1. What personal qualities should I possess to become an Electrical Engineer?
First of all, you have to have good qualifications in mathematics and physics. These two subjects form the basis of all engineering disciplines. You also have to have an enquiring mind, enjoy solving problems, be creative and enjoy being precise.
2. What should I look for in a good degree course?
You should look for a course that provides a good grounding in all aspects of electrical and electronic engineering including good training in mathematics. The course should be a BEng or, preferably, an MEng degree which makes the final route to Chartered Engineer easier. You should also check whether or not the degree is accredited by the IET.
A degree which offers some industrial and practical training is also preferable.
3. How do I become fully qualified?
Once you have your degree you must then embark upon a period of initial professional development (IPD) which combines training and responsible experience. To become fully qualified as an engineer involves obtaining Chartership (CEng) which normally takes at least four to five years after graduation. In order to apply for CEng through the IET, a candidate must first become a Member of the Institution (MIEE). All Chartered Engineers appear on the registration lists of the Engineering Council (UK). CEng is recognised globally and is a prestigious title. We receive applications for CEng from all over the world.
4. Is it possible to combine a degree with another subject?
Yes. There are many degree courses available at British universities which combine engineering with, for example, management science, a modern language or business studies.
5. Are there many women who do these courses?
It is true that Engineering has for many years been a male dominated subject but these days more and more women are entering the profession.
It is still perceived as "an oil and spanner" subject. This is a very false impression - most engineers these days are involved with highly technical projects involving complex computing and modelling systems, excellent presentation skills (verbal and written) and very well developed communication skills. Having worked on the planning and design stages of engineering projects, Chartered Engineers are required to make presentations at very senior level involving good negotiating, personal and soft skills and, very often, it is women who are better at this than men!
Engineering is not an easy subject - it requires highly developed technical, mathematical and analytical abilities and draws on may different types of skills. The profession welcomes applications from female candidates.
First of all, you have to have good qualifications in mathematics and physics. These two subjects form the basis of all engineering disciplines. You also have to have an enquiring mind, enjoy solving problems, be creative and enjoy being precise.
2. What should I look for in a good degree course?
You should look for a course that provides a good grounding in all aspects of electrical and electronic engineering including good training in mathematics. The course should be a BEng or, preferably, an MEng degree which makes the final route to Chartered Engineer easier. You should also check whether or not the degree is accredited by the IET.
A degree which offers some industrial and practical training is also preferable.
3. How do I become fully qualified?
Once you have your degree you must then embark upon a period of initial professional development (IPD) which combines training and responsible experience. To become fully qualified as an engineer involves obtaining Chartership (CEng) which normally takes at least four to five years after graduation. In order to apply for CEng through the IET, a candidate must first become a Member of the Institution (MIEE). All Chartered Engineers appear on the registration lists of the Engineering Council (UK). CEng is recognised globally and is a prestigious title. We receive applications for CEng from all over the world.
4. Is it possible to combine a degree with another subject?
Yes. There are many degree courses available at British universities which combine engineering with, for example, management science, a modern language or business studies.
5. Are there many women who do these courses?
It is true that Engineering has for many years been a male dominated subject but these days more and more women are entering the profession.
It is still perceived as "an oil and spanner" subject. This is a very false impression - most engineers these days are involved with highly technical projects involving complex computing and modelling systems, excellent presentation skills (verbal and written) and very well developed communication skills. Having worked on the planning and design stages of engineering projects, Chartered Engineers are required to make presentations at very senior level involving good negotiating, personal and soft skills and, very often, it is women who are better at this than men!
Engineering is not an easy subject - it requires highly developed technical, mathematical and analytical abilities and draws on may different types of skills. The profession welcomes applications from female candidates.
