Electrical Engineering as a Profession
Before Silicon Valley, the Internet and the computer, there were electrical
engineers - engineers who researched and developed all things electrical and
electronic. There was no question about who they were or what they did. If it
had to do with electricity or electronics, electrical engineers had something to
do with it. But with the explosion of the high-tech industry, the definition of
an "electrical engineer" has expanded. Trained to be an expert thinker and
problem solver, today's electrical engineer could even be working for a law firm
in Boston, a bank on Wall Street, or a manufacturing plant in Texas or
California. The growth of this field shows no signs of slowing. Electrical
engineers are as much in demand as ever. With communications, computers,
networking and systems playing key roles in the operations of virtually all
businesses today, electrical engineers can plan on being actively recruited for
years to come. The core of electrical engineering is the ability to work with
sensors, acquire data, communicate electronically, process signals and
information, model complex systems, and integrate various sources of energy in
distributed systems. Wireless continues to be a buzzword for the
telecommunications industry. With optical networks stretching across the country
and around the world, this segment of high tech industries is poised for
significant growth. One of the most exciting fields is nanotechnology, where
materials are manipulated and replicated on a molecular scale. The future holds
exciting opportunities for electrical engineers who have always been at the core
of high technology. There is more to success than having a good grasp of the
required technical skills. Students must be well rounded. Given the competitive
nature of high tech industry, graduates that have solid business skills in
addition to good technical skills will fare better than most. A minor in another
field of engineering will also help the student secure a niche in this
competitive market.
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