Introduction to the field of electrical engineering in Indiana

Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It involves the design, development, and testing of electrical systems and components, including power generation and distribution systems, electrical motors and generators, lighting and wiring systems, and electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, and televisions.

Electrical engineers in Indiana may work in a variety of industries, such as power generation and distribution, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing. Many universities in the state offer degree programs in electrical engineering, and there are also several engineering firms and other companies in the state that employ electrical engineers.

Electrical engineering internships and co-op opportunities in Indiana

There are many electrical engineering internships and co-op opportunities available in Indiana. Some companies and organizations that offer these types of opportunities include:

General Electric (GE): GE offers a variety of internships and co-ops for electrical engineering students in Indiana, including positions in power generation, renewable energy, and aviation.

Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce, which has operations in Indiana, offers internships and co-ops for electrical engineering students in areas such as propulsion systems and electrical power systems.

Cummins Inc: Cummins offers co-op and internship opportunities for electrical engineering students in areas such as power generation, electrical controls, and alternative energy.

Indiana Electric Cooperatives: Indiana Electric Cooperatives offers internships for electrical engineering students to work on the distribution side of the electric utility business.

NAVISTAR: Navistar offers internships and co-op opportunities for electrical engineering students in areas such as powertrain, advanced engineering, and manufacturing.

IPUI, Purdue University and Notre Dame: These are among many Universities that offer internships, co-ops, and research opportunities in electrical engineering, with the Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis(IUPUI) having a strong focus on Power, Control and Robotics.

It is also worth checking with smaller companies or startups, as well as consulting firms or government agencies that might have electrical engineering internships or co-ops available. Additionally, some organizations and professional societies such as IEEE may have resources and opportunities available for electrical engineering students in Indiana.

How to get a job as an electrical engineer in Indiana

Here are some steps you can take to help increase your chances of getting a job as an electrical engineer in Indiana:

1. Get an education

Pursue a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited university. There are several universities in Indiana that offer electrical engineering degree programs, such as Purdue University, Notre Dame and Indiana University.

2. Gain experience

Participate in internships or co-op opportunities while you’re in school to gain real-world experience and make industry connections. This can help you stand out to potential employers and better understand the field.

3. Develop a strong skill set

Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful electrical engineer, such as proficiency in programming languages, circuit design, and mathematical modeling. Consider participating in research projects or taking additional coursework to further develop these skills.

4. Network

Attend networking events and connect with industry professionals in Indiana. This can be done through career fairs, industry conferences, or professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES).

5. Apply to jobs

Look for open electrical engineering positions in Indiana, and apply to those that match your skills and experience. Consider applying to larger companies and government agencies, as well as smaller firms and startups. And remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position.

6. Consider certification

Consider getting certified by professional organizations like IEEE or Professional Engineer (PE) in Indiana. They will give you an edge over other applicants and showcase your expertise, knowledge, and experience in the field.

7. Keep Learning

Electrical engineering field is rapidly evolving, and it’s important to keep abreast with the latest technologies and trends. This can be achieved by taking continuing education courses, participating in workshops, and reading industry publications.

Remember that getting a job as an electrical engineer in Indiana can take time, so it’s important to be patient and persistent in your job search.

Do I need practical working experience to work as an electrical engineer in Indiana?

Having practical working experience as an electrical engineer can be beneficial when looking for a job in Indiana, as it can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers. However, it is not always a requirement. Employers are looking for a variety of qualifications, and some of them may focus on educational qualifications, while others may place more emphasis on practical experience.

Having a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution and good academic performance can help establish the basic foundation required to work as an electrical engineer. And an internship or co-op experience during your education can provide an edge to your qualification by giving you hands-on experience. Additionally, if you have any skills or knowledge that are relevant to a specific field or sector, that can be another point that would help you in your job search.

For entry-level positions, some employers may be open to hiring recent graduates with little to no practical experience. In these cases, the employer may provide on-the-job training to help the new hire gain the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties.

It’s also worth noting that many companies in Indiana have a strong preference for engineers who have already passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and are working towards a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Some positions may also require PE licensing, so consider taking the FE exam and working towards licensure.

So, it is important to remember that having practical working experience is beneficial but not always required to work as an electrical engineer in Indiana, but having a mix of both education and experience can increase your chances of getting hired.

Top electrical engineering Schools in Indiana

There are several universities in Indiana that offer electrical engineering degree programs. Here are a few of the top schools in Indiana for electrical engineering:

1. Purdue University

Purdue University’s College of Engineering is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, and the electrical engineering program is no exception. The program focuses on areas such as digital systems, control systems, and energy systems.

2. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI):

IUPUI’s School of Engineering and Technology offers an electrical engineering program that emphasizes power and control systems, digital systems and robotics, as well as communications and signals.

3. Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame’s Department of Electrical Engineering is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in the principles and practice of electrical engineering. They have research emphasis in fields like wireless communication, computer engineering, control systems, and power systems.

4. University of Evansville

University of Evansville’s Department of Electrical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. The program focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrical engineering and preparing them for professional practice.

5. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering offers an electrical engineering program that emphasizes the fundamentals of electrical engineering, including circuit analysis, digital electronics, and communication systems.

These universities generally have strong electrical engineering programs and provide students with a solid education, but it’s always important to evaluate the program which best suit your needs and goals, taking into account the specific areas of focus, resources and research opportunities, as well as other factors such as location, cost and campus culture.