Golden State Career Videos

Education and Training
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering is essential for one to secure an entry position. Since there are continuing technological advances, Electrical And Electronics Engineers frequently go on to graduate school after obtaining their four year degree. Research jobs or faculty positions usually require an MS or Ph.D degree. Graduate degrees are also sometimes required for promotions. Electrical and Electronics Engineers often continue to study throughout their career to keep up with the latest technologies, which in turn makes them more valuable to their employers.

Engineers in some specialties must be registered by the State of California. This registration qualifies them to offer services to the public or to work in positions where their actions may affect the public welfare. To obtain registration, graduating Engineers take the Engineer-in-Training examination which covers knowledge of engineering fundamentals. Applicants who pass this exam must obtain a minimum of two years of engineering experience, then take the professional examination in electrical engineering. Those who pass this test, which involves practical application of engineering principles, are qualified to register with the State as Electrical Engineers.

Skills & Other Requirements
Electrical and Electronic Engineers are involved in the science that studies elementary particles, smaller than the atom, called electrons. This field of study is very broad. Engineers apply theories and principles of science and mathematics to solve practical technical problems. Electrical Engineers specialize in the production, transmission and uses of electrical power. Electronics Engineers are more involved with low power applications including radio and television, computers and telephones. Most of California's Electrical and Electronics Engineers are employed in manufacturing industries including aerospace, electrical equipment, personal electronics, computer electronics, medical electronics and telecommunication equipment. Engineers in manufacturing may be researchers and investigate issues related to possible applications, such as chemical interactions and new materials. Engineers who actually do product design and development use CAD/CAE (computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering) tools to draw up plans for efficient production. The Production Engineers are the "hands on" engineers. They guide products through all stages of the manufacturing process. They also determine performance standards for new products and write maintenance schedules to ensure that these standards will be met. Many Engineers also write technical manuals, instructional pamphlets, and installation instructions.