In such a challenging economy, people have begun to place as much emphasis on happiness as they have with salary when considering a career. With so few high-paying jobs available, many believe that if they are going to be paid less, they should at least be spending their time doing something they enjoy. Sometimes, though, one is able to find a career that provides significant financial stability along with enjoyable perks. One of these positions is that of an electrical engineer.

The term ‘electrical engineer’ is really an umbrella phrase to cover a wide range of jobs, such as: power engineer, control engineer, electronic engineer, microelectronic engineer, signal processing engineer, telecommunications engineer, instrumentation engineer and computer engineer.

First and foremost, engineers are paid well. While it may be a rigorous course load while in school, many would say that it pays off – and then some – upon receiving a job. Engineers usually receive the highest salary of all other academic disciplines.

In addition to financial stability, the position of engineer is a prestigious one. Engineers are well-respected members of society who are often viewed as noble and intelligent for their scientific advancements and breakthroughs. Electrical engineers are often hired to oversee other workers such as electricians, computer programmers, scientists, and even other engineers.

People with high-paying jobs often complain of the lack of mental stimulation that comes along with their position. Engineering is very different, however. Engineering allows for daily creative thinking and problem solving while at work. Engineering, at its core, is a creative art that requires inventiveness, a willing to discover and question what has already been accepted as finite. Being an electrical engineer allows for the stability and day-to-day comfortable atmosphere of a long-term career while providing the mental-stimulation and gratification of an artist.

Along with financial stability and intellectual stimulation, the field of engineering also allows for a wide variety of career opportunities and a professional environment. Additionally, engineers have a wide range of what they might consider an office. Electrical engineers can work anywhere from a fabrication plant, something so commonplace as the offices of a consulting firm, or even something as exotic as a mine.

To become an electrical engineer one must first obtain their bachelor’s degree, followed by professional certification by a professional body such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or the Institution of Engineering and Technology. These organizations provide a standard of skill, conduct and ethics by which an electrical engineer must adhere.