What is Electrical Engineering?

In a world where technology dominates the growth and development of society, there is a need for technical specialists to design products and fix current issues. Engineering is the field that applies principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to these technical problems. There are many branches of engineering today that focus on the development of every aspect of technology and society. While each branch of engineering is a dynamic field, electrical engineering is experiencing a massive and exciting shift to better fulfill the needs of the modern day consumer and the world in which we live.

Electrical engineers can choose to work in various sub disciplines such as power systems, controls, electronics, signal processing, telecommunications, and instrumentation. Power engineering deals with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and maintain the electrical networks known as power grids. Power grids are made up of transformers, substations, high and low voltage transmission lines, motors and generators. Consumers do not have to avoid the large costs associated in generating their own energy and can purchase it through a utility company. Control engineering focuses on modeling dynamic systems and controllers that cause systems to behave. Examples of this include propulsion systems in airliners and cruise controls in automobiles. Electronics engineers design and test circuits that use components that achieve specific functions. All cell phones, computers, and televisions are examples of electronic ingenuity. Signal processing is a very mathematically oriented area that is expanding with new applications including radar, audio processing, and broadcasting. Telecommunications focuses on transmission of information across channels such as a cable, optical fiber, or free space. By modulating the carrier wave an engineer can transmit and receive this data. Instrumentation engineering deals with designing devices that measure pressure, flow, and temperature. A background in physics is needed to design things like flight instruments on an aircraft such as wind speed and altitude devices.

The interests of engineers are as diverse as the field itself. Some choose electrical engineering because it is a diverse field with exciting opportunities. Engineers contribute to their communities, countries, and the future generations by creating products that help people improve their lives. Because engineers are on the forefront of invention and innovation they get to be a part of creating new and exciting products. Since engineers are in high demand, they may work anywhere, in large or small cities, and in populated areas or remote locations. Engineers get to travel around their communities and potentially around the world. Because engineers are flexible and have effective time management skills they can have a good work life balance. The growing skill shortages in the field of engineering generate higher graduate salaries and other benefits.

Engineers also share many values that make engineering a noble and highly regarded profession. Great engineers are concerned about performing the best technical excellence and desire to achieve excellence. Engineers respect the rich diversity of mankind and communicate effectively to uphold this respect. Social, civic, and political responsibilities build on the foundation of modern issues and commit to ethical conduct within their profession. Engineers are showing more environmental stewardship than in the past and strive to continue to learn throughout their lives. The betterment of humankind is the foundation of engineering and the safety of all is the primary concern for engineers.