Engineering + MBA

<p>I know this subject has probably been posted before, but I am new to this board. I have two plans that I am considering: my BS in engineering then getting my MS in engineering or my BS in eng. then working for a few years and attempting to get into a good MBA program. If I do MBA what could I expect as a career going from Engineering to MBA? Is there anyone that has experience going from engineering and then getting an MBA? What positions did you hold after getting your MBA? What type of job did you do as an engineer and MBA grad? Any advice would be great.</p>

<p>I have a BS in eng and am working on my MBA and I would suggest getting the MS then entering the workforce and then seeing if you want/need an MBA. Those with MS’ are quicker to rise into or get management roles or P&L positions. You may find that you have a natural knack for business and don’t need the MBA, or you may find that you really need it. Either way, you will get the opportunity to find this out quicker with a MS than you would with a BS.</p>

<p>As an engineer with a BS degree you will be doing basic engineering tasks and engineering support tasks. There are a lot of non-design jobs at this level, and some basic design work as well. Some jobs will be outright closed to you.</p>

<p>As an engineer with an MS degree you will generally be stepping into more design or analytical work. You will start later but will start at a higher level and will have an easier timing advancing. Most jobs will be open to you, with the exception of those that explicitly require the PhD. Also, with the MS you will be more specialized, which is great assuming that (a) you chose something you like and (b) its in demand.</p>

<p>With either of these jobs you can go into certain management jobs at an engineering company - program management being the most common, but also jobs like business development or competitive intelligence. Some of these jobs will encourage you to get an MBA.</p>

<p>With the MBA you can do just about any kind of business work - even departing the engineering industry for finance or salmon fishing. If you stay in the engineering world you will again be in program management or business development, but you will go higher and faster.</p>

<p>In general, if you lack a specific and certain interest I would not recommend an immediate MS - a job will reveal your interests and perhaps pay for the degree. Likewise, I discourage an immediate MBA, as it is always much more valuable with some experience under your belt.</p>

<p>Is there any good MS/MBA dual degree program?</p>

<p>Pitt has one.</p>

<p>the best one’s are kellogg-MMM and sloan-mlog probably. the former is more management focused the latter more supply chain. both are the most reputable however.</p>