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A Resurgence of Interest in Electrical Engineering

Nov. 18, 2014
Roughly 10 years ago, student enrollment levels in electrical engineering programs at a number of high-profile U.S. universities began to soften.

Roughly 10 years ago, student enrollment levels in electrical engineering programs at a number of high-profile U.S. universities began to soften. A key reason for the reduced interest in this particular discipline was the widespread discussion and activity taking place in the area of outsourcing. Many believed there was going to be a major shift in sending design work out of the country. I actually reported on this fear in our Annual Top 40 Report, published in the June 2005 issue of EC&M.

Based on an interview I had conducted with one of the top design firms that year, I conveyed their message that as Internet connection speeds improved and more advanced software hit the market, the outsourcing of electrical engineering and design work overseas would increase. The benefits of this approach included: keeping health care and benefit plan costs in check; combating fee pressures due to continued competition; and harnessing the ability to take on more work more quickly. You have to recall that the industry was flush with work at this point in time, and design firm executives were having difficulty finding properly trained and experienced design/construction professionals in the pipeline to keep pace with growth.

Fast forward about five years, when the overall construction market had its major meltdown, and the story quickly changed. Design firms were now scrambling to find work in new markets and reduce staffing levels. It’s no surprise to see that the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the area of electrical engineering bottomed out in 2010, according to data compiled by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). But just as the overall construction industry has its own ebb and flow periods, so does the engineering education market.

As reported in our cover story this month (“EE Evolution” on page 18), college educators are now seeing a strong demand from students seeking computer and electrical engineering degrees. According to data compiled by the ASEE, full-time undergraduate enrollment in electrical engineering jumped by nearly 6,000 students over the previous year, reaching 91,336 students. This is the highest level seen since 2004. Why the renewed interest? Electrical engineering degrees have always been valued as a solid building block upon which many different jobs could be based. And as the economy and construction market continue to slowly improve, so does the need for young, fresh talent. But this resurgence also comes with its own set of challenges for the education community. Employers now expect graduates to not only have a basic understanding of the technical aspects of electrical engineering, but also be skilled in the art of communication, teamwork, and project management. This has led to a revolution in engineering education. University faculty members are now creating curriculums that stress social intelligence, leadership skills, innovation, and creativity in an effort to turn out well-rounded engineering graduates. These changes will be good for everyone involved, including those of you looking to hire new talent now and in the near future.

About the Author

eparson | Executive Editor

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