Do you want to become an electrical engineer? Although it’s a superb decision, is it the best one for you or is electrical engineering hard?

Where can you get the best guidance for this study? How can you succeed in this field? And many more! Don’t worry about anything because we are here to guide you on the topic “Is electrical engineering tough or easy” and what is best in this field and what is not.

Actually, there are many things to take seriously if you’re thinking about a future in electrical engineering. Let‘s explore the answer to the focused question of this blog with much more information.

Is it Worth To Make Career in Electrical Engineering?

There will be a 5% increase in employment prospects for electrical engineers according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics survey. It is thought to be the profession with the fastest rate of growth.

It shows that there will be 17,800 new job possibilities for electrical and electronics engineers yearly on average. Being in this industry at this time is exciting, as there are many opportunities to start a rewarding career path.

However, this is not enough to measure the worth of this field to move to the more specific information of electrical engineering worth.

Choosing the Right Path in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is a very broad field that has connections to and overlaps with many other domains, such as power, aviation, IT, communication, and automobiles. Therefore, it’s critical to select the electrical engineering career path that best fits your preferences and areas of interest.

Look through this list of electrical engineering paths to identify a subfield that interests you.

Controls Engineering

• A controls engineer is in charge of designing machines that produce goods effectively.
• They also put procedures in place that identify issues with their systems and plan for maintenance.
• Control engineers analyze potential solutions, test their designs, and generate efficacy reports that demonstrate the system’s effectiveness.
• The average salary of a controls engineer is $86,820 per year.

Communications Engineering

• Designing and developing communication systems, such as satellites and fiber optics, is the responsibility of a communications engineer.
• To ensure that the device or equipment is operating correctly and that the communication it receives and transmits is of the highest quality, they might also help with installation.
• The average salary of a communication engineer is $105,217 per year.

Automation and Control Systems

• Building industrial, robotic, and manufacturing automation systems.
• The average salary of a controls engineer is $98,186 per year.
• Preserving precision and safety in automated industries.

Aeronautical Engineering

• An aeronautical engineer builds aircraft systems and related systems such as satellites.
• The average salary of an aeronautical engineer is $102,586 yearly.
• They could create systems for the environment, communications, mechanical, or electrical systems.
• They also conduct research, assess their designs, and look for methods to perform better.

Biomedical Engineering

• Developing cutting-edge healthcare technologies, imaging apparatus, and medical devices.
• In the United States, the average salary for a biomedical engineer is $89,245 per year or $42.91 per hour. The starting salary for entry-level jobs is $72,239 annually, while the average yearly salary for experienced workers is $124,305.
• Improving patient care with therapeutic and diagnostic instruments.

Project Engineering

• Engineering projects, including electrical engineering projects, are supervised and managed by project engineers.
• The yearly salary of them is $82,843.
• They follow a schedule and budget, and they might need to bring on contract laborers or other employees to make sure they can finish the project according to the requirements.

Companies Offering Electrical Engineering Career Opportunities:

The following businesses have high-potential positions available for electrical engineers.

• Apple
• Shell Oil Company
• Motorola Solutions
• Skywork Solution
• Microsoft
• BMW Google
• BMW Group
• The Lockheed Martin Company
• IBM
• Electrics General

What is Electrical Engineering?

Dating back to the late 1800s, electrical engineering is one of the more recent engineering specialties. This area of engineering is dedicated to the study of electrical technology.

From tiny microchips to massive power plant generators, electrical engineers work on a wide range of parts, apparatus, and systems.

Electrical engineering known as the design and use of electrical systems and circuits is the focus of the engineering discipline.

From power generation and transmission to communication and control systems, electrical engineers are in charge of the design, development, and installation of electrical systems and equipment.

To become an electrical engineer, you must finish your electrical engineering degree at an accredited university.

Circuit analysis, electronic devices, microelectronics, signal processing, and electromagnetic are just a few of the subjects that will be covered in the curriculum.

If you don’t know about these subjects or fields there is a brief overview of these fields.

• Single Processing

The focus of signal processing is on the integration, manipulation, and generation of signals, which can be measurements from science, sound, or images.

Essentially, the purpose of signal processing is to improve associated quality, transmission efficiency, and storage efficiency.

It deals with taking in signals and converting them into a syntax that makes sense.

