Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and building the electrical systems and components on which the smooth running of modern life depends.
From transport networks to power generation, manufacturing to telecommunications, as an electrical engineer you will find a need for your skills in almost every sector and industry.
A keen attention to detail, sound technical aptitude and an analytical approach to problem-solving are key characteristics needed within this profession.
You will need a first degree in electrical engineering or a related subject such as electronic, production or software engineering, physics or computing.
You might then pursue further qualification either through a master’s degree or professional registration while working.
Here at City, University of London we can provide the grounding you need for a career as an electrical engineer.
Our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) and you will benefit from a mix of theoretical skills and practical experiences, which can be applied to real-world situations.
What can I expect from a career as an electrical engineer?
You can expect a varied career in a continually evolving field, working across all aspects of planning, design and development to production, deployment and maintenance.
Wherever you work, it is likely that you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working on a project basis, perhaps with engineers from other disciplines, architects, manufacturers, technicians and marketing and sales staff.
Your role could include:
- Carrying out feasibility studies for new products or systems
- Agreeing project specifications, budgets and timescales with clients and managers
- Developing project plans using computer assisted engineering and design software
- Estimating costs
- Coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
- Testing, analysing, evaluating and modifying products and systems
- Ensuring projects meet all relevant electrical safety regulations
- Overseeing inspection and maintenance programmes.
Related courses at City
Whatever your level of interest in becoming an electrical engineer, City's courses can help you take one step closer to a career as an electrical or systems engineer, develop specialisms that'll set you apart from the field or broaden your horizons with study in related subjects.
Who can I work for as an electrical engineer?
There are opportunities in a huge range of organisations from multinational companies to specialist small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors including:
- transport
- construction
- power generation
- renewable energy sources
- manufacturing
- building services.
- telecommunications
- the armed forces
- defence research and development.
What about work experience?
Any relevant work experience through a summer placement, work shadowing or industrial year out is valuable in establishing your particular interests and making contacts. The IET has useful information on getting work experience.
Our BEng programme at City includes a year’s paid placement between your second and third years, where you will develop your skills and knowledge working on real-life projects.
What are my prospects as an electrical engineer?
The range of sectors where your skills are needed means that you have excellent prospects with a great deal of flexibility to decide which direction to take in your career.
Many employers offer structured graduate development programmes, through which you will achieve professional or further academic qualifications and chartered or incorporated engineer status.
As you progress, you might step back from the hands-on technical side, taking greater responsibility for project management, planning, strategy and budget control.
With greater experience and specialism, you could move into freelance consulting, carving out a niche in your particular area of interest.
There may be opportunities to work abroad, as UK engineering qualifications and chartered status are recognised in most countries, although additional tests may be required in some.