To be an electrical engineer a person must learn about the nature of the work like the repair, design, and principles and theories of an electrical engineer. Specific training and education is needed to be an electrical technician. Employment depends on the types of specified job desired or required. An electrical technician can make good earnings, again depending on the nature of the job. This career is worth checking into, as the field will continue to expand with new technologies.
First, the nature of the work is an important aspect to know before becoming an electrical engineer. An electrical engineer repairs equipment, builds equipment and sets up equipment. As an electrical engineer they prepare and conduct experiments. On top of that, they collect data, calculate and record results. When an electrical engineer repairs equipment, they repair or maintain various types of electrical, electronical, or mechanical equipment. Electrical engineers make prototype versions of new equipment. Another responsibility of an electrical engineer is to test, design, and manufacture electronic circuits. Electrical engineers use computers to work and design schematics like blue prints to make or repair equipment. They use principles and theories of science to solve technical problems. An electrical engineer also helps other engineers and scientists. To do all of this, they need to be highly educated and trained.
Secondly, the education needed to be an electrical engineer is intense. The training for the job starts in high school when taking math and science classes to prepare for further education. In ordered to work as an electrical engineer, a two year associates degree, which many technical institutes offer, is the minimum requirement. Most two-year associates degree programs are accredited with the technology accreditation from the Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (CABET), which requires algebra and trigonometry. Most universities offer a four-year program, which can also given an edge in the job market when first applying for a position. In addition to classes, there are other skills that are required.
Good communications skills are needed in speech and writing. Electrical engineers work in groups most of the time; so good communication skills with others will help. Being kind and friendly because of assisting other electrical engineers in projects may be make the work and atmosphere more enjoyable and successful. These people skills will also given an applicant an edge when entering the employment field.
Thirdly, the employment potential of an electrical engineer in the future will be competitive. In 2006 they held about 511,000 jobs, 33 percent of which were as electrical and electronics-engineering technicians. The other 35 percent of engineering technicians are working in manufacturing. Another 25 percent worked in professional, scientific, and technical industries. The federal government employed 37,000 engineering technicians; 2,900 by state government, and 25,000 by local government. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, 2007)
Fourthly, the earnings that an electrical technician can earn are another reason why this field is competitive. In 2006 the average income for an electrical technician was $170,000. The projected average earnings for 2016 are expected to be $177,000. This is not a great increase, but it is good. The average earnings of the lower 10 percent in 2006 were less than $30,120. The median annual earnings for electronics and electrical engineering were $50,660, while the highest 10 percent earned $73,200. (Vocational Biographies, Inc., 2007)


Lastly, the job outlook for an electrical technician is one of competition and decline. There will be opportunities for the best individuals with an associate degree or an advanced degree, and extensive job training or experience in engineering technology. The growth for engineering technician employment in design functions may be dampened by increasing globalization of the development process. Employment of engineering technicians is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations, but to reduce cost and speed project completion relocation of part of the development operations may move overseas.(vocational biographies,inc.,2007)
The field of electrical engineering is an increasingly competitive field. To be an electrical engineer a person must know the nature of the work, gain specific training and have the knowledge for the area of specialty. An electrical technician can make a good salary. This career is worth checking into, as the field will continue to expand with new technologies.





















References

O*Net. (2004). Summary report for Electrical Engineers. Retrieved on April 21, 2009,
from http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/17-2071.00

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment
Projections. (December 18, 2007). Electrical engineers. Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09 Edition. Retrieved on April 21, 2009, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm

Vocational Biographies, Inc. (2007). Electronics Technician. Vocational Biographies,
Inc. Retrieved on April 21, 2009, from http:www.vocbiosonline.com