24yo male here. I am a first year inside wireman apprentice in the IBEW and I had recently started some BSEE coursework with UND online. I have Calc I and II completed and currently working on “Intro to EE” and “Computer Science I” in the summer and enrolled in “Digital Circuits I” and “Calc III” in the fall of this year. Upon completing those classes. I will have about 40-50credits under my belt along with my field experience as an electrical apprentice (~7months)
I am currently looking to complete my online EE schooling at a pace of 7-8credits a semester with a timeline of graduation about 6-7years out.
In the meantime, I plan to progress through the IBEW 5year apprenticeship and hopefully top out as a JW near graduation with my BSEE. My question now is whether it is in my best interest to apply to EE internships now, in the near future, or look at internships/EE positions after topping out as a JW. I understand most EE internships are seasonal to accommodate for full-time, in-person students. I currently like working as an electrical apprentice and the union benefits are a great plus as I am looking to start a family soon as well. I would hate to relinquish the opportunity I am given in the IBEW apprenticeship as most of the schooling is provided by the union and the promise of a JW card near the end is a great “fall back” option in case life takes a turn.
In the future, I hope to land an EE position related to field work as I could hopefully utilize my field experience as an electrician. Maybe relay tech? Substation engineer? I am open to other fields like RF and Automation depending on if those classes spark my interest when the time comes
I’ll admit I’m very naive and ambitious to complete it all, so any bit of realistic advice would be appreciated.
Thank you