The answer is yes: an electrical engineer can work as an electrician, but they would not be considered a “professional electrician”. Electrical engineers tend to have a higher level of education and training than electricians, which means they can earn a higher salary. However, an electrical engineer who works as an electrician may realize that their employment opportunities and promotion potential are limited. To become an electrician, one must be able to read plans and diagrams and have an in-depth knowledge of electrical theory.
Electricians usually only need additional training, such as an apprenticeship or certification program. It is possible for an engineer to become an electrician, even if they don't have enough experience; they just have to focus on a domain from the start and triple their efforts to learn. In addition, they must be humble and agree to be advised and guided by other technicians who may not have an engineering degree. An electrician usually needs nothing more than a high school diploma, an apprenticeship position and a license to work in their position.
While electricians perform many of the same tasks as electrical engineers, they don't need to have an engineering degree. That said, they must have solid experience in the field in which they work in order to work as technicians; having a degree in electrical engineering will not allow an electrician to solve problems without having specific experience in a domain. Electrical engineers must be able to think creatively and solve problems efficiently to create safe and reliable electrical systems. They also learn the basics of installing and maintaining electrical wiring, and how to use tools and equipment safely. There are many electricians who don't even have a university degree, making it a practical job that is largely based on repetition of experiences.
It doesn't involve difficult design problems or problems to be solved, except for solving system problems and repairing them. For example, electrical engineering must have manual skills, such as being able to use hand and electrical tools, such as multimeters, and being able to work safely in high-voltage environments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an electrician is one of the 10 jobs with the lowest unemployment rates. In conclusion, it is possible for an electrical engineer to become an electrician. However, they must be willing to put in extra effort to learn the necessary skills and gain experience in the field. They must also be humble enough to accept advice from other technicians who may not have an engineering degree.
With the right training and experience, electrical engineers can become successful electricians.
