JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
(OP)
I'm contemplating pursuing a combination JD (Juris-Doctorate)/MBA degree next fall and was curious if anyone on here has done this combination of Law and Business Degree? Questions:
1) What benefit would it provide me with?
2) Is it useful for engineers?
3) I would rather not be a number cruncher the rest of my life, but would like to advance my career to the highest level possible...is this dual degree something that would be good in that respect?
4) What potential doors and opportunities might it open up for me?
I currently practice structural engineering and am a licensed general contractor in a few different states and do all the general contracting and construction management for my company. I keep our legal department very busy and was thinking having this extra background might relieve some pressures off of our lawyer.
I'm going to meet with some folks at UNLV to discuss a little further, but I would like to have some input prior to going into my meetings. Thank you for any info.
1) What benefit would it provide me with?
2) Is it useful for engineers?
3) I would rather not be a number cruncher the rest of my life, but would like to advance my career to the highest level possible...is this dual degree something that would be good in that respect?
4) What potential doors and opportunities might it open up for me?
I currently practice structural engineering and am a licensed general contractor in a few different states and do all the general contracting and construction management for my company. I keep our legal department very busy and was thinking having this extra background might relieve some pressures off of our lawyer.
I'm going to meet with some folks at UNLV to discuss a little further, but I would like to have some input prior to going into my meetings. Thank you for any info.





RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
Higher-dollar forensic investigator?
Lots of possibilities. I almost did it myself, way back in 1980, but I was too darned tired of school...
Good on ya,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
being tired of numbers, but with desire to continue engineering career lends itself to career of project/construction manager, where adequate courses and trainings can be more beneficial than formal degrees.
while i strongly believe in value of basic engineering diploma, over years i became suspicious about too many diplomas.
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
I have a colleague who is a structural engineer and also a licensed contractor. He usually is brought in by the Architect as the S.E. and later when plans approved, turns around and bids as the G.C. On some jobs he gets both and in a few he gets one or the other. He only has BSCE, P.E. and a general contractors license in a single state.
It is risky to go on your own at any time, but I believe it is even riskier to put your fate in someone else's firm. So find out what you need- may be marketing skills, negotiating, or whatever. Those can be picked up at evening courses, books and specialty workshops.
I also have a client who was a civil engineer but very early on went into patent law and is doing better than most CE's. I have another colleague who owns a civil engineering practice and MBA. But he is having hard time growing his practice- what use was that MBA? I once worked for a G.C. who only had contractors license and some specialized knowledge. He hired the staff he needed - including engineers, accountants, lawyers, etc.
Sometimes you want to bring in the work and then find staff to help you grow. If you do not enjoy estimating, hire college students for it.
I will end with my own situation - I am a soils gut but enjoy the design of earth retaining structures. Over the past several years, I picked up skills from Authors, S.E.'s, Fergusson's book, etc. Now it is about 10% of my income. However, I still don't know AutoCAD! So I have someone from 8,000 miles away who is very good at it and who helps me with plans. Clients- don't care about AutoCAD, but they appreciate when I tell them I will do the soils report first and then proceed to the cantilever wall design or shoring design with one stop shop. Good luck.
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
Maui
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
True story. That was about seven years ago. I still work with the guy. He really likes having a life and going home to his family. One of the smartest and best guys I've ever known.
So, in response to your question, I think a PE/JD combination is a ticket for big $$$. I also know some folks that have a MBA and a PE, also a very good combination but not like a PE/JD.
Robert Billings
www.newrivereng.com
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
Tobalcane
"If you avoid failure, you also avoid success."
“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity”
Perception is reality: You may build your skill set, but what you think of it doesn't really count. The only thing that really matters is what your boss and or customers think of it. Likewise, the real you is how others perceive you, not
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?
Good info in the last 2 posts...thank you!
RE: JD/MBA - Is it useful or beneficial?