Education · 1 of 5

The path

Four years of hard math, then a job. The license is optional in this branch, and most engineers skip it.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Calculus and physics are the two that decide whether first year feels possible. Take both as far as your school goes.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

   4 years

   Choose a program accredited by ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Circuits, signals, electromagnetics and a lot of differential equations.

3. 3

   Internships or a co-op

   During college

   One paid term every summer, or a full co-op year. This is how nearly everyone gets their first offer.

4. 4

   First engineering job

   Straight after graduating

   Design, test, applications or field engineering. You work under experienced engineers and learn what the textbook left out.

5. 5

   License, if your work needs it

   4 more years, optional

   Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, work about 4 years under a licensed engineer, then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Needed mainly for power and building systems work.