Career opportunities in Electrical/Electronics Engineering

Electrical/Electronics Engineering is one of the fields in engineering today. In this article, EduCeleb.com presents you some career opportunities in it.

While meanings change, the concept of engineering derives from the dawn of human history as our ancestors developed and designed tools that were essential for their survival.

Indeed, human beings were defined by their tool-making, designing and engineering skills, and the socialisation and communication that facilitated the invention, innovation and transfer of technology such as the axe, hammer, lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and so on.

Although based on trial and error, this activity is similar to the modern idea of engineering where trial and error is still an important part of innovation.

Engineering is the field or discipline, practice, profession and art that relates to the development, acquisition and application of technical, scientific and mathematical knowledge about the understanding, design, development, invention, innovation and use of materials, machines, structures, systems and processes for specific purposes.

Considering the above definition of engineering, you will discover that engineering is a very broad field. One of its subfields is electrical/electronic engineering, which is the subject of this discourse.

Subject combination requirements to study Electrical /Electronics Engineering

Virtually all schools accredited to admit students to study engineering have Electrical /Electronics Engineering as a course. It is offered by both polytechnics and universities in Nigeria. You may refer to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure for the current status of the course in your preferred tertiary institution.

Usually, a candidate for Elect/Elect, as the course is otherwise known needs to have the following subject combinations in the Ordinary Level (O’ Level). Note that the O’ Level refers to any of the certificates obtained after writing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by any of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

O Level requirements

The candidate needs five SSCE credit passes including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and English Language.

JAMB subject combinations

If you’re writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you need English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

Direct Entry Requirements

Either of these conditions need to be fulfilled to gain Direct Entry admission to study Electrical Engineering. Please, note that the university would still ensure that your Ó level combination matches their requirements.

(i) ‘A’ level passes in Mathematics and Physics.
(ii) ND/HND in Elect/Elect Engineering Upper/Lower credit respectively.

Career opportunities in Electrical/Electronics Engineering

This field is associated with
research, design and development of electrical systems and electronic devices. Here are a few career opportunities therein.

Power systems engineering

Power systems engineering is about bringing electricity to people and industry. As a subfield of electrical engineering, it deals with the generation, transmission, distribution and utilisation of electric power, and the electrical apparatus connected to such systems. There are many more sources of electricity generation coming developed by engineers in the field. You can make your mark here.

Signal processing statistical analysis and production

Signal processing statistical analysis and production of signals is another area. We require signals for mobile phones, among other utilities.

Where the electrical engineers come in is that they design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment.

Automobile and aircraft electrical systems design

Electrical/Electronic engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

Computer Hardware production

Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware. Some are quick to limit an Elect /Elect product to TV or radio production but it extends beyond that. Additional body of knowledge has made it possible to have electrical and electronic engineers who can also function as computer hardware engineers.

Manufacturing, installation and testing of electrical equipment

These engineers are good at designing new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products, performing detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.

Related is the direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes, investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions.

These set of engineers also work with project managers in the production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget. They design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications, analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan.

Maintenance of electronic components and equipment

Their work extends to developing maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment, evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair, inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure they meet safety standards and applicable regulations, plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performance.

Opportunities to work anywhere

As an electrical/electronic engineer, you will enjoy so many opportunities starting from the places you work and the instinct bestowed on you which you are always ready to display. You, as an individual have an opportunity to work anywhere you so desire because the field is very broad and can fit in everywhere as far as human existence is concerned. If a person trained in the line desires to be independent, that is even better because he has all the potentials of an engineer and he can comfortably do things without anyone’s assistance.

The opportunity of inventing new things cannot be over looked as it is an essential point in this discussion. As an electrical/electronic engineer, you have the ability to venture into creating something no one has ever tried in the world and this will be a credit to your achievements and therefore take you to greater heights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, engineering is a broad field of study but as an electrical/electronic engineer you have more opportunities in the society.

Electrical and Electronics engineers who work for the Federal Government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing.

If you consider studying this course in school, I assure you that you wouldn’t regret doing so.