The power industry in Canada is growing at a nearly 9% rate today. This includes nuclear energy, coal, and other resources that are used to generate electricity.
Because society is using more power, it’s only natural that the job field for electrical engineers is booming right now. Learning about the demand, skills, and requirements for this role will help you find your fit in this field.
Here’s what you should know about the electrical engineering jobs available to people in Canada.
What Is the Demand for Electrical Engineering Jobs in Canada?
In Ontario, the job outlook is promising for electrical engineers. The same applies throughout many other parts of Canada.
Companies are relying on these engineers as electrical systems become more sophisticated. There are several different types of electrical engineering jobs springing up every day.
Examples of electrical engineering jobs include:
- Electrical controls engineer
- Electrical design engineer
- Project management engineer
- Electrical engineer in the aeronautical industry
- Engineer that develop specific types of electronic devices
Seeing the possibilities can help you decide what segment of the field you would like to specialize in. From here, you can chart your path in the industry.
What Is an Electrical Engineer Salary?
Of course, you wouldn’t set out to become an electrical engineer without knowing about the salary and benefits. Understanding this will help you find the most competitive jobs. This can help you earn a salary that improves your quality of life.
Electrical engineers in Canada earn roughly $81,000 per year. Many earn well into the six figures depending on the position and their experience. You should research different companies as well to learn what kinds of benefits packages they offer.
How Do You Become an Electrical Engineer?
Learning how to become an electrical engineer is your next step in the process. This way, you can get your credentials, which you can use to chart your path.
First, you’ll need to apply for and gain admission to a 4-year university program that has an electrical engineering degree track. Complete the coursework, graduate, and apply for your electrical engineering certification. This will involve an exam that shows your proficiency with the information and the field.
Your education will consist of hours in the classroom, electrical engineering labs, and real-life scenarios. You should come away with an understanding of what it takes to become an electrical engineer.
Once you have passed the entry exam, you’re ready to become an electrical engineer in Canada by taking your first position. You will have a better chance of finding electrical engineering jobs in Canada if you have taken internships and built your resume before graduating.
Find an entry-level job and spend your first 1 to 3 years gathering experience and learning your trade. From here, you can build a career path that you’ll enjoy.
Get the Most From Your Electrical Engineer Career
Once you have entered the field, the way that you manage your career is entirely up to you. There are some things you can do to gain advantages and build your ideal life.
Consider the following:
Continue Your Education
Electrical engineers should always focus on continuing their education. By law, you have to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every couple of years for your license to stay valid.
Rather than only doing the bare minimum, make sure that you remain a lifelong learner in your field. This will keep you ahead of the curve and help you develop the mastery that you need. When you’re sharp, knowledgeable, and have plenty of education and credentials, you will always be in demand as a professional.
You might even consider going back and getting your master’s degree if it will help you with project management and upper-level goals. There are always new certifications that you can get to improve your skills as this career field grows.
Network and Attend Seminars
Next, make sure that you’re also building your professional network. Stay up to date with industry events so that you can attend seminars that keep your finger on the pulse.
In many cases, your next job will come from the people that are within your network. This will teach you where the best opportunities are and how you can take advantage of them.
Join professional associations and participate in them so that you’re constantly investing in your career and moving the industry forward.
Navigate Your Career With Purpose and Intent
Set goals every few years and make sure you know what your end game is in your career. This will help you plan your next move and choose the jobs that will get you to your goal.
That way, you will know which jobs to accept and which to turn down. When you navigate your career with purpose you will also seek the skills you need to propel you forward.
Seek mentors and advisors who can help you set achievable goals that you will be proud to go after.
Finding Electrical Engineering Jobs
If you’re searching for the best electrical engineering jobs around, the information above provides an excellent starting point. This is a thriving field that is fulfilling and potentially lucrative.
As long as you develop your skills and navigate your career field with purpose you can achieve your goals as an electrical engineer.
SSA Group is another piece of the puzzle that can help. Use these tips and contact us to learn more about the many job opportunities available.