Electrical engineers on the brink of extinction threaten entire tech ecosystems (theregister.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the decline of electrical engineering as a field of study and career choice, citing a significant decrease in enrollment in electrical engineering courses over the past 50 years. This decline is attributed to the increasing focus on software and computer science, as well as the lack of visibility and accessibility of electrical engineering in modern technology. The article argues that this trend has serious implications for the tech industry and society as a whole. The decline of electrical engineering may lead to a shortage of skilled engineers and a loss of innovation in the field.

Main themes

• decline of electrical engineering
• software vs hardware
• education and career choices
• industry trends and needs
• tinkering and hands-on experience
• job market and compensation
• innovation and technological advancements
• societal implications and concerns

What commenters say

• The decline of electrical engineering is due to a lack of job opportunities and low pay in the field compared to software engineering.
• The shift towards software and computer science is a natural result of technological advancements and changing industry needs.
• The tools and resources available for electrical engineering are outdated and unattractive to new generations of engineers.
• Tinkering and hands-on experience with electronics is still possible and valuable, despite the increasing complexity of modern technology.
• The industry's focus on profit and shareholder value has led to a devaluation of electrical engineering and other hardware-related fields.
• Surface mount technology is not a significant barrier to entry for new engineers and hobbyists, and can be worked with using relatively inexpensive tools.
• The decline of electrical engineering has serious implications for the long-term health and innovation of the tech industry.
• Electrical engineers are underpaid and undervalued compared to software engineers, despite the critical importance of their work.
• The education system and industry need to work together to promote and support electrical engineering as a field of study and career choice.