Electrical Engineering -
A Stimulating Challenge
Engineers belong to the greatest profession in the world, responsible for almost everything that makes life worth living – from leisure activities to medical treatment, mobile communications to modern transport systems. Within the wide boundaries of the electrical engineering profession, there are thousands of challenging activities, in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operations of products and services. Activities which provide stimulating intellectual challenges with diverse and varied tasks, inevitably involving deadlines, all add to the satisfaction of real output or delivery.
Demand for good engineers is high, both in the UK and internationally. In the IT and electronics sectors in particular, there are world shortages of Chartered and Incorporated Engineering, and unemployment amongst professional engineers is lower than for almost any other profession.
Engineering degrees can lead to a vast number of career opportunities, with graduates in demand in almost every sector of the economy. The word used most often when referring to a career in engineering is variety; and electrical, electronic, software, systems, information and manufacturing engineering offer a host of alternative job opportunities for new graduates. Specialisations range from Automation to Power Generation, and from Communications to Manufacturing. Within each of these fields, there are opportunities in research, design, development and tests, as well as management, production, marketing and sales. A degree can also provide a passport into the world of education. Professional engineers also stand a better chance of becoming a chief executive than any other professional, outnumbering accountants by three to one!
The environment in which engineering professionals work has never been more dynamic. New materials, technologies and processes are being developed all the time. Increasing globalisation, new markets and changing employment patterns also mean that an engineering career is now a truly international one.
Qualifying as a Chartered Engineer in the UK currently takes at least seven years. For success on an accredited degree course at second class honours, a minimum of two years industrial training, together with a further two years experience in a position of recognised responsibility are normally required. Since September, these requirements have been modified, and an additional one-year period of ‘learning’ will also be needed. It means hard work, but the route and prospects are stimulating, satisfying and rewarding.
The IEE (The Institute of Electrical Engineers), together with its sister institutions, accredits first-degree courses in electrical, electronic, manufacturing and computer-based systems engineering, both in the UK and internationally. Engineering is a rapidly-changing profession, and engineering training has to change just as rapidly to ensure that graduates are equipped to meet the needs of industry. Not only that, but university engineering departments must have an international perspective on technological developments, operating at the highest international standards. The accreditation process is rigorous, but ensures that undergraduates studying on an accredited course are guaranteed the highest standards of engineering education. An annual guide published by the IEE gives brief details on all accredited courses available, as the range is extremely wide and courses should be chosen with care. At school, students should take a broad range of subjects covering both art and sciences: Mathematics and Physics are essential, but English is also important, and a foreign language desirable. Minimum qualifications for entry to an Engineering course are normally ‘A’ levels or equivalent in Mathematics and Physics, but a third subject in either the Arts or Sciences ensures a wider choice of degree options. Students without the relevant ‘A’ levels have the opportunity to ‘convert’ on one-year pre-entry courses at selected universities around the country.
With the exception of a few specialist courses, it is common for all students to take the same subjects in the first year(s) of a degree, before going on to specialise in the final year(s), when they can choose from a number of options. For this reason, when selecting a course it is important to check what options are available, especially if undergraduates already have a specialist career in mind. However, specialising in one area whilst at university does not preclude working in another field of the profession at a later date. Electrical engineering offers a wide variety of opportunities for anyone not wanting to make a final career decision too soon.
Sandwich courses, on the other hand, link academic and industrial phases in several ways. The most common is the ‘thick’ sandwich, between two one-year periods in industry. The ‘thin’ sandwich offers more frequent and shorter periods on course and in industry, with typically a rotation of six months in each. MEng courses are designed as first degrees, but are extended to include a further period of study, which provides a greater depth of treatment, a wider range of engineering study, and the inclusion of business skills. Progression to an MEng course is by merit, usually after the first year of a BEng course. However, in the end, the choice of which course to take must be a personal one, depending on the aims, circumstances and preferences of the individual student.
A degree is only the beginning! In order to qualify for membership of a professional engineering institution, such as the IEE, and to qualify for Chartered Engineering status, graduates must also have a minimum of two years industrial training, and two years career development in a responsible position.
Embarking on a training programme in a major industry enables new graduates to develop experience of a wide range of jobs, and acquire a broad understanding of engineering activity outside their own branch. Students who were sponsored during their degree course may already have spent time in industry, and will have started to give their academic studies an industrial perspective.
Postgraduate training also offers graduates the chance to keep their career options open, as the opportunity to experience the work of different sectors of an industry can open up new areas of interest not previously appreciated. The IEE accredited industrial training programmes, each year producing a list of companies that undertake to provide accredited training.
There is little doubt that the world of electrical engineering – and all that it encompasses – offers exciting opportunities for both men and women. The industrial and economic success of every nation is rooted firmly in its manufacturing and engineering base, and the skills and ingenuity of its professional engineers. The ability to research, develop and apply new technologies is essential, particularly in today’s global markets.
In the UK alone, engineering-led industry contributes about 40% of its gross domestic product, and is the ‘goose that lays the golden eggs’ for its national economy. From space travel to household electrician, the role of engineer is crucial. For anyone looking for a rewarding future with a wide variety of employment prospects, there has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in engineering.
Author
Chris Dagnall
Institute of Electrical Engineers
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