looking forward

I have been working in circuit electronics manufacturing for the last four years. Prior I worked as an electrician for seven. I thought electronics was the way for me now I see that I should have stayed with electrical. I have a BSEET and want to shift gears only the electrical market does not seem to be kind to entry-level engineers, who are not PE’s. I have a strong background working in power distribution and all levels of electrical installations. I know the code fairly well and am very good at looking up the things I don’t know off the top of my head. My degree although technical has to carry some weight. I want to be an electrical engineer with out having to go back to school for four more years. The question is can this be done?

 

[REDDOG]

Most State Registration Boards require an ABET accredited
education in engineering to sit for the PE exam.
See NSPE for State requirements

http://www.nspe.org

Depending upon the Engineering School you are applying to,
they may accept some credits from your BSEET degree if it is from an ABET accredited program. This may shorten your program to 65 credit hours.
Meet with the guidance consuler and understand the graduation requirements of the Engineering School you would be applying to.
With your background and experience you should little trouble getting a entry level job with a consulting firm or an electrical contracting firm as a designeer while working toward your EE degree.
Good Luck.

 

Reddog,
Thank you I am looking to make the move soon. I know I am not ready to take on full-blown electrical engineering position or even an internship. I just need to find out how to get my foot in the door and start heading in the right direction. I have been calculating demand factors, designing and building services for some time. When I went to school to learn electronics I thought it would be a strong field. In resent month’s things have been slow and I have fallen back on my electrical skills. I really enjoy working in this field and feel I would get more out of it. Hindsight being 20/20, I hoped that I would not have to do much more schooling to achieve my new goal. I have also been studying to take the masters’ exam, even though, going into business as an electrical contractor is really not what I want. I want be an Engineer. Anyway thanks again I am going to look into getting a design position and find out what I have to do to finish my education.

 

[Rich2001]

It might be quicker to get your Master's in EE rather than Bachelor's. Talk to the schools in your area. I would rather hire someone who has been in the trenches over someone who's experiences are only books.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestions:
1. To work and study what you intend to be appears to be a good solution. You earn your money, experience and credits toward your degree.
2. Inquire about various programs for you, e.g. cooperative program (which appears to be a popular program and often hard to get into), correspondence, over IEEE, evening school, over Internet, etc.

 

Thank you all, I am very happy that I have found this site. I am looking forward to fulfilling my plans now that I have a better idea of what I need to do. This site rules.

 

[REDDOG]

MSEE degree may not meet the requirements or PE License.