Electrical Engineers

People who are interested in the excitement of electricity can tackle experiments such as building a radio or central processing unit of a computer. Special assignments can also be researched and supervised by teachers. Joining a science club, such as the Technology Student Association (TSA)—which provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and participate in summer exploration programs. It also offers competitions that allows high school students to use their engineering and technology skills. One example is Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (https://tsaweb.org/teams), an engineering problem competition.

Students can also learn more about electrical engineering by attending a summer camp or academic program that focuses on scientific projects as well as recreational activities. Summer programs offered by Michigan Technological University (MTU, https://www.mtu.edu/syp), Drexel University (https://drexel.edu/engineering/academics/high-school-programs), and other colleges and universities across the country focus on career exploration in engineering, computers, electronics, and robotics. MTU's academic program for high school students also offers art education, wilderness events, and other recreational activities.

Check out TRY Engineering (https://tryengineering.org), an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Web site that has engineering, technology, and computing articles and ideas to inspire students. Discover Engineering (https://discovere.org) is another great site. 

Participate in information interviews with electrical engineers. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask engineers about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Perhaps you could also participate in a job-shadowing experience in which you can observe electrical engineers in design workshops and in other work settings. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up these exploration opportunities.