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Overview of Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is one of the main types of engineering you can study, alongside civil, chemical and mechanical engineering.
Electrical engineers design and build the systems that we use in modern life.
The sector encompasses telecommunications, computers, control and electrical power engineering. To work as an electrical engineer, you will need an electrical engineering degree.
Electronic engineering (using electricity) is different to electrical engineering (transmitting electricity), but in this case, we will refer to both as electrical engineering.
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Studying Electrical Engineering
To become an electrical engineer, you need to have an electrical engineering degree, which takes about four years to complete. An electrical engineering course will teach you about circuits, electronics, and computer, energy and power systems.
Usually there are no prerequisites, except for a high ENTER/ATAR, but you should have a strong knowledge of maths, physics and computers, or you might find yourself struggling.
Make sure you choose a university course accredited by Engineers Australia, so you can become a member of the association as a professional engineer after you graduate.
Careers in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering jobs are found in a wide range of industries, including power (electricity), biomedical technology, computers and defence.
Electrical engineering specialisations include software, computer, electrical design or communications engineering. They can also specialise in artificial intelligence and designing automated robots.
The average weekly income for electrical engineers is $1540, according to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The DEEWR also expects the sector to grow very strongly til at least 2015 and says vacancy levels are very high.
Skills needed in Electrical Engineering
People working in electrical engineering are usually very good analytical thinkers who like troubleshooting, technology design and have an instinctive understanding of circuits.
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