UNIT 2

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & CAREERS

Warm-up. Answer and discuss the following:

Below are some jobs that one can do after graduating from electrical engineering:

• Acoustic consultant
• Aerospace engineer
• Broadcast engineer
• CAD technician
• Control and instrumentation engineer
• Design engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Electronics engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Sound engineer
• Special effects technician

Can you think of any other jobs you could do?

What kind of a job will you ideally pursue?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

I READING. Now read a text about electrical engineering jobs5 and complete the
exercises below:

6 Different Types of Jobs Electrical Engineers Can Get Themselves Into!

By Kiran Daware Miscellaneous

It is myth that engineers can land to only specific job types that are related to their field. They may
choose to stay with their field or choose to a different one. An electrical engineer can explore a number
of options that may or may not relate to the field of electrical engineering and still make a successful
career. This article talks about electrical engineers; their specific job
types and what different tasks they can perform apart from the jobs
related to electrical engineering.
Engineers are responsible for everything that is related to developing
and designing electrical equipment, as well as testing and
supervising the manufacturing processes. These are the traditional
roles of an electrical engineer. These engineers are responsible to
combine creativity and technology and convert ideas into reality.
Before we get into what other jobs an electrical engineer can get, let
us understand what the basic role of an electrical engineer is.

What Is the Job Profile of An Electrical Engineer?

Before getting a job, one needs to complete an engineering course and get a degree to further explore
what is in the plate of an electrical engineer.
A lot of the role of an electrical engineer depends on the employer. Electrical engineers are usually
involved in developing, designing and maintaining electrical control systems. Other than control system
they also look after different components that require specifications that focus on safety, reliability,
quality and economy. Electrical engineers are demanded in a number of sectors. To name a few:

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Adapted from (CC licence): https://www.electricaleasy.com/2015/04/6-different-types-of-electrical-jobs.html. Image credit (CC):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thisisengineering/48315633117 and https://www.careeraddict.com/uploads/article/56426/electrician-checking-cables.jpg
 • The service industry
• Transportation industry
• Construction and manufacturing industry
• Production and distribution of powers
Along with getting involved with the minutest of the details,
electrical engineers are also involved in the maintenance of the
project.

Job opportunities for electrical engineers

Other than typical electrical engineering jobs, there are some other things that an engineer can make a
career into. Some of them include:

• Consulting Firms
Electrical Engineers can work as consultants that advise businesses with strategies that help them
improve their businesses. As a consultant, the engineers will get an opportunity to work with the defence
services and research institutes of a nation. This field has the potential of growing exponentially and is
one of the highest paying jobs for an engineer. Consulting work will rank as a sector that has great
potential in future.

• Technical Writing
This is another field that has seen an upward graph if we talk about the growth. The job market sees
the need of technical writers and this is an opportunity that interests a lot of writers. The technical writers
are supposed to research, collect information on technical and scientific subjects, and convert the
complex information into a clear and understandable form that is understood by someone from the non-
technical background. Majorly, they are hired in order to make user guides and manuals for users in a
particular industry. The employers look for someone who has good knowledge in their field and who is
fluent in the writing language.

• Sales & Marketing

Not only MBA graduates are employed for a sales or marketing job. Sometimes the industry demands
knowledge about the product and, when such is the case, engineers are hired to sell and market a
particular product. All large and small engineering companies have employment opportunities in this
department of the company.

• Research
Having research and development expertise will open more doors if you want something which is
different from a typical engineering job. Though the knowledge and skills requires will be the same, the
career opportunities are immense. This field is one of the most apt for electrical engineers finding their
way out of the regular path.

• Teaching
Engineers can take up teaching as a profession and share the knowledge that they have gained. This
traditional field requires great and depth knowledge about a subject. It requires the engineers to study
more before they are employed as lecturers in the college. So, if you consider to choose this field, then
a strong hold of the subject is a must.

• Entrepreneurs
Lastly, if you are an independent person with business plans in mind, then it is best for you to start with
a business of your own. Though it is a huge step to take, engineers can go forward and take the risk if
they believe they can create products or solutions that are sure to change people’s lives. Decide
whether you have that ability to take the risk and go further.

