How many engineers have MBA
How many engineers have MBA
(OP)
Hi,
Just wondering how many engineers have MBAs? How old were you when you did it? Did you find it beneficial? Did you stay in engineering or branch into something different?
Just wondering how many engineers have MBAs? How old were you when you did it? Did you find it beneficial? Did you stay in engineering or branch into something different?





RE: How many engineers have MBA
RE: How many engineers have MBA
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Most of the people I've known with or working to get MBAs haven't exactly been poster children for wanting to get one. In fact some of them are poster children for not wanting to get one. Although perhaps my experience is atypical.
I've also seen numerous articles doubting their real worth given that they're becoming increasingly common.
If I was going to get a masters it would probably be in a technical field or at a push maybe something like Engineering project management which I think I've seen on threads before.
However, this is partly because of my career goals. If your goal is to get into non technical management then maybe an MBA makes sense.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
My recommendation would be to do all the other things that are pluses for advancement in your field first, i.e. PE license, field assignments, supervise/mentor others, etc. Wait until you're feeling like you aren't growing anymore, then try the MBA.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
RE: How many engineers have MBA
I went straight into management upon my graduation, which was my goal. It was most beneficial because all of the management had MBAs. Understanding business principles is very important if you want to run an engineering department or firm.
I did it because I was working with very old engineers that were doing the same work as I, and with no more success than I. I saw sloppy project management, and the only way to get things done properly was to take hold of the department.
Now I own my own business. If I didn't get my MBA, I'd still be doing the same thing as I was when I was 30.
Charlie
www.facsco.com
RE: How many engineers have MBA
I find the degree worthwhile for several reasons:
1) It rounded out my skills. I am able to understand and analyze technical issues from a business perspective.
2) While I am in technical management, I feel the MBA does set me apart from other managers.
3) It was something I wanted to accomplish.
4) Someday I hope to have my own company and feel this will help me.
The MBA has not propelled me into senior management. However, this is not what I was striving for; I consider myself an engineer first and foremost. If you desire to move into the top ranks, you really need to go to a top MBA school full-time.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
RE: How many engineers have MBA
I started in 2004 after 5+ years working experience (and a MSc) and did it post-labour hours (tipically from 19.00 til 22.00/23.00).
There were several reasons that made me take this step:
1-I live in a small city with a good MBA programme, so commute time is very small, meaning that I could leave my work at 18.40h and still being in time for class;
2-As I am in a management position, I felt that I needed to develop my skills as a manager.
3-I was putting 60+ hours/week (because I had available time)at work and I felt that I was not being efficient.
What I learned:
1-Value of time-Since I had to leave for class I had to concentrate myself on waht was really important and demanding my attention;. Now that I don't have classes anymore, I can control my time and still leaving around 18.30h when before I would seldom leave before 20.00h.
2-Management technicques-Applied some with my staff and it worked well;
Regarding professional progression, I am still in the same position as before, but now I can use my time better and have better quality of life, and that is priceless.
Either way, I still didn't loose my hope to make the "great leap forward" based on my skills and on the MBA.
I also think that the "validity date" for a MBA is somewhere between 0-3 years after you finish it.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
But, my company will not pay for all of it so I will have to wait. I have enough student loans to last a life time and with a son going into college in a year I can't afford to pay cash right now.
I have thought about a masters in engineering management which involves engineering but also a little bit of the business side of things from a leadership perspective.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Remember what separates tinkerers from engineers: ability to analyze, either ballpark or comprehensive analysis.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Remember.. good engineers do not necessarily make good managers and good managers do not necessarily make good engineers.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Sure for a mech eng having it gives more options but you can get a job in 'exempt' industry without it.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Having said that, I do wish to have a masters degree after completion of my MBA. I see MBA as professional and Masters Degree in Engineering as personal acheivements, for myself.
Good luck,
RE: How many engineers have MBA
Agreed, the PE is not universally required in all industries, but the PE prep experience is a good finishing experience for engineers.
I was working in aero at the time I took the exams. Plant mgt recommended the PE strongly. About 200 engrs applied for the in-plant prep, and the state brought the exam into the plant. I took both exams back to back, and got the PE.
During a quality review by GM, it was discovered that I had the PE, and the reviewers said that PE calcs are received with confidence by GM. It's considered expert opinion.
RE: How many engineers have MBA
hardly expert to me, LOLOL
a couple years ago, my boss asked when i was going to take thte exam....and i said i think i'm too young and not yet deserving of it yet.
he said
"there's plenty of PE's with 30 years experience who don't deserve to be called engineers."