What is Electrical engineering?
Electrical engineering is involved wherever electricity is present; this includes lighting, sound technology, computer software and systems and communication technology. Electrical engineers work closely with designers and specialist technicians to develop new concepts and improve existing ideas by evolving the technology involved; the cordless telephone is an example of this.
Electrical engineering usually involves working in one of the following fields: communications, electronic systems, software development and computer technology. The work of an electrical engineer can be challenging and diverse.
In modern society we are increasingly reliant on technology and electricity and consequently the work of electrical engineers is increasingly important.
Examples of electrical engineering jobs
Power engineering: power engineers work to develop and improve the distribution of power and electricity; this may include repairing damaged systems and researching new methods in order to produce more effective and efficient systems.
Electronic engineering: this field is concerned with the scientific knowledge behind technology; usually this discipline is focused on the basic concepts of circuit theory and is used to establish new and improved methods of producing more sophisticated and efficient systems.
Control engineering: this arena is primarily concerned with the development and control of systems used in transport; an example may involve the cruise control system found in modern cars.
Signal engineering: this is often used in the field of communications technology and may include a vast range of projects; these may include the engineering involved in making a CD or developing an MP3 player, for example.
Computer engineering: this field is focused on the development and improvement of computer systems and software. This is an increasingly important area of expertise as people are increasingly reliant on computer networks in both their work and social lives.