<p>Hey Im tryign to figure out how I can fuse my interests in engineering and business so I was thinking it would be cool to be in the administration of a defense contractor. Im not sure if it would be sales or what, but heres what im looking for: Id like to get paid well, travel a lot (to europe preferrably), and thats abotu all that matters to me. What kind of jobs like these exist and what are they called? Also, how do you start out? Do you start out as an engineer and work up into management or go straight into it? I guess this might also be sales, but having a general knowledge of engineering seems like a good idea. Any advise would be helpful! thanks</p>
<p>I've actually been very interested in this. </p>
<p>I know a couple of people really well who run engineering management companies (all different types). The on thing in common, they all spent many years as a engineer and love engineering in general. </p>
<p>The point is, to do something like this, you are not gonna be able to open up a credible engineering company right out of college. You simply don't have the contacts, the cred, and most importantly, the experience. You also should also really love the specialty of engineering (there are tons) that you want to do something with. </p>
<p>I'm assuming you are a high school student looking into colleges (as am I), so I think what you need to really decide is what is it you want to do, engineering or business. Are you just interested in engineering management because of the management side, or because you get to combine your interests of engineering and business. If it is the latter, you need to decide how much you really enjoy and want to pursue engineering as its own disciple. If you do, by all means, this is a great goal shared by many, and you should try to pursue the field of engineering and get your MBA later. </p>
<p>The one thing I would not recommend, or so I have been told, is to focus your undergrad on trying to combine business with engineering. If you just want to do engineering management for the business, focus on business during your undergrad years. If you are interesting in engineering, do engineering, work as an engineer, and if you starting your own business or management seems to interest you, go for your MBA.
Essentially, I wouldn't try and work some type of interdisplinary major in engineering management (I know they have some at places), cause it is not something you can do right out of college.</p>
<p>interesting...i was thinkign about getting a BS in engineering or double majoring with business possible and then getting an MBA. Im not so sure id want to open my own business. id really like to work at a defense contractor. I figured if i did sales or somesthing at a defense contractor, going overseas and showing foreign companies and militaries what we have to offer, it would be a great mix. I could be an engineer at heart, understanding and explaining hwo these new technologies work, but at the same time enjoy a career traveling and probably making more money than an engineer.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, i think its best to start with a BS in engineering because that seems to open up all the possibilities</p>