When to get an MBA, an MEng?

[smurfgirl]

Hi Chief Delphi, I'm looking for some advice from some of the more experienced engineers here who might be able to offer me some perspective. I'm currently a junior at MIT majoring in materials science and engineering, and as I've been trying to figure out my plans for my last year of college and my career path, I've determined that I'd like to get an MBA and probably an MEng in my field. I've heard from some people that you'll get a lot more out of it if you have at least a few years work experience before getting an MBA. Should I consider applying to any programs now, for right after I graduate college, or is it better to wait a few years after I have some work experience? Also, does the same thing apply to master's degree programs, or would it be beneficial to do that right after graduating, or does it not make as much of a difference there? Thanks for your help.

[billbcc91]

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.

[Rob Colatutto]

I went straight onto my MEng right after my BS in Mechanical Engineering. I do agree, it depends greatly on the person.

My reasoning was, that after leaving school and entering the work force, I would not want to go back to school and have 'true homework' again. Turns out, for me, I was right. I had considered going back part-time for a Ph.D, because my employer would pay for it. I even went so far as to sit in on a class, but once I heard the reminder of homework, papers, and thesis, I was sold at the idea of not going back.

The decision is not a small one, so put some thought into it, and how you'd feel about spending more time in school and accumulating more loans.

[Cynette]

Tough decision, you really need to do what feels right to you.

My husband and I both waited a few years between the Bachelor level and Masters. I am glad we waited. The courses were much more relevant with a few years of work experience. We could add more to the discussions and make class projects have value to what we were during at work. We both went part time, which means that it takes longer, but was easier to afford. The part time aspect made it so much less stressful than full-time college that I really was able to enjoy the classes and the workload.

My husband went for the MBA, I have the MSEng. I had no interest in the management courses I had to take as an undergrad, and so I had no interest in taking them in a Master's Program. I don't think either of us ever considered getting both. I'm not sure if it would have been recognized by our employers then or now as adding value to their organizations by having both.

[ks_mumupsi]

Ahh... the MBA - MEng discussion....

I went through this, a lot of what I am going to say has been said here before, but I will give you my story. I did Biomed Eng. for undergrad, did a coop my senior year and decided I was going to switch all my PhD applications which were already sent to MEng applications.

I started the Masters right after the undergrad, in the process also obtained a full time job (after doing a second coop during my first year of MEng) and continued the masters part time. It was probably one of the best decisions for me, does not work for everyone though.

I finished my Masters last October (3 years later) heh... and took my GMATs in December, I am starting my MBA this fall, dont know where yet though.

I would say the MEng is first priority because you want to build the technical background in your field before really starting to consider and understand the business aspects, unless you completely want to skip the Technical side and have no interests in it.

Also, if you like technical aspects more, you may want to try it out first and see if the MBA is really even a direction you want to consider.

Hope this helps.

[mplanchard]

Hi Ellen

My suggestion is that if you want both - do the technical Master's first and as soon after graduation as possible. Graduate level math classes - required in Masters of Mechanical Engineering are a challenge. Also, I found the math content at the Master's level intense. I did a master part time after work and am greatful to Computervision (now PTC) for paying for it. My husband did an MBA at the same time, his company also paid for his master's degree. He read and wrote a great deal - I felt like a math major and derived many equations and programmed - but I did alot in robotics and FEA.

While you are still at MIT and you walk down that infinite corridor, see if you can find out information about the deFlorez competition or 2.009. These might be projects/classes to participate in because there is a business component. You have to manage a project and or bring a product to market. Also, I believe you can take a few business classes at Harvard to see if you like this type of instruction - while you are still at MIT undergraduate.

I will agree with the previous mentor, most MBA or Masters in Management want work experience before you apply.

Good luck - Marie