How to Start a Career in Electrical Engineering Technology
Getting a degree is your first step in starting a career in electrical engineering technology. From there, you need to turn your education into a job and a rewarding professional journey. What comes after you graduate?
Choosing the right entry-level position in electrical engineering technology, getting hands-on technology experience, networking within the industry, and continuing to learn and stay current as technologies evolve are all part of building your career. This article explores your next steps and how to build on your academic foundation as you explore careers in electrical engineering technology.
Research Employers of Electrical Engineering Technologists
Starting out in the field of electrical engineering technology, you have many paths to grow in a rewarding career and to specialize in areas of particular interest. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers in the United States in 2024 were as follows:
- Federal government (13%)
- Engineering services firms (12%)
- Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers (11%)
- Makers of navigational, measurement, electromedical, and control instruments (7%)
- Utilities (6%)
What can you do with an electrical engineering technology degree? You can find entry-level EET roles in design, assembly, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Opportunities are wide-ranging, from working as an automation technician or telecommunications technician to putting your embedded systems experience or PLC programming skills to work. You could even choose a position in technical sales. Any of these roles would be a fitting place to start your electrical engineering technology career.
Get Certified
Earning an EET degree, especially one from an ABET-accredited program that offers opportunities to develop hands-on experience with essential skills, is a good place to start. If you want to set yourself apart, open niche opportunities, or advance faster, consider adding a certification or two to your credentials. Some of the most recognized certifications include:
NICET (technologist certification): Offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, this certification validates engineering technology knowledge.
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) — FE Exam: Graduates or students close to finishing an engineering or engineering technology degree from an ETAC/ABET-accredited program can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to earn EIT designation. After gaining enough qualifying engineering experience, those who pass the FE can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a Professional Engineer (PE).
Automation, control, and systems certifications: The International Society of Automation offers two certification programs. The Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) is more appropriate for recent graduates, but you may eventually choose to earn the more advanced Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
Energy and power management certifications: The Association of Energy Engineers offers a variety or certifications for specialized energy roles, including those that don’t require work experience.
OSHA 10- and 30-hour training: Many employers in utilities, construction, and industrial settings expect this training.
NFPA 70E arc flash and electrical safety training: This certification is for using personal protection equipment and safety regulation compliance. Other NFPA certificates include Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) and Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW).
The number of certifications is always growing as technology evolves. Beyond starting your electrical engineering technology career, you can pursue continuing education and add to your credentials. Some are offered by vendors such as Siemens, Rockwell, and Cisco. Others are offered by various associations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPA), CompTIA, or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International.
Join the Community
Becoming a member of a professional organization at the start of your electrical engineering technology career has benefits that are well worth your time and money. You can:
- Connect to a global network of industry leaders, peers, and mentors.
- Develop your expertise as you raise your profile by attending conferences and local chapter meetings.
- Access exclusive libraries of innovative research, industry insights, development trends, and evolving technical standards.
- Receive career development opportunities, including workshops, mentorship programs, and leading various initiatives.
The IEEE is one of the larger associations, but it is just one of many. All the organizations behind the certifications we mention above are also logical places to start. You may choose to belong to a general community and then select one that focuses on the specialization that most interests you.
Your Career in EET Starts with Excelsior University
Begin your electrical engineering technology career at an ABET-accredited university. Excelsior University’s career-focused BS in Electrical Engineering Technology program ensures that you have not only a breadth of essential knowledge but also the technical expertise that employers seek. The program is offered in two formats: fully online and hybrid for students who live in or near St. Petersburg, Florida.
Excelsior’s 100% online option offers the most flexibility, with courses conveniently available to you at any time via the student portal. The hybrid learning option includes in-person lab sessions taking place in the evening and/or on weekends. Hands-on experiences reinforce online learning, giving you the opportunity to apply lessons in real-world settings using industry-standard equipment and collaborating face-to-face with peers. Both learning options are part of the same ABET-accredited program and lead to the same in-demand bachelor’s degree.
Whatever your ambitions starting out in electrical engineering technology, Excelsior is here to help make them a reality. Learn how you can spark new opportunities with an EET degree or talk to an admissions counselor to help you take the first step toward your exciting new career.
