HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway starts in secondary school with English, math, and sciences such as physics, plus industrial arts or electronics if available. Many students then go on to a university engineering program in electrical or electronics engineering, or a closely related field. Early experience often includes co-op terms, internships, summer jobs, or project work that helps build skills in circuits, testing, drafting, and problem-solving. After graduation, new engineers usually begin in junior design, testing, or support roles and learn by working with experienced engineers. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and specialization.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components
- Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems and equipment
- Supervise and inspect the installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Investigate electrical or electronic failures
- Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for construction or maintenance
- Supervise technicians, technologists, programmers, analysts and other engineers.
- Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Financial ManagementMaking presentationsProject ManagementProposal writingTeam project workCommittee work on industry ethics