The Last Words

So in a nutshell, if you are one of those who like to do things differently and who are bored of the typical
electrical engineering job profile discussed above, then you may choose from any one of the above as
career. However, do not just jump into switching career or generally picking just one. A lot of intense
research about the future and how to go about it, is required. So before you decide to go off track, do
your background search.
a) Decide whether the following are true or false.
1. Electrical engineers can work only in their field.
2. Creativity is not necessary for the job of an electrical engineer.
3. Electrical engineers can work in a number of industries.
4. Typically, consultancy jobs for electrical engineers are well paid.
5. Technical writers are well paid but are not so in demand.
6. Some engineers can work in the sale of products.
7. Engineers who wish to become lecturers need to be highly knowledgeable.
8. For those wishing to be self-employed, some risk is usually involved.

b) Match the words in the italics with their synonyms or definitions.

land supervise plate minute exponentially industry
immense apt gain lecturer convert reliability

1. huge, big …………………….

2. get, obtain …………………….
3. monitor, oversee …………………….
4. an economic activity or branch …………………….
5. transform …………………….
6. very small …………………….
7. get something you wanted, typically a job …………………….
8. flat round dish …………………….
9. the quality of being trusted …………………….
10. a teacher in a college …………………….
11. increasing very fast …………………….
12. suitable …………………….

c) Which words were used together with these in the text? The first letter is
provided.
l………….. a job d…………….. knowledge about a subject
go off t……………… e…………….. a number of options
be in the p……………. of highest p…………….. jobs
a strong h……………… of the subject open d…………..
take u……. teaching in a n…………………….
take the r……………….. the m…………………… of details

d) Complete with the missing word forms.

Verb Noun Adjective
- fluent
switching, switched
defence
convert
employed
demand
 reliability
advise

e) Match the sentences’ halves.

A The job market sees 1 into switching career.
B Do not just jump 2 open a number of doors.
C Having research expertise will 3 for electrical engineers.
D This field is one of the most apt 4 on the employer.
E The role of an electrical engineer depends 5 the need of technical writers.
F They are hired in order 6 to make user guides and manuals.
G The technical writers collect information 7 up teaching.
H Engineers can take 8 on technical and scientific subjects.

f) Answer and discuss the following:

1. What jobs are traditionally seen as jobs for an electrical engineer?
2. What industries can electrical engineers work in?
3. What are some of the jobs for electrical engineers outside the traditional ones?
4. Which of the mentioned jobs earn a high salary?
5. Which of the mentioned jobs would you like to do and why?

II SPEAKING. Below are some of the most important things an electrical

engineer should know. Discuss how important they are in your opinion and add
some more that you think are relevant.

• Project Management
• Engineering Design
• AutoCAD
• Matlab
• Programmable Logic Controllers/Automation
• Develop electrical schematics
• Data collection and analysis
• Build and operate computer systems
• Prepare operational plans
• Electronic equipment maintenance
• Circuit design
• Direct construction activities and equipment upkeep
III LISTENING. Meet Jack, an electrical engineer apprentice at the Broomfleet
factory6. Listen about what his job involves and answer the questions below.
1. Why did Jack choose engineering as his profession?
2. What does the factory that Jack works in produce?
3. Why does Jack enjoy
working at this factory?
4. What does his role
involve?
5. Do apprentices typically get a chance to work in big
projects? What is so different about Wienerberger in this
respect, according to Jack?
6. Why does Jack encourage young people to work as apprentices in factories such as Wienerberger?

IV WRITING. Writing a job application letter.

Below is an advert for a job in the field of electrical engineering.

Job in Montenegro
Posted by INDGROUP
Listed on 2021-03-05
Job specializations: Engineering

Qualifications:
- University degree in Electrical Engineering.

Skills
- The skills required to work in signalling, contact
network & telecommunication.

Please send your CVs in the English Language only.

A sample application letter follows.

