Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
(OP)
I have recently got accepted into University of Michigan, Northwestern University, Columbia University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for Structural Engineering. They are all for 1-year and I want to be able to land a job with an engineering company or a consulting firm upon graduation. I am having hard time deciding where to go.
Does a master degree from certain school provided different job opportunities? Do companies/firms look at where you received your masters? Does anyone know these schools have a strong network with the industry?
If any of you have any thoughts, experiences, or inputs, i greatly appreciates it! Thanks
Does a master degree from certain school provided different job opportunities? Do companies/firms look at where you received your masters? Does anyone know these schools have a strong network with the industry?
If any of you have any thoughts, experiences, or inputs, i greatly appreciates it! Thanks





RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
Unless you have an idea where you want to work, that's not going to help you. If you do, take a look at the resumes (on line)of the top management. If they predominately went to a certain school, it's likely they target that school.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
Also, the difference in lifestyle between NYC and Urbana is quite large. Are you a city person?
If nothing else tips the balance, you won't find a better structural department than UIUC.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
I would not go after my MS. because it only helps a small portion of engineers that get them. If you really want a specialty like FEA, it can prove beneficial, but it also means your probably going to have less job security. When lay-offs come and someone else with a BS payed less can do the "same" FEA work... I don't believe this is the right practice, but that is what pointy haired bosses unfortunately see.
But situations are different everywhere.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
I'd think more of what valuable subject your Thesis is on rather than the courses. For instance, what in the industry now is "cutting edge"? Can you check out the University profs in the structures department and their thoughts on a thesis project that will be something of value in industry. Are they out there in industry from time to time? Also, why only one year? You can hardly get into a useful project in one year. For Structures, I'd want to be sure their testing lab is very well equipped and suitable for all sorts of tests, including full scale structures. Any chance to get out on jobs and do your research there? That usually will be more valuable than sitting at a desk and reviewing a batch of library papers. Getting a scholarship from an outfit that makes various structural products also sure helps. Especially if your work helps promote something they make.
So, I think it is a lot more than outsiders ideas of the school. Its what's inside that counts.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
I have looked through all the companies that have attended those 4 schools career fairs, and it seems like I can't go wrong with any of those schools. You guys are right, it all depends where I will want to work. I am from the east coast and working in the city would be a plus.
Master is in high demand, especially for structural engineering. Many or alot of companies 'preferred' or required engineers with master for their position. I think they are working towards a requirement for having a master degree in order to take your PE.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
Your living expenses in Manhattan NY (Columbia) will be 4-6 times what you would need in Urbana, IL and probably 2x what you would need in the greater Chicago area. Your living conditions in Manhattan would be 4x worse than what they would be anywhere else - but then again, I don't like anything about NYC.
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?
RE: Does where you go for your master matters in the industry world?