gotten my AA yet. My question is, What job or type of job should I get while getting my degree in electrical engineering? I am a full time worker so higher paying job in the field of E.E. would be preferred...
  45. K

    Is This Artist's Use of Programming in Light Sculptures Revolutionary?

    I found this video of an Artist who is programming lightings to make sculpture. Thought this would interest some of you. Go to Leo Villereal's http://www.nga.gov/podcasts/NGAMedia.shtm" . WOuld be very helpful to know what you guys think. I wish to write a blog post around it...
  46. G

    Interview an electrical engineer for a presentation

    I need to interview an electrical engineer for a presentation. I need to ask them about their job experience and education. If anyone knows an electrical engineer and can give me their number or email, that would be appreciated. thanks.
  47. O

    Necessary computer softwares for electrical engineer

    As we know, Electrical technology deals with generation of Electricity, it's transmission and utilization. so my humble question is what are the necessary computer softwares that a Electrical engineer should learn? thanks
  48. K

    Need to interview an electrical engineer or a computer engineer

    Hello I am a high school senior interested in electrical and computer engineering. I have a career report and i need to interview some one in the field. I would greatly appreciate it if some one can answer my questions. 1. What made you choose this type of engineering? 2. What type of...
  49. D

    Novels for an electrical engineer?

    I have been looking for a good book to read for a very long time. I am interested in something that would appeal to an electrical engineering student. Preferably a fiction of some sort with a sense of technology and adventure or action. I guess maybe a sci-fi of some sort.. Any recommendations...
  50. A

    I hate computers job can i be an Electrical Engineer

    I hate computer work i don't like to do programing or any kind of job related to this can i be an Electrical Engineer? I like physics and calculus so much. Please tell me what fields i can work in with details Thank you so much
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