Becoming an electrical engineer in South Dakota requires a combination of education and experience in the field. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to pursue a career as an electrical engineer in the state, including education requirements, job opportunities, and professional development resources.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your current career, this guide will provide you with the information you need to succeed as an electrical engineer in South Dakota.
Steps to Become an Electrical Engineer in South Dakota
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Most entry-level electrical engineering positions in South Dakota require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree.
- Gain relevant work experience. While in school, students can gain relevant work experience through internships, co-op programs, or part-time jobs. After graduation, entry-level electrical engineers can gain experience by working under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is the first step towards becoming a licensed professional engineer. It covers material from the first four years of an engineering program, and can be taken as soon as a student completes their undergraduate degree.
- Gain experience and pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. After gaining relevant work experience, engineers can take the PE exam, which tests their knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
- Obtain Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Once you pass the PE exam, you will be eligible for licensure as a professional engineer in South Dakota.
- Keep up with continuing education requirements. Professional engineer licensure is typically renewed every two years, and may require continuing education.
- Join professional organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) can provide opportunities for networking, continuing education, and professional development.
Top Electrical Engineering Schools in South Dakota
South Dakota State University: Located in Brookings, South Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota in Vermillion offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Dakota State University
Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University located in Spearfish, South Dakota offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology.
Oglala Lakota College
The Oglala Lakota College located in Kyle, South Dakota offers an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology.
It is important to note that these schools may not have the only electrical engineering program in South Dakota, and it is always a good idea to check the accreditation and curriculum of the program before making a decision.
Helpful Resources for Aspiring Electrical Engineers in South Dakota
If you are an aspiring electrical engineer in South Dakota, then you can use the following resources to help you out.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – South Dakota Section: IEEE is a professional organization for electrical engineers, and the South Dakota section provides networking opportunities, continuing education, and professional development resources for electrical engineers in the state.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) – South Dakota
NSPE is a professional organization for licensed professional engineers, and the South Dakota chapter provides resources for licensure, continuing education, and professional development for its members.
South Dakota Board of Technical Professions
The board is responsible for regulating the practice of engineering in South Dakota, and provides information on licensure requirements, exam schedules, and disciplinary actions for licensed engineers in the state.
South Dakota Science and Technology Authority
The authority provides resources for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in South Dakota, including internships, scholarships, and grants for students pursuing STEM careers.
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
This department provides information on job opportunities, salary data, and labor market trends for electrical engineers in South Dakota.
Electrical Engineering Job Boards
Websites like LinkedIn are great resources to find job opportunities and get an idea of the current job market in the state.
South Dakota State University’s Career Center
The career center provides resources for students and alumni of South Dakota State University, including job search assistance, career counseling, and networking opportunities.