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What Do Electrical Engineers Do?
An electrical engineer specializes in building, testing, installing, and maintaining electrical equipment and systems.
March 30, 2022
Article
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career as a computer engineer, optical engineer, electrical engineer, and more.
Explore popular engineering courses
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Physics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
MathWorks
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Systems Architecture, Systems Design, Functional Design, Software Architecture, Solution Architecture, Requirements Analysis, Technical Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Equipment Design, System Requirements, Engineering Calculations, Hardware Design, Systems Design, Technical Design, Computer-Aided Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Design Process, Design Software, Performance Tuning, Computer Displays, Image Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Human Factors, Applied Mathematics, Simulations, Performance Testing, Physics
Build toward a degree
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Engineering covers a wide variety of skills and careers. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore engineering topics, including:
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth of 10% for mechanical engineers 2022-2032, with 19,200 job openings projected annually [1].
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary in the US for architecture and engineering occupations, which include electrical engineers, biomedical engineers, civil engineers, and more, was $83,700 as of May 2022 [2].
Computer engineering professionals work in research labs, private sectors, and federal, state, and local governments. To become a computer engineer, consider pursuing the specialization or focus area that interests you most. You can start researching engineering jobs by browsing job posts. Even if you aren't yet ready to apply, this exercise can help you understand the differences in responsibilities and pay from industry to industry.
Read more: What Is Computer Engineering? Career Guide + FAQ
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm." Accessed January 29, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architecture and Engineering Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm." Accessed January 29, 2024.
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