Five Important Things You Should Know Before Studying Electrical Engineering.

Those who are interested in obtaining a career with a promising future would be remiss not to consider electrical engineering as a viable option. This vast, constantly-evolving and incredibly varied field of expertise provides the perfect challenges for sharp and inquisitive minds. At the same time, it gives young people the opportunity of economic, social and academic enrichment. 

Because we live in a world that is driven by electrical technologies, this type of engineering is always on high demand. Furthermore, electrical engineers have the opportunity to contribute to society at large, helping improve the lives of others and maintain the correct order and functioning of already-established systems. 

With all this in mind, this guide will provide a list of five important things you should know before studying this type of engineering.

1. What is electrical engineering?

Put in simple terms, this kind of engineering deals with the design, building and maintenance of electrical systems. In order to do this, this field concerns itself primarily with the study and application of electricity and electromagnetism. Through the harnessing of these phenomena, electrical engineers are able to a device and produce electrical systems. These systems can be used to control other applied systems such as machinery and equipment. 

This type of engineering described in this article subdivides into a multitude of subfields, many of which overlap with various other branches. For example, this type of engineering plays an important part in mechanical and civil engineering. As a result, there is a huge number of specializations that have engineering of the electrical type as an important part of their foundation. 

Apart from being a part of large-scale production and distribution of electrical power, this type of engineering is used in the production of electronics. As a result, electrical engineers often concern themselves with the computers and other modern technologies. In addition to the aforementioned endeavors, electrical engineers may work in the following fields: 

• Transport networks 
• Lighting, Heating 
• Ventilation 
• Lift systems 
• Power generation 
• Power distribution 
• Renewable energy 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction. 

2. What should I learn before studying to be an electrical engineer?

As it happens with all important careers, studying this type of engineering requires a certain amount of knowledge and demonstrable aptitudes. 

Without a doubt, a strong foundation in mathematics is imperative. As a matter of fact, certain universities require aspiring students to complete extracurricular courses in mathematics before allowing their application. Some amount of knowledge about other subjects such as physics, chemistry and technology is also very much desirable. 

In order to apply to the most competitive programmes, applicants will often have to demonstrate their knowledge and discipline by presenting a record of their high grades, particularly in the aforementioned subjects. More often than not, this record has to be at A-Level. However, the particulars of the requirements may vary according to each institution. 

At any rate, any related extra-curricular activities that the aspiring student has embarked upon will provide an advantage in making the cut. Of course, courses and workshops in engineering will stand out in a student's resume. Beyond that, courses in humanities or communication may also provide an advantage.

3. What can you expect from studying to become an electrical engineer?

Undergraduate electrical engineers will have to become involved with a wide range of disciplines. At its core, however, engineering of this type requires analytical, technical and electrical design skills. 

Typically, first-year courses have an overlap that spans most (if not all) engineering degrees. At this stage, students will have to face the challenges of various learning endeavours, including mathematics, engineering principles, communications signals, engineering signals, communications, laboratory and presentation skills. 

Simultaneously, most institutions will require students to participate in modules specific to their engineering of choice. These modules may involve subjects such as real-time systems, circuits and fields, computer engineering, embedded systems projects, analog electronics, and engineering programming. 

During the second year, students will have to learn specific mathematics-related skills such as data analysis, probabilistic and numerical techniques. Additionally, they will be taught engineering staples such as signal processing and control, analog system engineering, telecommunications and digital system design. Additional courses may include power supply electronics, software engineering design and industrial management. 

Finally, last-year students may be required to partake in modules such as system modeling and control, power engineering, electrical machines, electromagnetism, field waves and antennas, electronic design, energy conversion for motor and generator drives, web-based computing, digital design and analog microelectronics.

4. What kind of software do electrical engineers use?

Without a doubt, some of the most important tools used by electrical engineers are software programs. As a matter of fact, software for electrical engineers tools has become so ubiquitous that there currently thousands of tools, mobile apps and software products targeted to electrical engineers. Although there may be others, most software products for electrical engineers can be put into the following categories: 

• Electrical design software: Produced by companies such as the notable IGE+XAO, this type of software is used to aid engineers in the process of planning and creating electrical equipment. This equipment includes electrical components, power systems, lighting equipment, schematics and telecommunications infrastructure. 
• System design software: Meant to aid engineers define the components, modules, interfaces and data in order to satisfy the specified requirements of a given system. 
• Electrical manufacturing software: This category comprises software programs that help the manufacturing of products through the use of electrical systems. 
• Simulation software: By modeling a real phenomenon using a set of mathematical formulas, simulation software helps electrical engineers produce calculations and test out plans. 

5. What are the advantages of being an electrical engineer?

• High paying jobs: Apart from the satisfaction of contributing to the betterment of society around them, electrical engineers have the opportunity to earn substantial salaries through their work. 
• State-of-the-art technologies: Due to the nature of their work, electrical engineers are at the forefront of technologies. Software for electrical engineers (such as electrical design software) is constantly evolving, resulting in cutting-edge technology. 
• High demand: Good electrical engineers are not in risk of becoming obsolete any time soon. As a matter of fact, this type of engineering is one of the fastest-growing and most-demanded careers in the world right now. 

After going through all its characteristics and advantages, it is clear why so many smart, promising young people choose to study engineering of the electrical kind. Apart from being both intellectually and professionally challenging, this career offers the opportunity to improve your financial situation. As if that wasn't good enough, it gives young people the opportunity to help others and change their environment for the better.