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Taken from (CC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=cSXoLWn5UdY. Image credit: screenshots from the same link.
 9 March 2021

To: Suzana Tomić

Bulevar Sv. Petra Cetinjskog 2
Podgorica
+382 67 333 444

Application for the position of an Electrical Engineer

Dear Ms. Tomić,

It is with much pleasure that I am writing to you to consider me for the position of an Electrical
Engineer with your organization. My confidence is based on my skill-set and academic achievements,
as I yet need to gain some more practical experience in the field. I hope you will grant me this
opportunity.

After high school, I enrolled a degree course at the University of Montenegro, at the department of
Electrical Engineering, where I am about to graduate with flying colours. I have been one of the most
active students in class who always had additional questions about the subject matter and extra ideas
of how we could tackle or solve certain tasks and challenges.

After my graduation, I will move ahead to obtain official certification in my field, which I am looking
forward to.

I have worked as an Electrical Engineer apprentice for several months and I would like to apply for
the position offered by you to gain some more relevant experience.

Among my key competencies is the ability to work for long hours, attentiveness to details, and my
ability to multitask. I would say that I am a person mature beyond my age, adaptable and resourceful,
and I am sure that I will have no troubles blending in your work environment and making the most of
the opportunity of working for you.

If invited for an interview, I hope to discuss my skills and qualifications in further details and greater
clarity with you.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you need any further information.

Sincerely,
Petar Petrović

As can be seen, job applications or cover letters typically have this structure:
• contact details
• salutation (use formal salutations)
• the introductory part, which identifies the position you are applying for, as well as briefly
presents who you are
• the body of the letter, which may consist of two or more paragraphs, identifying your
educational background, your work experience, and what you are like as a person
• the conclusion – the letter typically ends by you expressing your hopes for a fast and
positive reply, as well as willingness to attend an interview and answer any further questions
• complimentary close (yours truly, sincerely, etc.)
• your signature

The vocabulary which you can use in an application letter includes the following:

Dear Sir/Madam,
Dear Sirs,
Dear Mr. Smith,
Dear Ms. Smith…
To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to apply for the position of… advertised in… (daily, website) on… (date).
I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on… (where and when).
I refer to your advertisement in… dated…
I read your advertisement for an electrical engineer with great interest.
I have pleasure in applying for the advertised position for an electrical engineer, as…
I would like to apply for the position of…

Currently I am working for… and my responsibilities include…

I am particularly interested in this job because…
I would like to work for your company, in order to…
My strengths are…
I think I would be well suited to the advertised position because…
Although I have no previous experience in…, I have had the opportunity to…
My professional qualifications are well suited to your company's requirements.
During my time as ..., I improved/extended my knowledge of…
My area of expertise is…
While working at…, I became highly competent in…
Even under pressure, I can maintain high standards.
I have an interest in …
I would appreciate the opportunity/chance to broaden my knowledge....
As you can see from my enclosed CV, my experience, skill and qualifications match this position's
requirements.
My current position as… has provided me with the opportunity to work in a high-pressure
environment, where it is essential to meet deadlines.

In addition to my responsibilities as..., I also developed… skills.

My mother language is…, but I can also speak…
I have an excellent command of…
I have a working knowledge of…
I am an experienced user of…
I believe I possess the right combination of... and…
I am highly motivated and look forward to working for your company.
I see this position as a challenge, which I look forward to.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with you personally.
Please find my CV attached.
I can supply references from…, if required.
I am available for interview on…

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why
I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via…

Yours faithfully,
Yours sincerely,
Respectfully yours,
Kind/Best regards,
Now find a recent advertisement for a job from your field. Write an application
letter for it.
V LANGUAGE IN USE: GRAMMAR. Future plans.
Future plans – verb forms
To talk about future plans the following verb forms may be used:

be going to + V (to express your determination and a clear intention about a future plan):
This year Jenna is going to choose a field of engineering to specialize in.
On Monday he is going to visit the Engineering Museum.

