Why Everyone Should Learn Electrical Engineering
No, actually you shouldn’t
I am an electrical engineer, so shouldn’t you learn electrical engineering too? Well, now that I think about it, you probably shouldn’t. However, I am sick and tired of reading about why everyone needs to learn to code. See here, here, or here, for example. You do not need to learn how to code any more than you need to learn electrical engineering. I think the reason you read about it a lot these days is because:
- Coding is a hot job, particularly with smart phone apps so the news is jumping on it without much thought.
- People that code tend to contribute and participate in online forums much more than most other professions.
This has lead to a distortion in that their is a perceived value for everyone learning how to code.
You do not need to learn coding or engineering because engineers exist to solve your complex technical problems! You don’t need to! Any sort of technical person that is good at their job — whether an electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, or computer programmer — has studied for years in school and then worked in the field for countless more hours. What do you hope to accomplish by learning a tiny little bit about a great big field like coding?
Unless you plan to make a career change (go for it if you want to!), or if you want to learn how to better manage or lead engineers, learning to code is like taking a golf lesson. Sure, you may hit the ball better, but you are not going to make the PGA or give Tiger Woods any tips on his swing. Do not think one class on electrical engineering or coding is going to make you an expert or improve your life.
So please stop telling me I need to learn how to code! Maybe YOU should learn Maxwell’s equations (actually please don’t…).