• Electricity and Circuits

The main fields of study for electrical engineers are mathematics, electronics, electromagnetic physics, and electricity.

They create, innovate, manufacture, and strive for the best possible electrical device.

You could help society meet its need for basic electrical infrastructure by majoring in electrical engineering.

Your contributions as a student in the electrical engineering field could immediately improve people’s quality of life and allow them to perform vital tasks for society!

• Electromagnetics

The basic science of electrical engineering, known as electromagnetics, explains how electric charges and currents produce magnetic and electric fields.

The fundamental ideas of resistance, inductance, and capacitance in circuit theory originate from these domains.

• Microelectronics

A branch of electronic engineering called microelectronics is growing more and more quickly every year.

As the name suggests, it is concerned with the creation and production of small electrical design components, mostly semiconductors.

These devices are typically constructed from semiconductor materials and are produced on a micrometer scale.

Considering the Basics of Complex Engineering:

• Most students believe that the most difficult mathematics-related courses in electrical engineering are statistics, calculus, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Other difficult subjects include electromagnetic fields and system and signal analysis.
• Several graduates had trouble grasping these ideas. However, they must be understandable and practical for electrical engineers to apply in their work.
• It further demonstrates, in general, why electrical engineering is so hard!

Is Studying Electrical Engineering Tough?

Honestly speaking, one of the most challenging engineering majors is electrical engineering.  Even for those with talent in this field, mastering this material can be challenging. After realizing the fact that electrical engineering is hard, the next question that comes to your mind is how hard is it to become an electrical engineer. Here’s the details about it.

• The field of electrical engineering is tough and demanding, requiring a great deal of commitment, imagination, and problem-solving abilities.
• Students studying electrical engineering must contend with difficult and abstract ideas, exacting analytical and mathematical methods, and rapidly advancing technologies.
• Concepts are so difficult. It includes voltage, current, phase, capacitance, resistance, and inductance which must be studied and learned by the students. Not everyone can imagine and comprehend these.
• It takes a lot of time and effort to become skilled in electrical engineering courses, which are frequently regarded as some of the hardest in the engineering curriculum.
• Students majoring in electrical engineering must manage a demanding workload, a string of deadlines, and high standards set by peers and instructors.
• The physics and mathematics of electronics, electricity, and electromagnetic should pique the curiosity of anyone studying electrical engineering.
• The field of electrical engineering is not for the weak of heart; rather, it calls for individuals who are driven, inquisitive, and resilient.

So how hard is electrical engineering depends on your level of skills, your drive, and the time you’ve invested in building a strong foundation of “beginner’s knowledge” in this field.

The fruits of your labor are frequently visible when studying engineering in other fields, like mechanical engineering. But a lot is left up to the imagination in electrical engineering.

Last but not least, fulfilling the requirements for graduation requires a four-year degree program!

All of this to say, the majority of people do concur that studying electrical engineering is challenging.

Continue reading to break down some expectations for the Electrical Engineering program!

Don’t Fear and Take a Step to Make Your Future Brighter!

Why Is Electrical Engineering So Hard?

It is most common when someone knows nothing about this field. “tough” is subjective. However, many people find electrical engineering difficult, and I believe this to be due to:

• Visualizing the concepts is challenging. A lot of the things that happen in electrical engineering are invisible. Some of the ideas require a significant change in perspective if you’re a very new person.
• It’s not an easy math problem. One essential course in fundamental mathematics is differential equations. Usually, there’s more to come.
• Top universities frequently ask for the highest grades. Although the range will vary, many engineering programs have GPA requirements for applicants. Several colleges demand proof that the applicant placed in the top 25% of their high school graduating class or that their high school GPA was at least 3.0.
• Standardized testing is widely used in engineering schools as well. In addition to subject test results in math and/or science, many colleges require scores from the SAT or ACT.
• Undergraduate programs encompass numerous subfields, and academic success requires proficiency in multiple areas. Electronic and mechanical systems differ from signal processing, power systems differ from semiconductor physics, and circuits are unique.
• And finally, working in groups is one of the hardest things that students have to do. Since electrical engineering is a team-based profession, interpersonal skills will be crucial. This means having the ability to communicate clearly with team members who work with you during the design, construction, and management phases as well as work well in a larger group.

Skills You need to become an Electrical Engineer?

