Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
(OP)
Folks,
I have worked in telecom for about 15yrs with 3 EE degrees. I want to switch to Electrical Power Engineering with a focus on residential/industrial/commercial electrical design/consulting. Does any one have an idea of the best route to achieve this in terms of training/education? Getting a P.Eng. is not the issue. I am already working on that. It is getting into power engineering that I cannot figure out.
I have worked in telecom for about 15yrs with 3 EE degrees. I want to switch to Electrical Power Engineering with a focus on residential/industrial/commercial electrical design/consulting. Does any one have an idea of the best route to achieve this in terms of training/education? Getting a P.Eng. is not the issue. I am already working on that. It is getting into power engineering that I cannot figure out.






RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
I currently work as a electrical design/consultant and I think getting a P.E. is a good first step. In terms of training/education, definitely pick up a copy of the 2008 NEC and the Handbook of Practical Electrical Design by McPartland. Also get a free subscription to EC&M magazine as they have very useful articles and will help in familiarizing you with the NEC.
That'll give you a baseline of appropriate education for the field but like anything else, you'll realize you need to continue learning about things as you go on in this industry. This field is extremely broad so there are many different things to learn, i.e. lighting & illumination, communications, protective relaying, etc.
If it's possible, you should try to get your hands on sets of electrical drawings for different projects. This will give you a flavor of the product that you will need to provide in this career. And a far as getting into the industry, check with local architects and electrical contractors for electrical consultants they often use. your area.
Hope the info helps. Good luck!
Dennis
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
I would try contacting some local electrical contractors to see what opportunities they might have.
For education, look for local classes on the National Elecrical Code - local electrical inspectors often hold classes periodically.
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
Alan
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"It's always fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
I recently worked with an aviation EE who switched to become a protection and controls engineer at a utility. I wouldd believe that your education would help in the controls and SCADA arena and utilities are looking for people who can do that.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
residential/industrial/commercial electrical design/consulting. It seems you just need to learn lighting and power, the special systems part, which is paging, security systems and telcom should be easy for you. Starting out the main requirement is to be good at CAD.
Get a job doing it and study while you are working.
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
There are a fair number of code courses around -- check your local community college, CSA training course, EPIC.
You may find that your skills would also allow you to work in the building automation field. These are control systems for buildings, and you might find your skills more applicable there.
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
If you focus on the commonialties, then that could be a winner.
Or specilise on communications inside power applications, which there is a need for.
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
If you want a job before the end of the downturn, I wouldn't think construction is an expanding field. Perhaps something related to increased government spending that is creating some growth areas.
Good point. Isn't that part of the fabled smart-grid?
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RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
RE: Switching from Telecom to Electric Power Engineering
Thanks.