Present Continuous (for arranged future plans):

He is attending a lecture at 3pm tomorrow.
Next semester we are writing our graduation papers.
I am starting college in September.

Sometimes these two forms may be used interchangeably; the only difference is that there is some
more definiteness about the future events expressed via Present Continuous, as these events have
been arranged.

Future Continuous (for future arrangements and plans which are less definite and formal):
We will be arriving in Podgorica soon.
We’ll be leaving at 6 o’clock, so don’t be late!

On the other hand, Future Simple is used for the decisions which were made at the time of speaking.
They were not planned before that.
I think I’ll revise for the test instead of watching TV.
I just got an email from my friend. I’ll call him later.
We don’t have any office supplies. I’ll buy some when I go out.

For uncertain future actions, Future Simple is used.

We will probably go tomorrow but we still don’t know for sure.
Maybe I will join you, I am not quite sure.

a) Choose the best option:

1. You want to remind your colleague about something which he needs to do tomorrow. What will you
say, A or B?
a) Remember that you’ll meet the new client at 12.
b) Remember that you’re meeting the new client at 12.
2. You talk about you career plans. What will you say, A or B?
a) I will be an electrical engineer.
b) I am going to be an electrical engineer.
3. The teacher tells you that you need to submit your seminar paper by next week. What will you say,
A or B?
a) Of course, I will submit it by next week.
b) Of course, I am going to submit it by next week.
4. You have a scheduled appointment with your tutor. What will you say, A or B?
a) I’ll meet my tutor the day after tomorrow.
b) I’m meeting my tutor the day after tomorrow.
5. You are not sure if you will join your friends. What will you say, A or B?
a) Perhaps I’ll visit you later.
b) Perhaps I am going to visit you later.
6. You ask a friend if he will join you. What will you say, A or B?
a) Will you be joining us later?
b) Do you join us later?
VI LANGUAGE IN USE: VOCABULARY. Future plans. Basic engineering
terminology: circuits.

Future plans – vocabulary

Here are some of the introductions you can use to talk about future plans:
We are thinking of V-ing…
I am planning to V…
She’s hoping to V…
I’m toying with the idea of V-ing…

Some other useful phrases include:

I’ve been dying to V…
I’ve got my heart set on V-ing…
I’d love to V…
I can’t choose between X and Y…
I’m torn between X and Y…
I am not 100% sure but I might V…

To ask others about their plans, you can use the following:
Are you going to V…?
What are your plans for…?
Have you decided…?
What are you up to…?

Now work in groups or pairs. Ask and answer about your plans for:
• the next year
• the next three years
• your long-term plans
Use the phrases from the box.

Basic terms in electrical engineering: circuits7

AC (Alternating Current) – an electric current which reverses its direction many times a second
at regular intervals.

DC (Direct Current) – an electric current which flows in only one direction.

Feeder – all circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately derived
system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

Feeder Pillar (also known as a power box or distribution pillar) – a cabinet which is used for
housing electrical equipment.

Fuse – a circuit-interrupting device which consists of a strip of wire which melts and breaks an
electric circuit if the current exceeds a safe level.

Ground or Earth – the reference point from which voltages are measured, a common return path
for electric current, or a direct physical connection to the Earth.

Ground Fault – an unintentional, electrically conductive connection between an ungrounded

conductor of an electrical circuit and the normally non–current-carrying conductors, metallic
enclosures, metallic raceways, metallic equipment, or earth.

Grounded Conductor – a system or circuit conductor which is intentionally grounded.

7
Adapted from: https://electricianapprenticehq.com/electrical-terms-definitions/
 Grounded (Grounding) – connected (connecting) to the ground or to a conductive body extending
the ground connection.

Load – anything which consumes electrical energy, such as lights, transformers, heaters and
electric motors.

Neutral Conductor – the conductor which is connected to the neutral point of a system which is
intended to carry current under normal conditions.

Overload – operation of equipment in excess of normal, full-load rating, or of a conductor in

excess of rated ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length of time, would cause damage
or dangerous overheating. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground fault, is not an overload.

