<p>So we have the options assuming one gets a high GPA undergrad:</p>
<p>I. Ph. D. in engineering after undergrad
II. MBA after undergrad
III. A degree in engineering management (I'm wondering which schools have this major)
IV. Working straight out of undergrad and getting experience.
V. Some sort of combination of the above options
VI. Other</p>
<p>Read the book called "Power! How to get it, how to use it" by Michael Korda. </p>
<p>Though it dates from the 70's and before cell phones, it is a very funny and surprisingly accurate blueprint for advancement in the corporate arena. A great read and highly entertaining.</p>
<p>I don't read books, =/</p>
<p>Well, there's your first problem. If you're not willing to put in the effort to learn how to become an effective manager, then why'd you ask...?</p>
<p>Upon going into my unit manager's office, you'll notice all the lovely windows, first off. Secondly, you'll notice all the blueprints he's got everywhere. Third thing you notice are the bookshelves, and on those bookshelves are 1) his engineering texts from college, and 2) a bunch of those managerial sorts of books.</p>
<p>Read the books, yo.</p>
<p>^^^ i can't help but to think all those years of engineering textbooks look pretty impressive on the shelf. i'll certainly be keeping mine</p>
<p>I don't read books when I don't have to nubs.</p>
<p>Text books are not read for fun. I would read any text book if necessary.</p>
<p>Now lets answer the question.</p>
<p>See, that's the other thing.</p>
<p>I don't see an actual <em>question</em> in your OP. </p>
<p>Are you <em>asking</em> what the best way is to become an engineering manager? You seem to just be stating a whole load of routes to becoming an engineering manager. I'd say that becoming an engineer, getting experience (and maybe an MBA), and reading books on being an effective manager is the best way.</p>
<p>Consider those books to be textbooks, if you have some sort of aversion to personal enrichment. Read up if you want to figure out what qualities you need to display to your superiors in order to become a good managerial candidate.</p>
<p>Y'know, having a thorough knowledge of subjects outside of engineering will make you a much more effective manager, too. Might want to rethink the whole anti-literacy thing.</p>
<p>I don't care how to be the best engineering manager. Just whether or not I am one. </p>
<p>The question is right there in the title. What's the best route to being an engineering manager?</p>
<p>Maybe without the question mark the OP could be confusing. Sorry about that.</p>
<p>The bad attitude and aversion to books could become major obstacles to being a manager, even if you only want to be a mediocre one.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I don't care how to be the best engineering manager.
[/quote]
And why, then, would anyone want to hire you?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Just whether or not I am one.
[/quote]
Frankly, you're not.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm like a sophomore in high school... </p>
<p>I can learn how to be a great engineering manager after maybe I get into college or something?</p>
<p>Read the initial post...and I have a few comments:</p>
<p>1) Your ability to lead and complete large tasks goes a long way into becoming a manager.</p>
<p>2) You don't need an engineering management degree to qualify.</p>
<p>3) PMP Certificates may help...but you still need #1 (above)</p>
<p>4) Reading is what will KEEP you employed. I cannot speak about all engineering areas but in the software/I.T. arena, Borders Bookstore is your best friend.</p>
<p>sorry...PMP?</p>
<p>PMP = Project Management Professional Certification</p>
<p>
[quote]
I can learn how to be a great engineering manager after maybe I get into college or something?
[/quote]
Management (engineering or otherwise) is about people. The attitude you've presented in this thread -- or, more importantly, how others have perceived your attitude -- greatly project how effective you will be as a manager.</p>
<p>GlobalTraveller has provided information regarding the technical requirements of a management position, and I agree with him 100%. In those requirements was mentioned leadership; specifically, managers must be capable of leadership by example. If you have a bad attitude, or are laxidasical about how good you can/will be, those people you manage will lose faith in your ability to lead them, which will lead to no respect for your positional authority.</p>
<p>If you're only a HS sophomore, you've got plenty of time to work on these qualities; I only hope you choose to do so before you continue to higher education. Good luck.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>"Doctor, doctor! There's tons of blood coming out of my ear!" "You should go to the emergency room." "No. I don't like emergency rooms." "Um..."</p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Don't start threads if you don't want to listen to our advice. Bad attitudes beget lousy managers. Good leadership skills will help the most in your career pursuits if you want to become an engineering manager.</p>
<p>Sure, go to college. Sure, get a degree. But that's kind of assumed. We have no way of knowing how old you are, so we were giving general advice to you, beyond the obvious "get some degrees," since your original, non-question post outlined the majority of the basic routes towards getting a managerial position; any of those are perfectly valid routes.</p>
<p>Being a jackarse won't help you on this forum, and it won't help you get a managerial position, either. Show a positive attitude towards the folks on here and something may come of it. I've fostered friendships with kids on this board and have given them tons of advice, and would be willing to write recommendations (and <em>have</em> written recommendations) for those I've come to know well. Being a goober isn't going to win you any brownie points with anybody, and you never know who you're going to meet on here that may someday be able to advance your career... even if you <em>are</em> just a high school sophomore.</p>
<p>The world is full of mediocrity and people who just want to slide by. Here is another example of it. If you really want to be an engineering manager, then you had better want to be good at it, otherwise you won't last long, if you ever get a job offer. And thank you aibarr, you have an excellent point.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind that being an "engineering" manager is a little different. You often times not the other team members "boss", but their leader for that particular project or contract.</p>
<p>What is one of the things all of us like about being in engineering? We are in demand....so that ALSO means that many engineers working under you CHOOSE to work with you. Most can easily get another job pretty quick and leave a manager in a tight spot, so leading and being a team player is extra important.</p>