<p>I'm a semester away from graduation (I'll be graduating early) simply because I'm out of classes to take. Not really sure where to go from here. </p>
<p>I'm receiving offers/discussions for a few full-time offers upon graduation. I've taken a graduate level course on Solar Energy design and am receiving graduate credit for the research; although, I'm pretty sure these credits will not transfer over to Graduate school as I'm using these credits to supplement my Undergraduate course requirements.</p>
<p>I've been thinking of just graduating in December and working full-time for a few years (while continuing some distance-ed courses to keep myself interested) and then going back to school to get my MBA/MS. I have a lot of leadership and business interests and it comes naturally to me, so I figure my career will lead me to the management track at some point anyway. I've had numerous thoughts of continuing the education right after undergrad graduation and continuing for the MS or maybe PhD in Engineering...but I feel like I may burn out. It gets really technical and repetitive at times and I find myself asking: why continue doing this when there's more interesting things out there (plus more money)? I'd continue the MS/PhD because of my drive to make this world a better place (hope of discovering something useful) only but there's a lot of time commitment involved which I'm not sure I want to continue to devote.</p>
<p>Programs I've been thinking about:
Looked at a few MBA programs immediately upon Graduation (outstanding seniors) but I honestly think that getting into those programs will lead me simply to the same positions I could have earned from regular graduation and entering the work force.
MBA/MS - MIT after 2-3 years of work experience
MBA at any good graduate school (would love ivy league)
MS at current University</p>
<p>My Questions:
What should I be looking into to position myself for getting into top tier programs? What are my chances? I think my resume shows I've kept myself busy and involved while seeking personal growth in all. It's a well rounded resume as well. Should I be looking into getting into schools immediately in January? I haven't taken the GRE yet so I figure that's a bit too late for January admissions. I hated the SAT and I did a little above average (I don't test well) so I'm not looking forward to it but I guess it's something I have to do. Take the GRE once before it changes in July and then once again afterwards? Scores should be valid for 5 years so then enter grad school within 5 years?</p>
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<p>Major: Mechanical Engineering
GPA: 3.5 Overall / above 3.0 engineering
University Honors Program
School: Respected Public Engineering School</p>
<p>RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Working with Professor in Thermodynamics/Combustion flames research (11 months by time of graduation).</p>
<p>WORK EXPERIENCE:
Internship at Major LED technology company (3 months)</p>
<p>Marketing Representative for Universal Pictures for 2 years (at time of graduation)
-Responsible for promoting and publicizing the film on campus by means of creating marketing campaigns. This requires reaching out to local media and retail outlets to create promotions and advertisement trades.
-Responsible for organizing advance screenings on campus.</p>
<p>LEADERSHIP:
Resident Advisor for 1 year
-(Position title should speak for itself.,.but ask for more information)
-Offered promotion to Assistant Coordinator (but denied due to the position no longer fitting my needs)</p>
<p>Co-President for 1 year of a Tax-Exempt Registered Non-Profit Organization representing the South Asian Student Association.
-Led organization to its first University Diversity Award.</p>
<p>Co-founding Officer of Students for Solar organization
-Assisting in designing and creating a "Solar Gazebo" structure on campus. This requires coordinating all required parts as well as assisting in fundraising and ensuring design meets budget requirements.
-Organization will further Solar-Energy interests on campus and explore more renewable-energy methods in making the campus more sustainable.</p>
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