Masters Degree?
Masters Degree?
(OP)
I am some-what freshly out of school and am looking into masters programs to further my education and hopefully advance my career.
I was wondering if anyone had any input/suggestions as to what to go for. I am currently looking into either engineering management/financial engineering but I was wondering if maybe going for a more specialized program (structural engineering) would be a better idea in the long run. Not sure if anyone had any input or experience themselves with this that could pitch in.
Thanks a lot!
I was wondering if anyone had any input/suggestions as to what to go for. I am currently looking into either engineering management/financial engineering but I was wondering if maybe going for a more specialized program (structural engineering) would be a better idea in the long run. Not sure if anyone had any input or experience themselves with this that could pitch in.
Thanks a lot!





RE: Masters Degree?
Working as a technical path engineer, it hasn't had a lot of special credential value for me (as far as I'm aware), and probably wouldn't have much practical value in a large company unless I went down the project management path. That said, I work for a small company with an empowering owner, and it's definitely opened up doors for me to have input in our marketing plan, strategic decisions, that sort of thing. It was also of personal interest to me (I've always had a mind for business). Also, if/when I do end up in project management, I definitely can see that it will be beneficial there.
I also completed an MS in Engineering (structural/geotech). This has had a lot of credential value (required for my last two jobs to be considered as an applicant), and fairly substantial practical value. Sure, I don't use grad-level material (soil dynamics, fracture analysis) in my day to day work, but having that knowledge and background helps with communicating why certain calculations are important or can be neglected.
And honestly, after a 4 year BS in Civil Engineering (focused in structures and geotech), I felt there was a lot of material I still didn't have much background in -- we're just too broad a profession. I somehow graduated without any steel design, and only two geotech classes. (Not to mention water resources or transportation, which aren't my focus anyway). The MS in Engineering definitely helped me round out my academic knowledge.
Hope that helps!
RE: Masters Degree?
degree. If you continue on the technical path, the MS in Structural Engineering is very helpful...maybe necessary.
"These days" a BS in Engineering is almost (I emphasize; ALMOST) like a high school degree for the previous
generation.
If your career paths veers off towards management, then you will probably appreciate either an MBA degree (general management or Project Management focused). The finance / accounting that goes along with that will be helpful. Otherwise, a Masters in Industrial Engineering focused on project controls and management.
The ideal situation is BS-Engineering, MS-Engineering, then MBA, but for many people that is too much time
(and cost) spent in college.
RE: Masters Degree?
"In this bright future, you can't forget your past..." Bob Marley
RE: Masters Degree?
RE: Masters Degree?
Or... "I spent my life improving and increasing access to a scarce resource essential to human survival, bringing a safer and higher living standard to millions of people."
Glass half full... No pun intended.
RE: Masters Degree?
So those are the bigger-better-career considerations if that's what your priority is. If you just want to enjoy yourself, then it's purely a personal question. Do you prefer interactions with people or calculators? Do you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person? Do you want to spend most of your time at a desk, on your feet, in a vehicle, on a plane...? Many of these decisions will not even be your own at the beginning of your career, but you can set yourself up for the path you want by choosing the right degree. Good luck!
RE: Masters Degree?
Two shoes