Parallel Circuit – a circuit in which there are multiple paths for electricity to flow. Each load
connected in a separate path receives the full circuit voltage, and the total circuit current is equal to
the sum of the individual branch currents.

Rectifier – an electrical device which converts an alternating current into a direct one by allowing a
current to flow through it in one direction only.

Series Circuit – a circuit with only one path for electricity to flow. All of the current in the circuit
must flow through all of the loads completing its path to the source of supply.

Series Parallel Circuit – an electric current which contains groups of parallel-connected receptive
devices, which are arranged in the circuit in series; a series multiple circuit.

Short Circuit – a fault usually resulting from imperfect insulation, such that the current follows a
by-path and inflicts damage or is wasted.

a) Complete the sentences below using the words from the vocabulary box
above.
1. An electrical circuit ……………………. happens when you draw more electricity than your circuit can
safely handle.
2. A ………………. ………………. refers to a condition when electricity strays outside the established
pathway of the electrical circuit. The term is often used somewhat incorrectly for any wiring problem.
3. A ………………….. is an electrical device which converts alternating current (AC) to direct current
(DC).
4. ………………….. is the act of connecting a conductor, or exposed conductive parts of an installation,
to the earth.
5. A: My hairdrier's stopped working.
B: Maybe the ……………………. has blown.
6. A ………………. …………………. is a type of fault in which the unintentional pathway of the straying
electrical current flows directly to the ground.
7. A power box (USA) or ………………. ……………… (UK) is a cabinet for electrical equipment,
mounted in the street, which controls the electrical supply to a certain number of houses in a
neighbourhood.
8. ………………….. …………………… is the one-directional flow of electric charge.
9. A ……………………. ………………………. is the intermediate conductor in a 3-wire electrical
system, which is usually grounded or maintained at zero potential.
* Fun facts

Famous Electrical Engineers

There is a long tradition of electrical engineers who have developed and contributed to the field.
You are certainly familiar with Tesla and Edison, and aware of the rivalry between the two, as well
as the controversies surrounding it. Still, there are many other electrical engineers who explored
this technical area. Below are some of the names whose work has shaped the understanding of the
electrical world around us.

Claude Shannon (1916 – 2001)

Shannon was an electrical engineer, a mathematician and cryptographer. He
studied electrical engineering at MIT. He is known as the father of information
theory as his theories on storing information were essential for the development
of the Internet. Shannon is also behind the digital circuit design theory. He
designed switching circuits (based on Boolean theory). Shannon’s theoretical
constructs became the basis for modern computers.

Alfred Rosling Bennett (1850 – 1928)

Bennet was an English electrical engineer and writer. He worked in India in
his early career but later returned to Britain. He contributed to the field with his
revolutionary work on incandescent electrical lighting. Bennet is also known
for his work with telephony.

Edith Clarke (1883 – 1959)

Clarke was the first woman to have been awarded a
Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at MIT. She was also the
first woman who became a professor of electrical engineering in the USA (at the
University of Texas, Austin). Clarke invented the Clarke Calculator, a device for
solving equations involving electric current, voltage and impedance in power
transmission lines. She wrote the book Circuit Analysis of A-C Power Systems,
which was highly influential. In 2015, she was posthumously inducted into the
National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Michael Faraday (1791 – 1867)

It is due to Faraday’s efforts that we have practical use of electricity as a power supply. Faraday
contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry, and his main
discoveries lie in the fields of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, as well
as electrolysis. He is regarded as one of the important scientists in history. Much
of his work underpins what we know about electricity even to this day. He is also
one of the fathers of the electric motor.

James Clarke Maxwell (1831 – 1879)

Maxwell was a Scottish scientist. He worked in
mathematical physics and devised the theory of electromagnetic radiation.
He thus brought together electricity, magnetism, and light, as three
manifestations of the same phenomenon. His equations for
electromagnetism are regarded as the “second great unification in physics”,
the first one having been achieved by Isaac Newton. His work laid the foundation for modern
physics, particularly the fields such as quantum mechanics and special relativity.