Top 10 reasons to study electrical engineering

The electronics industry is currently suffering from a skills shortage. There is a lack of experienced employees, but especially of young talent. And this problem will

continue to worsen, as fewer and fewer young people want to pursue a career in this industry. According to VDE, the number of graduates is already far from sufficient to meet the demand.

There are many good reasons for young people to study electrical and information technology. We have collected 10 for you.

Reason 1: Graduates have no problem finding a job

One reason is indirectly related to the skills shortage: precisely because companies in the electronics industry are so urgently looking for new employees, graduates in this field have no problems finding a job after graduation, and not just with a very good degree. This is also confirmed by Ralf Brederlow, professor of circuit design at the Technical University of Munich: his students find good jobs very easily and often have many attractive job offers. So electrical engineering is an interesting study because of the skills shortage.

Reason 2: Electrical engineers will have a job in the long term

And even if the job market changes and few will stay with the same company until retirement, electrical engineers need not worry much about becoming unemployed in the long term. This is because the key topics that the electronics industry is currently working on, such as the energy transition, electromobility, or Industry 4.0, will be at least as relevant in 20 years as they are today. Therefore, companies will continue to need well-trained electrical engineers in the future to develop and implement the necessary hardware, probably even more than today, as challenges increase and the industry continues to grow.

Reason 3: Electrical engineers are well paid

Electrical engineers not only find it easy to get a job at the moment, but they can also generally live well from it. The starting salary with a bachelor's degree in Germany averages 44,700 euros gross, and with a master's degree, it is 49,600 euros. Electrical engineers with a doctorate earn an average of 60,500 euros per year. After ten years of professional experience, the salary can increase to up to 70,600 euros to 92,000 euros gross annually. For comparison: with a master's degree in business administration, graduates can currently earn about 42,500 euros gross at the beginning.

Reason 4: Young people who choose a career in the electronics industry have many opportunities open to them - even internationally

I can still remember well when I chose a field of study after graduating from high school: alongside great excitement and joy about finally being able to decide for myself what I want to do, I was also afraid. Because it seemed to me at the time that I was determining my entire professional future with the field of study. A fear that, according to Manfred Schussmann, head of training at Kuka, many young people currently have. That's why they often don't want to commit to a path early on, but want to have many opportunities and freedoms. The compulsion that an electrical engineering degree entails can be daunting. I decided to study physics at the time because I wanted to keep as many paths open as possible.

However, I didn't know at the time what opportunities an electrical engineering degree offers. Because even if you probably work in the electronics industry later with this degree: the industry is much more diverse than most students think. For the creative mind who wants to realize their own ideas, and the strategic planner who likes to organize or lead a team, there are just as many positions here as for the computer enthusiast. And for the tech-enthusiast tinkerer, for whom a degree might be too difficult or too theoretical, there is the option of doing an apprenticeship. Additionally, electrical engineering is a globally sought-after field. Therefore, graduates who do not want to stay in Germany have the opportunity to work in many countries and international companies. There, with a German degree, they generally have no problem finding a job.

Even someone who realizes after graduation that they don't want to work in the electronics industry still has several opportunities to find a position that suits them with their degree. Employers in other fields also appreciate a degree in a STEM subject, as they understand the skills and abilities involved. Thus, a physicist can also become an editor for electronics media.

Reason 5: Companies in the electronics industry value their employees

An electronics developer who has completed a degree or training knows the value of a degree in this field. Therefore, the appreciation in companies for their employees is very high. Additionally, graduates currently have a wide selection of positions. As a result, companies often offer a lot to attract and retain employees, especially regarding work-life balance or the compatibility of family and career.

Reason 6: Electrical engineers are involved in some of the most important current trends

An important reason why so few young people choose to study electrical engineering is that they have no idea what an electrical engineer actually does and why they are needed. This is especially unfortunate because they are well aware of the trends and developments that electrical engineers are working on and feel drawn to them. For example, electrical engineers develop the electronics that are very popular among young people, such as smartphones and tablets.

But current electronics development has much more to offer. In robotics, electronics developers are now working on robots that can think for themselves or interact with humans. In the automotive industry, they are developing self-driving cars and alternative drive concepts, such as electric mobility. Electrical engineering also plays a crucial role in the energy transition.

And these are just a few examples of the current developments that the electronics industry is working on. A study by VDE shows that young people are attracted to these trends and want to work on them. However, they usually do not associate electrical engineering with these developments. Therefore, it is important to show young people the central role that electrical engineering plays here.

Reason 7: Electrical engineers can actively contribute to a better future

Electrical engineering is not only an exciting, promising field of work, it is also extremely important for society and its transformation, because currently the primary energy source for most things in daily life is electrical. Therefore, electronics can also make a significant impact in terms of climate neutrality. For the transition to e-mobility and alternative energy sources, we need electrical engineers to develop and implement the necessary electronics. Even in medicine or security, better devices can help save lives, extend them, and make them more comfortable. So, studying electrical engineering is worthwhile for someone looking for a job that is not only well-paid and enjoyable but also meaningful and important for society and its future.

Reason 8: Studying electrical engineering is achievable

Besides the fact that many young people have no clear idea of electrical engineering, one reason why few study this subject is that many are afraid it is too difficult. In fact, the subject is challenging and is only recommended for people with genuine interest. Many students also drop out in the first two semesters.

However, those who have a good technical understanding and make it through the first two semesters usually manage the rest of the studies as well, because once you have the necessary basics, it becomes easier.

And in the first two semesters, it is usually enough to pass the exams; you don't need particularly good grades. There are also many opportunities to get help, possibly tutoring or studying with other students - this way, you not only complete your studies but also make friends for life.

For those who are interested in the subject but find the studies too demanding or simply too theoretical, there is the option to first complete an apprenticeship. This way, you earn money right away, already have a degree, and later you can still pursue further studies.

Reason 9: The electrical engineering degree is interesting

Once you have made it through the first semesters and acquired the necessary basics, it generally becomes easier and more interesting, because now students can often choose subjects according to their interests. At the latest in the master's program, the specialization phase begins, where everyone can focus on the area they enjoy the most. Each university has its own offerings. For example, TUM offers master's programs in Communications and Electronics Engineering and Neuroengineering in addition to Electrical and Information Technology. If your own university does not offer a suitable master's program, students with a bachelor's degree can also transfer to another university.

Reason 10: It's fun to work in the electronics industry

But more important than the studies is whether the work is fun in the end, because you spend most of your life doing it. As an editor, I meet many different people from the electronics industry and at the end of a conversation, I always ask them my favorite question: "What do you like about your work in the electronics industry?".

Every time, my interview partner's eyes start to shine. I always get very different answers to this question, but one thing is the same: everyone likes their work because it is important, because it is interesting, and because it is simply fun to work in the electronics industry!

We need to convey the reasons for studying electrical engineering to young people

There are many good reasons to study electrical engineering. The most important step now is to convey these reasons to those who matter: the young people who are currently deciding what they want to do in their future. Many of them generally have no idea what to expect in their studies and careers. We, who work in the industry ourselves and have completed our degrees, can offer them a perspective here.