It takes a variety of abilities to design, evaluate, and troubleshoot complex electrical systems as an electrical engineer. It’s also essential that you have good idea-to-team collaboration, project management skills, and teamwork abilities. But how hard is it to become an electrical engineer depends on your skills.

As an electrical engineer, these abilities can help you thrive in your current position and create ways for professional and personal development.

So fasten your seat belts and get ready for some electrical engineering knowledge.

Problem-Solving Skills:

Employers value problem-solving electrical engineers regardless of their engineering specialization.

These professionals analyze and identify problems as part of their work responsibilities, and they assess the data and resources needed to create electrical engineering solutions. These experts need to be very good at solving problems because it’s a necessary skill for taking on challenging tasks and coming up with creative ideas.

Every project an engineer works on presents new difficulties, like the interaction of several systems, which calls for excellent problem-solving abilities.

Communication Skills:

Good communication skills are another necessary skill set for this position. Understanding and explaining complex terms can facilitate the completion of the project. Effective communication is essential for these professionals to work together with clients and colleagues.

Expert technical writing abilities are usually required by these professionals to create documentation that explains the operation of an engineering system or circuit. Also, a lot of engineering offices use email and phone communication.

Therefore, being skilled in all of these communication channels is crucial for a position in electrical engineering.

Extreme Attention To Details:

Electrical engineers must pay close attention to detail to ensure the success of large-scale systems they design and complex projects. Skipping a few details could have an impact on the project as a whole.

The reputation of the business is damaged when there is an electrical system failure. Small execution mistakes can result in negative publicity, financial losses, and even risky situations due to poor system design.

For this reason, when developing and evaluating electrical systems and circuits, extreme attention to detail is crucial.

Creating Schematics and Plans:

Proficiency in various software applications is essential for electrical engineers as they create schematics and draft designs for electric circuits and systems.

This ability is also necessary for them to understand and read schematics and plans created by other electrical engineers.

While entry-level engineers may draft more plans and schematics, as electrical engineers advance in their careers, they will need to do less drafting.

Logical Thinking:

Those who can critically and logically assess the advantages and disadvantages of an electrical system or product are preferred by employers. For this role, evaluating process information and putting emotions aside is crucial.

An electrical engineer can develop alternative solutions with the aid of critical thinking skills. To assess a client’s issue and create circuits and electrical systems that meet their needs, they need this skill set.

Candidates who can work their way through a variety of complex problems are preferred by employers.

Organization Skills:

For electrical engineers, organizational abilities are more important than task management alone. It entails deftly navigating organizational politics and maintaining an appropriate balance within the organizational structure.

Effective communication and teamwork require soft skills, which are an essential part of organizational skills. Furthermore, arranging intricately linked departments and workflows guarantees a streamlined and effective operation.

Organizational skills continue to be crucial in electrical engineering, where teamwork and accuracy are important, to sustain departmental collaboration and maximize overall productivity from start to end.

Mathematics:

Since mathematics forms the basis of both engineering and applied sciences, electrical engineers must be proficient in this subject. Advanced mathematical principles serve as the foundation for modern discoveries and innovations in problem-solving techniques and algorithms.

No one can undervalue the importance of having a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts, whether one is designing intricate circuits or analyzing electromagnetic fields.

As the common language of science and engineering, mathematics facilitates modeling and simulation, which makes it a crucial component of creating novel solutions and expanding the limits of electrical engineering, a field that is always changing.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Electrical Engineering Degree?

When you know how hard is an electrical engineering degree, you want to next how much time this degree will take. So, unfortunately, this degree will take you four years to complete.

A four-year college or university bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for those hoping to become electrical engineers.

It’s important to keep in mind that in certain circumstances, an individual with an electrical engineering bachelor’s degree may still be able to find employment.

For example, an electrical engineer could be hired if they were a graduate of mechanical or civil engineering and they finished their electrical engineering coursework and showed exceptional skill in this area!

Timeline for Employment After Early Education:

It is expected of students to receive a high school diploma. However, the time required to obtain a GED varies from person to person.

They then have to sign up for college. The average undergraduate student completes their coursework in four years, however several variables could affect this.

Benefits of Electrical Engineering?

There are many benefits to becoming an electrical engineer that could improve your personal and professional life.

You can determine whether becoming an electrical engineer seems like a rewarding and exciting career path for you by taking the time to learn about these benefits. The following are a few benefits of becoming an electrical engineer:

Consistent Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday is when most electrical engineers work full-time hours. It comes to about forty hours a week.

