For a long time, many people have been concerned that new technology would mean jobs being lost. In reality, that has not happened, and more jobs of different types have been created.
Unfortunately, for some of these jobs, there is a lack of qualified people to fill them. According to The Fuse, for example, there were 5,000 software and electronics vacancies in the US auto industry that remained unfilled in 2017. Many of these jobs will have required applicants to have the relevant qualifications, such as a master’s in electrical and computer engineering.
The same applies to many other industries. Where the difference lies is that skilled workers are needed. This makes being qualified and gaining experience more important than ever before.
The Job Outlook for Electrical and Computer Engineers
There has been a huge demand for electrical and computer engineers. A report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that different areas of the industry will grow at various rates but that the demand for qualified engineers will be anywhere between 6% and 21%, depending on the type of work. Software developers, for instance, are expected to have the highest level of increase in available jobs at 21%, which is much faster growth than the national average.
With almost 50 industries needing qualified electrical and computer engineers, the choice of work is huge. It includes:
- Designing and developing software and hardware for the domestic and industrial market and ensuring that all safety standards are met.
- Working with robotics and artificial intelligence in all areas of commerce and industry.
- Working in the field of electric, hybrid, and autonomous vehicles. Developing transportation systems for their functionality.
- IT and cybersecurity.
- Researching new technologies.
- Working in the aerospace industry.
- Management consultants.
- Systems analyst.
- Nuclear engineer.
With salaries ranging between $100,000 and $300,000, the earning potential is as great as the choice of occupations.
How to Earn your Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Not many people can afford to stop working to study and get the qualifications they need, but the answer is really quite simple. You can earn your masters in electrical and computer engineering online while still holding a full-time job.
In as little time as just two years you could:
- Complete the course, which is designed with working professionals in mind.
- You can study in the evenings or at weekends, and all the help you need is available whenever you need it.
- You have none of the problems associated with commuting to and from a college or university.
- The certification you receive is just as highly regarded.
- Some experts that have said anyone that completes a course online has to have self-discipline and determination. For this reason, there are employers that prefer that the qualification has been gained this way. Their hope is that these traits will transfer to the work of the prospective new employee.
The certificate you receive does not specify if you completed the course online or classroom-based, it is up to you to include that information on your resume.
The Cost of Earning Your Qualification
The cost of online courses is less than attending a physical university, as the educational facilities to not have such high expenses to cover for online students. There are still grants available for online students that fit the rules, but in some cases, employers will foot the bill. This is because they would rather keep a trusted employee and advance their qualifications than risk employing new people. In this scenario, the student often has to agree to stay with the company for a set period, usually two years, after completion of the degree, but it does mean that getting the qualification costs you nothing and you are still earning your salary at the same time.
All you need is a digital device and a reliable internet connection to get started on one of several courses that begin throughout the year.
Freelancing as an Electrical and Computer Engineer
For some people, they would rather offer their services on a freelance basis than be employed by one company. Although this can be slow workwise to start with, once they have built up a client base, it can be a great way to use their knowledge and expertise. There could be more variety in the work they are asked to do, and their earning potential is up to them. As a freelancer, they can work for as long or short a period as they want, depending on the lifestyle they want to lead.
Of course, they will be responsible for their own taxes and they should have liability insurance in place, in case of a disaster. In spite of this, some people prefer to be their own boss.
From the employer’s point of view, it is often cheaper to use freelancers. They will have less control over them, but they only pay for completed work and have none of the legal responsibilities attached to employing workers. There are plenty of online sites that connect employers with freelancers in all industries, and these can be very useful to them both.
Go for It!
There is no doubt that regardless of what career path you want to take, the more qualified you are, the easier it will be to move up the ladder. Do not let yourself be one of the people that think about getting qualified for years but do nothing about it. You will regret that later in life and these days, it is so unnecessary.
Online courses have made it easier than ever to earn the qualifications you want, so go for it and enhance your career prospects. You do not have to consider the location or leaving your job to complete a course. Even stay at home parents will be able to fit an online course in between caring for their children and be better prepared when they are ready to re-enter the world of work.