Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and celebrated every February since 1951, Engineers Week was established to recognize how much engineers have contributed to society and the critical role that engineering plays in our lives. Celebrated this year from 16-22 February, Engineers Week stands as a reminder of how engineers have changed the world.
A History of Innovation
Throughout history, electrical engineers in particular have been responsible for some of the world’s most pivotal inventions.
Among them, Thomas Edison’s 1,000+ patents throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries included the incandescent light bulb and phonograph. Edison also established electric utilities, which helped make electricity more accessible to homes and businesses. (The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) was also first published in the early 20th century.) Around the same time, Nikola Tesla’s development of AC electrical systems, as well as his invention of the Tesla coil and induction motor, revolutionized telecommunications, power transmission/generation, and wireless technology. In the 1950s, Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce’s joint invention of the integrated circuit led to the miniaturization of electronic devices and the rise of personal computers, smart phones, semiconductors, and modern electronics.
Shaping Society Through Technology
More recently, electrical engineers have driven some of the most important developments shaping society today. These include smart grids, which enable electric utilities to engage in two-way communications with customers and make real-time adjustments, as well as energy storage systems, which promote electric resiliency by allowing for the storage of renewable energy (generated by solar power, wind, etc.) for use at a later time. Popular everyday items such as smart watches, thermostats, fitness trackers, telehealth systems, and many other devices are possible thanks to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables “connected” devices to collect, analyze, and share data.
Elsewhere, the recent development and proliferation of electric vehicles aims to help reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. Additionally, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing will continue to transform everything from healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation to customer service, banking, gaming, semiconductor design, weather forecasting, and more. This led Time Magazine to identify AI as a major force that will “reshape the world.”
Breakthrough developments like those above – as well as inventions that have yet to be imagined – rely on the technical expertise, vision, and creative efforts of electrical engineers. These professionals serve within a high-demand field worldwide. They can apply their talents to indelibly impact any number of diverse and dynamic industries.
Simply put, the field of engineering is positioned firmly at the edge of innovation, and the efforts of electrical engineers in particular are critical to the operation of modern society.
IEEE: Keeping You at the Forefront
Each year, Engineers Week helps increase public awareness regarding the positive contributions engineers make while also promoting careers in engineering and shining a spotlight on the importance of technical education.
As the professional home for the technology community worldwide for generations, IEEE has long been a renowned source of education in the broad range of fields that it encompasses. In honor of Engineers Week, the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) is offering a 25% discount on some of its most popular course programs. The special discount is available through 11:59 pm ET on 28 February 2025. Simply use code EW25 at checkout!
Eligible course programs include:
- A Step-by-Step Approach to Designing Blockchain Solutions
- Digital Transformation: Moving Toward a Digital Society
- Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable Future
- Enterprise Blockchain for Healthcare, IoT, Energy and Supply Chain
- High Performance Computing Technologies, Solutions to Exascale Systems, and Beyond
- IEEE 802.11ax: An Overview of High-Efficiency Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6)
- IEEE English for Technical Professionals
- IEEE Software and Systems Engineering Standards Used in Aerospace and Defense
- Machine Learning: Predictive Analysis for Business Decisions
- Practical Applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality in Business and Society
Engineers Week is a great time to celebrate the field of engineering and invest in yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn something new while earning professional development credit and digital badges that will enable you to showcase your new skillset!
Resources
National Engineers Week. National Today.
Engineers Week. National Society of Professional Engineers.
The Top 20 Famous Engineers Who Shaped the Modern World. Discover Engineering.
Kerwin, Jenna. (31 January 2025). Technology Trends in Electrical Engineering. Excelsior University.
Suleyman, Mustafa. How the AI Revolution Will Reshape the World. Time.
Hamilton, Ilana. (7 February 2024). 5 Careers in Electrical Engineering to Consider. Forbes.
10 Examples of Internet of Things (IoT) in Everyday Life. Nike Oregon Project.
Cloke, Harry. (28 July 2022). 70 Powerful Quotes About Learning to Inspire You! Growth Engineering.
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