To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
(OP)
Hello all,
I am a 23 year old and have just graduated from a 5 year Mechanical Engineering program at a Canadian University and did quite well (3.9/4.3 GPA). I had a scholarship offer which would pay for my masters degree in Flow Induced Vibrations which would require two more years. I am a bit of an academic...I mean I enjoyed some of the courses and working though some of the assignments, but after completing my last year I was getting tired of it. I thought that perhaps the overspecialization would be a hindrance to finding work...is this true?
Although it was a good offer, I wasn't sure I was ready to commit two years (especially when someone else is paying) only to find out it wasn't for me. It would be nice to be able to try it...and have the flexibility to get out if it wasn't for me.
At the same time I wonder if it is what I am meant to do...since I did good in University and I like learning, and using the engineering theory. Some say it's really hard to go back to do a masters if you don't do it right after your undergrad BSc ME (due to financial, job and family commitment).
Does anyone have any input? What kinds of jobs can you do with a masters that you cannot do with a bachelors in engineering?
Thanks
Andrew
I am a 23 year old and have just graduated from a 5 year Mechanical Engineering program at a Canadian University and did quite well (3.9/4.3 GPA). I had a scholarship offer which would pay for my masters degree in Flow Induced Vibrations which would require two more years. I am a bit of an academic...I mean I enjoyed some of the courses and working though some of the assignments, but after completing my last year I was getting tired of it. I thought that perhaps the overspecialization would be a hindrance to finding work...is this true?
Although it was a good offer, I wasn't sure I was ready to commit two years (especially when someone else is paying) only to find out it wasn't for me. It would be nice to be able to try it...and have the flexibility to get out if it wasn't for me.
At the same time I wonder if it is what I am meant to do...since I did good in University and I like learning, and using the engineering theory. Some say it's really hard to go back to do a masters if you don't do it right after your undergrad BSc ME (due to financial, job and family commitment).
Does anyone have any input? What kinds of jobs can you do with a masters that you cannot do with a bachelors in engineering?
Thanks
Andrew





RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
- Steve
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
In theory most engineering jobs do not require a masters; however, this masters might open doors for you in areas that right now may not be readily available to you.
Good luck, with whatever you choose!
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
David
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
Get authoritative answer here
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
The question in this economic climate may not be which job can you do, rather which job can you get. You will need to make up your mind whether the MS improves or hinders your employment prospects in two years time. I can't comment because the North American job market is quite different to the UK one although both appear to be equally poor at the moment.
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
However, I also wonder if that may change in the coming years as (I presume) more engineers are taking this time to get a masters or other forms of professional development.
In the end, I say if it interests you, go for it. I think you are probably better off looking for a job with a Masters in 5 years than looking for a job with a BS at the moment. Maybe I'm too optimistic about the economy, and in 5 years the economic outlook will be the same and you will have the "detriment" of a masters as well.
Although, I also think with good communication skills, the Masters doesn't necessarily need to be a detriment. If you get your masters and want to apply for jobs that are entry level for a BSME, I don't think you should rule yourself out for being over-qualified. If I were hiring and had the choice between somebody with a MS or BS, all else being equal, I would certainly choose the one with a MS. However, that "all else being equal" means that maybe your first job is an entry level BS position and paid as such, which means your time and effort to get the MS was somewhat of a waste (although if it put you ahead of other canidates for the job, that's worth something).
-- MechEng2005
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
Thanks a million folks!
Andy
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
Seems to me if you were to switch to something more aligned with your interests then you might have a less dificult decision.
For instance a good knowledge of aero in the presence of ground effects=motorsports, or windmills, or production cars.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
"Are you madly in like with 'flow induced vibrations'?"
I think you really have enjoy what you study (ideally).
RE: To do masters degree (Mechanical Engg.) or not
Interestingly, my M.Sc. has to do with FIV (flow induced vibrations).
Fe