Although you might have to put in extra hours during an emergency, working on the weekends, evenings, or holidays is not common in this line of work.

Maintaining a regular schedule can help you better manage your personal and professional lives and make sure you have time for peaceful activities. It can also help you feel less stressed and have better mental health.

Amazing Job Opportunities:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrical and electronics engineers have a promising future in the field.

They estimate that between 2020 and 2030, there will be 7% more job openings, potentially translating into 22,700 open positions annually.

According to the BLS, this increase might be the result of many current electrical and electronics engineers quitting their jobs to retire.

Quality Field:

An electrical engineer’s position is regarded as prestigious by many. Effective electrical engineers are strong problem solvers, adept at deciphering challenging mathematical formulas, and talented creative thinkers.

They are usually well-liked by their peers because of these qualities. Furthermore, electrical engineers enhance our lives daily by applying their understanding of technology and electrical systems.

Their efforts are crucial to our progress as a society and to building a better, more accessible future for all.

High Potential for Earnings:

An electrical engineer makes, on average, $91,271 a year, so becoming one can be very profitable. Electrical engineers with less than a year of experience make, on average, $84,901 annually.

However, those with more than ten years of experience can make up to $109,545 annually. Employers may also provide benefits to electrical engineers. Among the most typical advantages they might get are:

• Health Insurance
• Health Saving Accounts
• Tuitions Payments
• Relocation Service
• Employee Stock Options

How To Make Electrical Engineering Degree Easy?

For those considering a career in electrical engineering, the following advice may be helpful:

• Get as much practical experience as you can. Engaging in extracurricular activities and projects that enable you to apply what you’re learning in the classroom is the best way to learn.
• Keep abreast of the newest technological developments. In the field of engineering, technology advances quickly, so staying current with new trends and advancements is crucial.
• Learn concepts instead of just memorizing theory. Theoretical knowledge in electrical engineering is vital, but practical application is also required. Therefore, attempt to understand the concepts behind formulas and equations rather than concentrating too much on memorizing them.
• Make sure your background in science and maths is solid. Given that electrical engineering is a science and math-based field, it’s critical to have a solid foundation in these areas.
• Develop your problem-solving abilities and engineering mindset. Since the main focus of electrical engineering is problem-solving, it’s critical to have both logical and creative thinking skills when taking on new tasks.
• Gain soft skills. Professional engineers must be able to collaborate and communicate well with others, thus it’s critical to build these abilities.
• Continue to be inspired and persistent. It can be difficult to study for a degree in electrical engineering, but it’s crucial to maintain your motivation and positive attitude.

How Much Does It Expense To Become an Electrical Engineer By Profession?

The average annual cost of an engineering degree in the United States can reach tens of thousands of dollars in private institutions, even with fixed academic fees. But at $12,000, it’s far more reasonable in state and government institutions.

It would also be ideal if you considered living expenses. Therefore, if you factor in the cost of housing and living expenses, the overall expense might be higher than $60,000.

In addition to the standard registration fee, students also have to pay an additional fee for entrance exams.

For the SAT and GRE, a topic test can cost anywhere from $26 to $150!

Electrical Engineering Cost Components:

The following factors determine how much an electrical engineering degree will cost:

1. Study aids and textbooks
2. Living costs (rent, groceries, and transportation)
3. Other fees (such as technology and lab fees)
4. Exam preparation (tuition cost) for the SAT and GRE

Are There Scholarships For Electrical Engineering in the US?

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/academic-major/electrical-engineering

Scholarship Title	Scholarship Amount
AFCEA ROTC Scholarships	$3,000
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships: Undergraduate Only	$2,500
American College of Radiology STEM Scholarship	$20,000
Austin Community College Career Scholars	$5,000
Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship	$1,500

Other Financial Aid Options:

1. Awards
2. Opportunities for work-study
3. Scholarships
4. Working part-time while you’re in school

How Much You Can Earn After Getting an Electrical Engineering Degree?

Forecasts project that between 2020 and 2030, employment in engineering will grow by 6%. There could be 146,000 more jobs created by the growth rate.

In the US, $88,171 is the median yearly salary for electrical engineers. This amount comprises a reported additional pay of $12,171 per year on top of a base salary of $76,000. Profit-sharing, bonuses, and commissions are examples of additional compensation. Typically, the median pay for all US jobs is less than twice as high for electrical engineers.

