Bridging the MEP Skills Gap: Why Electrical Engineering Graduates Struggle to Find Work in Building Design

Electrical engineering (EE) is a versatile field that offers graduates a wide range of career paths, from utilities to telecommunications, electronics, manufacturing, and beyond. However, when it comes to breaking into building design—specifically within mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering—many EE graduates hit a wall. Despite a strong foundation in theory, many find themselves underprepared for the practical, hands-on demands of the industry.


This blog covers the challenges EE graduates face when pursuing careers in building design and explores how bridging the skills gap can unlock fulfilling and lucrative opportunities in MEP engineering.

1. A Career Field Few Know About

Electrical engineering graduates often overlook MEP engineering as a career option. Most universities don’t introduce students to the building design industry, focusing instead on broader applications like electronics or circuit design.


What is MEP Engineering?
MEP engineering is the backbone of modern building systems. Electrical engineers in this field design lighting, power distribution, fire alarm systems, and more for commercial and industrial buildings. It’s a practical, impactful career, but without exposure to it during school, most graduates don’t realize it exists.


The result? A lack of awareness that limits the talent pipeline for MEP firms and leaves graduates unaware of a fulfilling career path.

2. The Theory vs. Practice Gap

EE programs are rigorous, but they prioritize theory over real-world application. While graduates leave with knowledge of circuits, signals, and control systems, they’re often missing the hands-on experience that MEP employers value:

  • Software Proficiency: Tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam are industry staples, but most EE programs don’t include them in the curriculum.
  • Practical Design Experience: Few graduates have experience creating actual construction documents or understanding how their designs integrate into real-world buildings.
  • Project Collaboration: Building design involves cross-disciplinary teamwork, requiring coordination with architects, mechanical engineers, and contractors—something rarely taught in school.

This gap leaves hiring managers reluctant to bring on entry-level candidates who need significant on-the-job training.

3. Resumes That Miss the Mark

Another challenge lies in how graduates present themselves to employers. Many entry-level resumes emphasize coursework and technical skills that don’t align with the requirements of MEP jobs. For example, listing experience with MATLAB or microcontrollers won’t catch the attention of a firm looking for someone skilled in Revit or electrical load calculations.


Graduates often don’t know how to tailor their resumes to the specific needs of the MEP industry. This mismatch between what hiring managers look for and what applicants showcase creates a barrier to entry, even for talented individuals.

Unlocking MEP Careers: The Opportunity for Grads in the Know

While graduates struggle to find work, the MEP industry faces a significant labor shortage. 88% of engineering firms are reporting problems with finding skilled workers.


Buildings are becoming more complex, with higher demands for sustainability and advanced systems, increasing the need for skilled electrical engineers. This disconnect between supply (graduates) and demand (firms) creates a clear opportunity for those who can bridge the gap. MEP engineering offers:

  • High Salaries: The average salary for MEP engineers in 2022 was $114,434 which does not include bonuses.
  • Job Security: The growing construction industry along with the focus on energy efficiency and smart buildings ensures sustained demand for MEP professionals.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities to advance into project management, start your own firm, or specialize in high-demand areas like sustainable design.
  • Remote Work Options: Many MEP engineering tasks, like designing in Revit or coordinating projects, can now be done remotely, offering flexibility for MEP engineers.

Bridging the Gap with BETI

At BETI, we understand the challenges that EE graduates face. That’s why we’ve developed a program specifically designed to help aspiring engineers transition into the MEP industry.

Here’s how we bridge the gap:

  • Hands-On Training: Learn to use essential software like Revit and Bluebeam, and gain experience designing construction documents.
  • Real-World Experience: Work under the guidance of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and receive feedback on your designs.
  • Tailored Career Support: From crafting an industry-specific resume to interview prep, we help you position yourself as the ideal candidate for MEP roles.
  • Industry Connections: BETI partners with engineering firms and recruiters to help our graduates land their first job in the field.

By focusing on the practical skills employers value, we empower EE graduates to turn their education into a rewarding career in building design.

Conclusion

For electrical engineering graduates struggling to break into the workforce, the problem isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of alignment with industry needs. MEP engineering offers a clear path forward, combining technical challenges with the opportunity to design systems that shape the built environment.


BETI is here to guide you on that path, providing the training, experience, and support you need to stand out in this growing field. Ready to bridge the gap and launch your career in building design?


Discover how BETI can turn your degree into a career. Apply today and start building the future of MEP engineering.

Apply Now!

AI. Research. Experience.

Each word is crafted with Chat GPT and guided by an experienced, licensed engineer's insights.


Research for this blog was obtained through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Technology & Innocation Foundation - Short Circuited: Electrical Engineering Degrees in the United States 2023, Consulting-Specifying Engineering Annual Salary Report 2023, Hire-Retaining-Training Report 2023

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