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220 Engineering Fundamentals
Have you ever wondered who designs and
builds things like power plants, space shuttle
electronics, or your favorite electronic gadget?
You can be sure that electrical engineers were
involved in every step along the way. Electrical
engineering is the design and construction of
electrical and electronic components and devices.
Electrical engineers design, test, develop, and
build products like these every day. About 21% of
all engineers, or roughly 153,000 people, are elec-
trical engineers. See Figure 11-1.
In telecommunications, electrical engineers
are responsible for designing and overseeing the
construction and maintenance of the systems and
networks through which customers receive voice
and data services. They deal with copper tele-
phone equipment, fi ber optics, electronic switch-
ing systems, radio and television systems, and
satellite systems.
Professional Aspects
The requirement for an entry-level electri-
cal engineering position is a bachelor’s degree in
electrical engineering. For higher-level positions,
master’s degrees or doctorate degrees are usually
required. To earn a degree in electrical engi-
neering, students must take courses in electric-
ity, electronics, chemistry, biology, physics, and
higher-level math and statistics. In order to be
accepted into an undergraduate-level engineer-
ing program, students need outstanding grades
in advanced high school math and science classes.
Electrical technicians are commonly respon-
sible for installation and maintenance of electrical
equipment and devices. Becoming an electrical
technician usually requires a two-year associate’s
degree.
The broadest professional society for elec-
trical engineers is the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The acronym
is pronounced I triple E. IEEE comprises over
375,000 members in more than 160 countries.
The IEEE is dedicated to advancing techno-
logical innovation and excellence through their
publications, conferences, standards, and activi-
ties. See Figure 11-2.
It is critical for all engineers to conduct them-
selves in an ethical manner. For electrical engi-
neers, this means ensuring safety above all else,
Figure 11-1.
Electrical engineers are
designing new and exciting
products every day.
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