(Frankfurt am Main, July 28, 2025) The start of the new semester is fast approaching, and many young people are asking themselves: What should I study—and what are the prospects? One thing is clear: The world is becoming increasingly electric. We are moving toward an "all-electric society." Studying electrical engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities in a variety of industries. At the same time, it is clear that the job market for electrical engineers is currently subdued. Although the demand for qualified specialists remains high, the general conditions have changed noticeably.
For aspiring engineers, this means that those who used to often have a job contract in their pocket before graduation may now have to search for several months to find a suitable position. This is new for electrical engineering graduates, whereas in many other degree programs it has long been common for a noticeable amount of time to pass between graduation and the first job contract.
The good news is that the growing demand for electrical solutions in almost all areas of life means that there is a huge need for skilled workers. Electrical engineers are in demand and can look forward to a degree program with numerous attractive development opportunities in various fields and industries. These include (renewable) energy production and distribution, electromobility, robotics, artificial intelligence, medical technology, information technology and communications, factory automation, microelectronics, mechanical and plant engineering, and the automotive industry. Not to be overlooked are the excellent pay and the prospect of solving the challenges of the future and making the world a better place to live.
Demand cannot be met in the future
The members of the VDE Committee on "Study, Career, and Society" expect demand for electrical engineers to rise again as the economy picks up. "However, based on our assessment and the declining number of first-year students combined with the retirement of the baby boomers, we believe that university graduates will not be able to meet this demand," says Deputy Chairman Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Hegger. From discussions with companies in the electrical industry, he knows that HR managers are keen to hire, but decision-makers are cautious. There is an "investment backlog."
But electrical engineering is and remains a key discipline, emphasizes Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kira Kastell, chairwoman of the VDE committee: "Electrical engineers are currently in demand in medical technology, microelectronics, defense, and the energy industry. Perhaps a little more mobility would also help people find lucrative jobs more quickly."
Dr. Michael Schanz from the VDE predicts a significant drop in the number of graduates from relevant degree programs in 2026 and 2027: "If the new government brightens the mood on the job market, the cries of despair in companies will become very loud." In fact, the shortage of skilled workers in electrical engineering is already noticeable today: whether it's university studies or vocational training, according to the Cologne-based German Economic Institute, it is particularly difficult to find qualified personnel in this field – more difficult than in all other STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
