<p>I am been contemplating what I should pursue a second masters degree or a PhD. What is looked at as a more desirable candidate in the industry?</p>
<p>I have a BSEET from a good ABET accredited program which I pursued solely for the hands-on learning experience. I continued on for a MSEM, Master of Science in Engineering Management. </p>
<p>I was hired right out of school as an electrical engineer and have 2 years of experience in the defense industry. My focuses are in power and instrumentation and controls which I thoroughly enjoy so I thought continuing for a MSEE would desirable. I have been accepted to some MSEE programs already, however, I recently started to debate the worth of this endeavor. I dont know if I will gain any more prestige by obtaining a second degree at the masters level. One other thing to consider is I only have one doctoral program offered to me which is in systems engineering. The program is accelerated and I would be able to complete it in the same amount of time as the masters in EE. I would enjoy studying either subject and both would be in line with my career goals. I plan to work as an electrical engineer for a while, then move into management mid-career. </p>
<p>Any advice on where I should go from here?</p>
<p>Considering that a master’s degree in engineering management entails a completely different set of skills than an master’s in the actual engineering discipline, there is really no problem with getting a second MS here if that is the route you choose to take. The choice between an MS and a PhD depends on whether pursuing a career in research is your goal or not. If you have no desire for a career in research, don’t waste your time with a PhD.</p>
<p>Exactly. They are different fields so that is a fair assessment. I do not want to be stuck in research; however, I know a lot of engineers who have earned a doctorate and are still working in industry. So, it isn’t really a matter of research vs industry. Which is more desirable by hiring companies? This may depend on the company I am sure. But overall, it is a tough decision…</p>
<p>Would a MSEE qualify me for more jobs in the field of EE since I have an undergraduate in EET? </p>
<p>Would a PhD pigeon hole me into a category? Would I appear overqualified with such little experience?</p>
<p>I think you misunderstand. Research and industry are not mutually exclusive. There is plenty of research that goes on in industry, only it has a different character than that occurring in academe. Generally, it is more applied and always more focused on the business goals of the company in question. Many (most) engineering PhDs get these sorts of positions doing research in industry.</p>
<p>My point is that if you are not at all interested in research (be it of the industrial nature or the academic nature), a PhD is likely a waste of time. A PhD well absolutely pigeonhole you, at least to a degree. You won’t likely be considered for the general types of positions anymore because you would presumably warrant more salary to do a job that someone with a BS or a MS could do. There are, of course, exceptions, but they are exceptions. Many, if not most PhDs come into industry with little more than a few internships during their undergraduate years for experience. They aren’t hired for their vast industrial experience but for their experience running a research project. This is fantastic if you are interested in getting into a research career, as it is all but required. If you just want to be a more highly paid engineer doing similar or slightly more advanced jobs as those you performed with just a BS, then a PhD is probably not a good fit for you.</p>
<p>On the other hand, a MS is definitely going to specialize you more than a BS will, but not so much that you are suddenly overqualified for the majority of the jobs in a given company. Basically, a MS will open more doors than it closes for you. A PhD will close more doors than it opens for you, but the doors it opens are rather unique in that they are difficult to reach if you don’t have that PhD.</p>
<p>Also, if your MS is in EE instead of EET, it would definitely bee a boon to your job opportunities if your goal is to get the types of jobs that a typical BSEE or MSEE holds that many companies are hesitant to give to someone with a degree in EET.</p>
<p>Hopefully that wasn’t too “rambly”.</p>
<p>That was actually a great response. Thank you very much.</p>