Why is Electrical Engineering Hard?

Electrical engineering is one of the hardest engineering disciplines. Why is this? Well, it certainly requires a lot of theoretical knowledge and understanding. But, at the same time, it is also a very creative discipline. You need to be able to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems.

Abstract thinking is not only required in electrical engineering but also the ability to think outside the box. This is because many of the problems that electrical engineers face are not well defined. There are often multiple ways to solve a problem, and only one can be the best. It is up to the engineer to find the best solution.

So, in addition to theoretical knowledge and creativity, electrical engineers also need to have more-than-decent problem-solving skills. You often have to deal with complex systems that can be difficult to understand. You need to be able to identify the root cause of a problem and then find a way to fix it. Also, at home, people can misunderstand your job; from electrical shocks to falls, explosions, and more, you will wake up at night, a lot of nights.

Anyway, if you are able to solve complex problems and develop an abstract thinking process, you can make a real difference in the world. That’s exactly the case with electrical engineering.

The electrical engineering hurdles also pay off with a good starting salary. New graduates in the field can expect to earn a median salary of $68,000. The top 10% of earners make an average of $102,000 while the bottom 10% make an average of $56,000. The median salary for an experienced electrical engineer is $98,000. The top 10% of earners make an average of $131,000 while the bottom 10% make an average of $74,000.

What makes electrical engineering different?

Electrical engineering is the study of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The field is incredibly broad, encompassing everything from the design of electrical circuits to the development of new telecommunications technologies.

Focus on something invisible

What sets electrical engineering apart from other engineering disciplines is the focus on something invisible. Civil engineers or any others can see the effect of what they are designing. The privilege is seldom available for electrical engineers.

You need to understand how electricity moves through circuits and interacts with magnetic fields, wireless communications, and electrical fields when studying electrical engineering.

You will need to apply electrical engineering’s key ideas and techniques in the actual world once you have mastered them. To get an answer, you must be able to determine why your circuit or system works or doesn’t work and test various variables.

This focus requires a deep understanding of physics and mathematics. It also demands creativity and problem-solving skills, and out-of-the-box thinking.

Partial Differential Equations

Electrical engineering is known for using more partial differential equations than other branches. These equations are difficult because they take into account the three-dimensional space in which the electrons move, as well as the time-varying nature of electrical signals. PDEs are also nonlinear, meaning that they cannot be solved by simple algebraic methods. In addition, EE PDEs often have boundary conditions that are difficult to solve.

Chemical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering focus on single objects or simplified systems that can be accurately represented by linear equations.

Is electrical engineering worthy for me?

The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a career. If you are interested in a challenging and “abstract” discipline, then electrical engineering may be a good fit for you. If you are interested in a more creative and innovative field, it can be a good fit too.

The job market in EE (Electrical Engineering) is increasingly competitive. Why not, because Electrical engineers are at the forefront of developing new technologies. They are involved in everything from the development of new renewable energy sources to the creation of new telecommunications systems.

However, if you are looking for a stable and secure career, then electrical engineering may not be the best choice.

Financially, it may not pay just as much as AI engineering or Aerospace engineering. But in terms of job satisfaction and intellectual stimulation, electrical engineering is a field that is a great challenge to take on. Its rewards lie in its difficulties. Your journey as an electrical engineer will be full of hurdles, and life then will be full of innovation.