Electrical engineering graduates will find employment opportunities in a number of different environments. Most engineers work in private industry or in government contract programs. Others work in educational institutions, though this usually requires an advanced degree. Another small percentage work as self-employed consultants, but these are persons with years of experience.
Engineers may pursue two major career paths: performing technically-related activities or managing technical projects and organizations. Most engineers spend their entire careers in technically-related pursuits. There is greater need for technically-oriented workers, and most engineers prefer these careers over management careers. Furthermore, managerial responsibility usually is given only after a number of years of experience. Either avenue may be rewarding.
The vast majority of engineers -those who remain technically involved and those who enter project management -are satisfied with their careers. Your ultimate success will depend on your job performance. This will require dedicated work and readiness to capitalize on any opportunities that arise throughout your career.
Early in your career, you should be sensitive to the value of careful career choice and elect the path best suited to your capabilities and desires. Doing so will maximize your job contributions and enhance your career.
Electrical engineers -or EEs -work in a wide spectrum of activities covering many fields. A few of these are energy conversion systems, process control systems, instrumentation and measurement systems, information processing, and aviation electronics. Engineers also design specific devices ranging from ultra-sensitive amplifiers that pick up signals from outer space to electric motors of several thousand horsepower. The following list describes various tasks associated with each of these technical areas.
Systems Analysis & Design - Analyze and design interconnection of components of processes to attain satisfactory performance.
Engineering Design & Development - Design the physical form, material composition
and operating characteristics of a specific electrical product. Conceive and experiment with product ideas and designs.
Applications Design & Technical Sales - Develop new technical products using established design processes and components. Select technical products or services to fit a particular user
application or requirement.
Production & Manufacturing - Select appropriate methods, materials, equipment, and test procedures to manufacture and produce safe, economical, high-performance products or services.
Field Service & Use Training - Direct the initial setup operation and maintenance of advanced technical products at the user's location. Train the customer to take over these functions.
The most important preparation you can make in high school is to acquire a solid background in mathematics, sciences, and communications. Everyone needs to understand the basics to participate effectively in this technically-oriented world. To keep as many options open as possible, a student today needs four years of math and four years of science in high school. These are the kinds of demanding courses that develop the mind to its maximum potential. Minimally, your plan should include plane geometry, algebra I and II, trigonometry, and one year each of physics and chemistry.
The Office of Student Financial Aid administers several federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs including scholarships, grants, and loans. In addition, special financial assistance programs have been developed by private resources particularly to benefit engineering students. Others specifically benefit female and minority engineering students to encourage those from under-represented groups to pursue this field. Early application is advised.
For more information, you may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at (618)650-3880, or the School of Engineering Dean's Office at (618)650-2541.
The electrical and computer engineering faculty hold either Ph.D. or D.Sc. degrees. Several are registered in various states as professional engineers, and almost all serve as consultants to regional agencies and industries. They are quite active in research activities and serve in leadership roles in professional organizations.
Laboratory instruction is a fundamental part of education of an electrical engineer. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering uses several laboratories exclusively for undergraduate instruction in instrumentation, control systems, digital signal processing, computer systems, and image processing. In addition, other specialized facilities are used jointly for research and instruction. Extensive computer facilities including PCs, work stations and access to national computer networks are available to undergraduate students.