Ever wondered how electrical 
systems are made?
They're designed and overseen
by a special kind of engineer.
Let's go meet an electrical engineer.
Hi. I'm Brian.
Hi, Brian. I'm Sonia come on in.
I'll show you around.
Great!
My name is Sonia Mollaei.
I am an electrical engineer in Vancouver, B.C.
Responsibilities of an electrical
engineer are to plan and design
the electrical system for buildings,
such as power, lighting, communication, security,
and also fire alarm system.
You need to coordinate with other engineering
disciplines including structural,
architectural and mechanical.
And you need to ensure that any changes
in other engineering consultants' design
is reflected in electrical drawings, as well.
We conduct numerous site reviews
and site visits to ensure that all the
deficiencies are addressed
and communicated with the contractors.
We also review shop drawings,
construction documents,
and... to make sure that everything
goes as smoothly as we can.
You're working on detail design.
You're working with various software.
It can be AutoCAD. It can be can be Revit.
Depending on the type of the project you're working on.
It's very important to be innovative because
you're looking at it from the perspective
that you want to have a feasible design,
which is also efficient and cost effective.
Standard hours are 8 to 5,
but since this is a project-based job,
so we might be required to stay
longer hours just to meet deadlines.
So it seems like the type of job that you're
constantly being presented with new challenges.
Absolutely. Every project is unique
and it presents its own challenges.
You need to be very innovative.
Yeah, I bet.
Physics and math... 
They've always been my favourite courses.
And I believe that's what 
engineering is about.
Incorporating numbers into principles and creating
a design that's efficient, economical and feasible.
You need to complete a four-year degree
program in electrical engineering.
That's a requirement to enter to this field of work.
And if you want to become
a registered or professional engineer,
you need to also have four years
of engineering technical experience.
And also you need to pass your law and ethics exam.
And, essentially, you need to meet requirements
of Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C.
So, in an ever-changing world, 
this job has to change along with it?
Absolutely. There are always
seminars and conferences.
You need to stay current.
Also as part of being a professional engineer,
you'll be receiving engineering stamp.
And by applying that a stamp on the drawings,
you ensure that the drawing or the document
was prepared by you or under your direct supervision
and you're assuming responsibility for the content
of the drawing and documents.
You need to carefully check your drawings and your
calculations and you need to make sure
that you comply with local codes and standards.
This job has definitely changed over time
because technology is rapidly changing.
For example, ten years ago we probably
didn't have as many electric vehicles.
We didn't have as many electric
car charging stations available.
This is a requirement that we
typically put on the drawings.
With electrical engineering experience you should
be able to work at power utility companies.
You can also work in heavy
industry sectors, such as mining.
If you're considering a career in this field,
I would recommend, uh, do well in school,
build up knowledge, be open to new technologies,
take advantage of co-op programs.
So, it's really nice to have a career that you're
surrounded by other really interesting careers.
Absolutely.
That's a favourite part of my job.
I work with a smart team of engineers
from mechanical to structural,
electrical and architectural,
and I get to learn a lot from them.
It's really important to be good with numbers
because in our field, in electrical engineering,
you're doing calculations for every single design.
You're calculating your electrical load.
You're calculating your, the size
of your emergency generator,
your transformers, your
voltage drops, your cable size,
so if the calculations are not done properly
and you're not complying with code,
there can be massive implication on safety
and eventually costs and hazardous risks.
There might be a misconception that this
job is less suited for women,
which is not the case.
Engineering is about innovation, being creative,
being a problem solver and
being a team player.
And, if you're up for it,
this is the job for you.
Well, Sonia, thank you so much
for showing me around today.
I really learned a lot.
Thank you so much for coming in.
Have a good one.
You, too.
Once again, I'm Brian for Career Trek,
reminding you that this career could be yours.
