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Unread 16-01-2011, 13:08
billbcc91 billbcc91 is offline
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Re: When to get an MBA, an MEng?

Everybody's experience is different. How much experience have you had related to engineering at internships? If it is a lot, perhaps you know barely enough about the work world (and yourself) to go ahead with one of the advanced degrees.

Then, where do you see yourself in 5 years or 10 years and ultimately? If you want to stay deeply involved in the technical aspects of engineering, I would suggest you don't need the MBA at all. The decision would then depend on whether you want to find an area of specialty or if you've already decided on one. If you know what you want to specialize in, and feel confident there are careers that require that knowledge, go ahead straight to your ME.

Money of course matters as well. If its not an issue, then you can go straight to grad school. If it is an important factor, consider that many employers will pay at least partially for your MEng. It might take a little longer, but there are many solid MEng programs that you can take via distance learning (RPI, Purdue among many others.)

If you eventually see yourself as a general manager or program manager, then I would suggest that the MBA is more important than the MEng. It also creates more flexibility if you would like to work outside engineering. If an MBA is the right route, I would definitely recommend at least 2-3 years of work experience (some MBA schools demand it) so that while you are taking the class work you have some business experience to consider how you'd apply what you're learning.

In the interest of disclosure, I'll admit I have a BSME and got half way through a hybrid "engineering management" masters. I found I was learning virtually nothing I could not learn by reading the Wall Street Journal regularly. Could have been my program, or perhaps just my impatience.
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