Is becoming an Electrical Engineer in Illinois a good idea?

It can be a good idea to become an electrical engineer in Illinois, depending on your interests and career goals. Electrical engineers are involved in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems, such as power plants, electrical grids, and electronic devices. They use their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and computer science to create solutions to real-world problems.

In Illinois, electrical engineering is a growing field, with employment opportunities expected to increase by 8.5% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Illinois is home to a number of major companies in the electrical engineering industry, including Caterpillar, Inc., Motorola Solutions, and John Deere, which can provide job opportunities for electrical engineers.

It’s worth noting that becoming an electrical engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. It can also be helpful to gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs. If you’re interested in becoming an electrical engineer, it’s important to research the education and training requirements and consider whether this career is a good fit for you.

What skills do I need to become an electrical engineer in Illinois?

To become an electrical engineer in Illinois, you’ll need to develop a range of skills, both technical and non-technical. Some of the skills that may be useful to have as an electrical engineer include:

Strong problem-solving skills: Electrical engineers are often called upon to find solutions to complex technical problems.

Knowledge of math and physics: Electrical engineers use principles of math and physics in their work, so a strong foundation in these subjects is essential.

Computer skills: Many electrical engineering tasks are aided by computer programs and simulations, so proficiency with computer programs and coding languages is important.

Attention to detail: Electrical engineers must be able to carefully analyze and design complex systems, so attention to detail is crucial.

Communication skills: Electrical engineers often work in teams and must be able to clearly communicate their ideas and designs to others.

Creativity: Electrical engineers must be able to think creatively to come up with innovative solutions to problems.

In addition to these technical skills, it can also be helpful to have strong teamwork and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines.

How much do electrical engineers earn in Illinois?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electrical engineers in Illinois was $98,870 as of May 2021. Electrical engineers in the top 10% of earners in Illinois made more than $139,810 per year, while those in the bottom 10% made less than $61,780 per year.

It’s worth noting that the specific salary you can expect as an electrical engineer in Illinois will depend on a number of factors, including your level of education and experience, the industry in which you work, and the specific job duties you perform. Electrical engineers who have advanced degrees or specialized knowledge in a particular area may be able to earn higher salaries than those with just a bachelor’s degree.

In general, electrical engineering is a well-paying field, with electrical engineers earning a median salary of $100,420 per year nationwide, according to the BLS. As the demand for electrical engineers grows, it’s likely that salaries will continue to increase.

Steps to Become an Electrical Engineer in Illinois

If you’re interested in becoming an electrical engineer in Illinois, there are several steps you can take:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field

Most employers require electrical engineers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, such as computer engineering or physics.

2. Gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs

Many electrical engineering programs offer internships or co-op programs that allow students to gain practical experience while they’re still in school. These programs can be a great way to build your skills and make connections in the industry.

3. Consider earning a graduate degree

While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many electrical engineering jobs, some positions may require a master’s degree or even a PhD. If you’re interested in a more advanced career, you may want to consider earning a graduate degree.

4. Obtain professional licensure

Electrical engineers may need to be licensed in order to work in certain states, including Illinois. To become licensed, you’ll need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and, in some cases, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

5. Keep your skills up-to-date

The field of electrical engineering is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current on new technologies and developments. Consider joining a professional organization, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to stay connected with other electrical engineers and learn about new developments in the field.

Top electrical engineering schools in Illinois

There are several top electrical engineering schools in Illinois, including:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a top-ranked public research university with a highly regarded electrical engineering program. The university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a PhD in electrical engineering.

Northwestern University: Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. The university’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, as well as a master’s degree and PhD in electrical engineering.

Illinois Institute of Technology: The Illinois Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, including a PhD.

University of Chicago: The University of Chicago is a private research university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, including a PhD.

Loyola University Chicago: Loyola University Chicago is a private Jesuit university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, as well as a master’s degree in electrical engineering.

Can I become an electrical engineer online in Illinois?

It’s generally possible to earn an electrical engineering degree online, although it’s important to carefully research your options to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality education. Some universities offer online electrical engineering programs that are fully accredited and recognized by employers, while others may offer more limited options or non-accredited programs.

If you’re considering an online electrical engineering program, it’s important to make sure that it’s accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation is generally seen as a benchmark of quality in the field of engineering, and many employers prefer to hire graduates of ABET-accredited programs.

It’s also worth noting that some states, including Illinois, require electrical engineers to be licensed in order to work in the field. In these states, you may need to meet additional requirements in order to be eligible for licensure, such as completing an internship or co-op program. It’s important to research these requirements and make sure that you’ll be able to meet them before you enroll in an online electrical engineering program.