how much does being an electrician help when getting an EE degree..... is it a breeze or will it only help a little?... anyone done it... gone from being an el to an EE?
2007-06-21 10:16:30 · 4 answers · asked by Mr. Ree 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It's not going to help a whole lot. If you specialize in power-engineering, your background would tend to be a little useful.
It won't be a breeze. You'll have to learn all forms of higher math that you might not have been 'exposed' to in high school. Calculus (all levels), differential equations (even more advanced calculus), vector analysis, boolean and linear algebra and others. Electrical engineering is a lot of applied math.
Examples:
you may know how to connect a starter capacitor in a 5 HP single phase motor, but do you know why a 33 uF capacitor is chosen and not a 25 uF cap, or a 40 uF cap?
You might know how to connect the H and X terminals on a 3-phase power transformer, but do you understand the principles behind an open delta connection for using 2 phases for lighting, and how the mains can remain balanced when only 2 phases are used on the secondary?
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2007-06-21 10:32:31 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Electrician work will help in practical application. EE's that come from the field make the absolute best electrical engineers by far. EE's with no field experience usually STINK. However, being an electrician will not help at all in your formal coursework, particularly in your higher mathematical and electrical theory courses. The core electrical engineering classes are brutal, and require a seriously strong academic foundation. If you were a mediocre high school student, you may have a difficult road ahead.
2007-06-21 17:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not much. To get an electrical engineering degree you have to learn lots of theoretical stuff that you will probably never use once you are working again in industry. The good news is that the things you know as a electrician will make you a very good electrical engineer once you are working again. If you have an aptitude for math and theory, get the engineering degree. The world needs more engineers with practical experience and common sense.
P.S. I am both a licensed electrical engineer and a licensed electrical contractor. I work independently and get to work on lots of really fun stuff and get paid lot of money for it.
2007-06-22 01:01:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's good as it will start to teach you to think in different terms. learn about current and voltage/dialectic strength,etc... there is a great deal of mushy thinking in the world. If you don't think so, try driveing in Paris or Rome that knowledge you will use the rest of your life and most likely prevent a few fires....you'll understand that later. good luck
2007-06-21 18:00:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