A graduate degree in electrical engineering can be beneficial for career advancement or a career change. Such a degree often provides coursework in key areas like energy, power, computer engineering, and information science. This blog will explore potential roles for those with a graduate degree in electrical engineering and offer tips for job hunting.
The Demand for Electrical Engineers
The demand for knowledgeable and skilled electrical engineers is expected to grow in the coming years across the United States and even globally. This is especially true in the automotive, manufacturing, and energy industries, where electrical systems are becoming increasingly complex.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for electrical engineers is projected to grow 9% between 2023 and 2033 alone, with approximately 19,000 new job openings emerging each year.
Roles You Can Pursue in Electrical Engineering
So, what are some specific jobs in electrical engineering you may be able to pursue with a degree in the field? From entry-level to more advanced and specialized roles, we’re breaking down some options below.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment across a wide range of industries. They often specialize in areas such as telecommunications, computers, and energy systems.
Electronics Engineer
Similar to electrical engineers, electronics engineers focus their design and testing on smaller-scale devices and electrical circuits. Their work may involve designing and implementing electronic components within devices, with common specializations including communication technologies and semiconductors.
Power Systems Engineer
Meanwhile, power systems engineers are specifically responsible for the design and management of electricity systems. These professionals ensure that power can be safely and efficiently delivered to customers while addressing common issues like voltage fluctuations and outages.
Control Systems Engineer
Some electrical engineer graduates go on to become control systems engineers, working in such industries as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace to ensure that control systems are operating as they should.
Telecommunications Engineer
Telecommunications engineers’ work is critical in ensuring that systems responsible for transmitting data signals are running as they should. We rely on knowledgeable telecommunications engineers to keep phone, television, radio, and satellite systems up and running and troubleshoot problems as needed.
Instrumentation Engineer
Have you ever wondered who is responsible for designing and maintaining the control systems used in heavy machinery and other manufacturing equipment? Enter the job of the instrumentation engineer, who works to maintain, repair, test, and calibrate these systems for optimal accuracy and reliability.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers work on computer systems to ensure their physical components (including integrated circuits and processors) run smoothly. Many industries hire hardware engineers, ranging from manufacturing and telecommunications to automotive and more.
Field Service Engineer
Meanwhile, field service engineers typically work with specific types of equipment across different fields. In the medical field, for example, a field service engineer may focus on the maintenance and repair of MRI machines and X-ray machines.
Test Engineer
As the job title implies, test engineers are electrical engineers who assess the functionality of new systems and recommend improvements.
Job Growth and Salary Expectations
Across many industries, electrical and electronic systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex. As a result, there is a growing need for electrical engineers who understand the ins and outs of designing, developing, and maintaining these systems and their many components.
And while the salaries of electrical engineering graduates can vary greatly based on factors like job title, years of experience, and even location, BLS data maintains that the median wage for electrical engineers as of May 2024 was $111,910 per year. Meanwhile, the highest-earning industries for electrical engineers include:
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
- Engineering and life sciences
- Navigational and control instruments manufacturing
Tips for Landing a Job in Electrical Engineering
Eager to land a job in electrical engineering? Here are some practical tips you can follow while you’re in school and as you prepare for graduation to help you enter the job market with confidence.
Gain Hands-on Experience Through Internships
While you’re in school, consider applying for electrical engineering internship opportunities that would allow you to gain real-world experience in the field. Your school’s career and professional services office can assist you in locating internships for which you may qualify.
Focus on Developing a Strong Portfolio
When it comes time to begin applying for jobs in your field, having a professional portfolio can help you stand out from other applicants while showcasing some of your best work. A portfolio can include a mix of your academic and personal projects, so be sure to choose projects that highlight your diverse range of skills and knowledge.
Stay Updated With Industry Trends and Emerging Technologies
As you can imagine, the field of electrical engineering is constantly changing, developing, and evolving. With this in mind, part of working in the field is simply staying on top of the latest advancements and innovations as they occur, so you don’t fall behind. To do this, consider subscribing to a reputable industry publication you can rely on for the most up-to-date news.
Strengthen Your Soft Skills
Electrical engineers need to possess a great deal of technical skill and expertise, but soft skills are perhaps just as important in the job market. Specifically, electrical engineers need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially when it comes to jobs where they are required to collaborate with others. In the interim, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills can go a long way in troubleshooting common issues.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
A great resume and cover letter can help your job application stand out, so be sure to tailor these documents for each job opportunity as needed. Your school’s career services or professional development center can assist you with this, as well as help you prepare for potential interview questions.
Network With Industry Professionals
It never hurts to have connections within the industry, so make an effort to build your professional network as early in your career as possible. In addition to networking with your peers and professors, you may even consider attending industry events to meet others and learn more about your growing field. You never know when an industry connection could lead to an exciting opportunity!
Ready to Take the Next Step?
With a steady demand in the job market and plenty of opportunities for specialization, working in electrical engineering can be a rewarding and exciting career for those who enjoy problem-solving with an analytical mindset. With plenty of electrical engineering jobs available, earning your Master’s in Electrical Engineering may be the next step towards landing your ideal role.
Ready to learn more about Texas A&M University’s Online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering? Get in touch today to request information about this convenient online program, which is designed with working professionals in mind. You can also take the next step by submitting your online application today.