Nonetheless, several factors affect electrical engineers’ pay. You can get a better idea of what you can make as an electrical engineer by researching average salaries for particular industries, fields, and skill levels.

If you enjoy creating and want a job that pays well and has amazing perks, engineering degrees are worth it!

Top US Universities For Electrical Engineering:

For the most difficult degree, like electrical engineering, having the best mentor and institution is crucial. Below is a list of a few prestigious universities:

• Stanford University
• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of California, Berkeley
• California Institute of Technology
• Olin College in Needham, MA
• Princeton University
• University of California
• Harvard University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Texas At Austin
• Princeton University
• Tsinghua University
• Duke
• Columbia University
• Duke
• Columbia University

Work-Life Balance in Electrical Engineering:

Electrical engineers need to strike a healthy work-life balance because they regularly handle challenging projects with short turnaround times.

For good mental health and job satisfaction, one needs to maintain a balance between the professional and personal demands of one’s work. Following are some specific tips for electrical engineers looking to maintain a balance between work and personal life.

• Consider Time Management Methods

For electrical engineers, time management skills are essential. Employ strategies like the Eisenhower Matrix to rank tasks according to their significance and urgency.

It makes it easier to concentrate on important project elements during working hours, freeing up personal time from less urgent work-related concerns.

• Unplug from Work Daily

Try to avoid thinking about work, especially when you’re not working. This can include closing off notifications on your laptop or phone related to work.

If at all possible, schedule specific times or days when you are fully off-duty, especially for Electrical Engineers who might need to be on call for emergencies.

• Create Reasonable Deadlines for Your Projects.

Electrical engineers should bargain for reasonable project deadlines, taking into account the complexity and possibility of unforeseen difficulties.

You can lessen stress and the need for long hours by creating attainable deadlines, which will protect the quality of your work and your personal time.

• Utilize Technology to Increase Efficiency

Make use of software tools and applications to make engineering tasks more efficient.

Project management software and circuit simulation software, for example, can reduce errors and save time, enabling you to finish tasks more quickly and free up time for personal interests.

• Set priorities. Mental and Physical Well-Being

Keep a routine that includes enough sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Being physically active can help Electrical Engineers, who frequently work in passive environments, offset the negative effects of long desk hours and improve their overall health.

• Make an Investment in Continuous Learning

Keep up with the most recent developments in the field to improve effectiveness and shorten the time it takes to resolve challenging issues.

Putting money into professional development can result in a workload that is easier to handle and a better work-life balance.

• Set Limits with Your Clients and Employees.

Inform clients and employees of your availability, including your on- and off-duty hours.

To avoid work from consuming too much of your time, an electrical engineer may need to set aside specific times for client meetings or reply to emails.

• Ask for Help When You Need It

When the workload gets too much to handle, don’t be afraid to assign tasks to others or ask your team for assistance.

By dividing up your workload, you can avoid exhaustion and make sure you have enough time to properly manage your personal and work lives.

Wrap Up

You now know that electrical engineering is a rewarding field with lots of opportunities and excellent compensation.

A career in engineering is also a great option because it will open up a wide range of opportunities across several industries.

An understanding of electronics can eventually be applied to any field that uses electric systems or other electromechanical devices, regardless of whether you pursue an undergraduate degree or not!

Although it can be challenging, a career in electrical engineering can be very fulfilling on both a personal and professional level.

FAQs

Is Electrical Engineering the Hardest Engineering Major?

Yes! The hardest engineering specialty is electrical engineering, which deals with the design, development, and study of systems and equipment that mainly rely on electricity for power. It takes a lot of time and effort to become proficient in electrical engineering courses, which are frequently considered as some of the hardest in the engineering curriculum.

Are you good enough for an electrical engineering career path?

A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can be the ideal choice if you have an insatiable curiosity about energy and the natural world, a strong grasp of physics, and a strong desire to work with electronics projects.

Does electrical engineering have a good future?

Yes, for those who are interested in math and physics, are naturally curious, and like to solve problems, a career in electrical engineering can offer fulfilling and demanding work.

An average of 22,700 opportunities are anticipated for electrical and electronics engineers over the next ten years. It shows clearly that electrical engineering will maintain its status as a viable career path and grow further in the future.