Electrical Engineering Talent Availability

Electrical engineering is a growing field that involves the use of innovative technology and electrical components to solve social problems. An electrical engineer could be working on large electrical systems like a power grid for instance or on small devices such as computers and smartphones.

Recruitment for electrical engineering is a domain-specific activity and is focused on generating a pool of qualified candidates who can conceptualize, develop and maintain electrical systems in various industrial situations. The primary duty of an electrical engineer is to solve electrical engineering problems. They must be capable of designing, developing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems.

Finding talent in electrical engineering

There are various challenges in finding the right talent for electrical engineering. Let us examine them in detail.

1. Lack of qualified talent

There are several reasons for the lack of qualified applicants because of a high level of competition and a lack of understanding of the role. Several candidates are unaware of what they can accomplish in this field. Some problems also arise because companies do not use new-age methods like personality tests to evaluate candidates. Instead, they use outdated, rigid procedures.

2. Finding the right talent

Several industries and companies are recruiting electrical engineers for roles other than their core specializations and candidates are opting for these. Finding talent to fill roles that are very technical is a huge challenge. It is important that candidates enhance their technical skills so that they can fill needs that arise from emerging trends and vacancies.

3. Good employer branding

A successful employer branding helps attract and retain prospective employees more effectively. It is important to talk about the company’s culture on the website, the social media handles and when potential recruits interact with the organization. Essentially, candidates would be attracted to a company where the culture reflects its ideology.

Where to look for talent in electrical engineering?

Since electrical engineering is one of the largest branches of engineering, talent can typically be found by:

Campus recruitment

Campus recruitment is one of the most effective ways to recruit candidates in electrical engineering. Eager, energetic and qualified talent is available in plenty and can be trained and moulded according to the specific needs of an organization/ industry . Offering internships is also a great idea as they attract young, talented, and new candidates to the company.

Spreading the word to draw potential candidates

Any job posting or listing should highlight what the job offers a potential candidate and the benefits of working for your company. While it is important to talk about salary and benefits, you must also highlight the career advancements that your company can offer. The right messaging can attract the right talent.

Networking with the technical community

The technical community has a strong network of professionals. It is important to have strong communication channels that engage with the technical community. This can help spread the word about any vacancy or need for a specific position that you are hiring for.

Career opportunities for electrical engineers

Since electrical engineering has several subfields, it lends itself to a variety of career paths and there is no shortage of opportunities. Since electrical engineers are in high demand, many companies are restructuring their compensation and benefits packages to attract the top talent.

Industries and roles for electrical engineers

Electrical and Electronic Manufacturing, Semiconductors, Consumer Electronics, Machinery, Logistics, Telecommunications, Renewables and Environment, Biotechnology, Oil and Gas, Automotive and Aviation are some industries that hire electrical engineers. Electrical technician, controls engineer, test engineer, electrical project manager, electrical designer, sustainability engineer, equipment engineer and hardware engineer are some of the roles for electrical engineers.

Why hire an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers evaluate the scope and execution requirements of applications and electronic system components. They will then work on improving them. They solve complex electrical design problems and develop power solutions based on the needs of the organization. They will create and implement processes and testing methods to maximize production streams. They must strive to complete projects safely and on time.

Skills to look for when hiring an electrical engineer

Look for a combination of hard and soft skills. Specifically, apart from technical qualifications, you must look for skills in problem solving, creativity and good communication abilities. The candidates must be able to collaborate and work alongside other professionals. A good grounding in math with critical thinking capabilities are vital. Since electrical engineers work in multidisciplinary teams, they must have good leadership skills.

Summary

Electrical engineering is a booming field. With the growth of the electrical equipment industry, the job opportunities for electrical engineers are on the rise. Talent availability is a challenge for companies even though the demand for electrical engineers is high. There is a lack of enrolment in STEM courses. This is compounded by the shift of new technologies which require new skills to be learnt. It is a continuous challenge to find the right talent to fill existing vacancies and replace the aging workforce in several companies.

People Also Ask

1.  Is there a high demand for electrical engineers?

Yes, we all know that our lives are unimaginable without electrical appliances. Owing to the high demand, new appliances are introduced in the market which attracts people to buy them. So, electrical engineering jobs are always in demand.

2. Which skill is best for Electrical Engineering?

Some critical skills required for electrical engineering are critical thinking, technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, organisational skills and problem-solving skills. 

3. Which type of questions are asked in electrical engineering interviews?

In electrical engineering interviews, you can anticipate various types of questions ranging from circuit analysis to electromagnetism and power systems. They aim to evaluate your technical skills and insights into your past projects and experiences, to gauge your knowledge and expertise.