<p>I graduated with a BSEE and a 2.9 GPA (with two classes retaken--stricken from my GPA but noted on my transcript). I have an upward trend on my GPA (if it makes any difference), with a 3.75 average for my senior year, and a 3.33 average for junior and senior years combined. </p>
<p>I have no prospects for recommendations because I never established a relationship with any of my professors. </p>
<p>I am currently looking for a job in embedded software currently. </p>
<p>I have not taken the GRE, but that is the least of my concerns.</p>
<p>People have suggested taking non-degree grad classes or looking for volunteer research opportunities, but I am more interested in finding a job because I still have student loans/car payments/insurance payments.</p>
<p>My dream is to work in product development, in consumer electronics. I'd really like to get into a PhD program down the road too (if that ever became possible).</p>
<p>So, first thing's first. How do I get into an MSEE program?</p>
<p>There are plenty of programs you should be able to get into - you’re just going to have to look for less selective schools. It is difficult to find a funded MSEE, so look for cheap schools, in-state if possible. Search in particular for programs that only look at the junior and senior year GPAs.</p>
<p>You will have to go back and reconnect with your professors via e-mail or phone and find a couple who are willing to write recommendation letters. Your situation is not unique, and you just need to go through your transcripts and registration history to find your professors. I don’t know of any graduate program anywhere that accepts students without LoRs.</p>
<p>I’m not quite sure I understand why you want to get an MSEE?<br>
If you are looking for an embedded software development job, go out there and get it! I believe you will be able to find a software development position with your background (although it would not hurt to brush up on a few things, on the side).</p>
<p>I want to get an MSEE because I want to get into engineering electronic design. I know that grad school can help a person specialize and take more advanced classes geared toward that sort of thing. The whole embedded software job is just to get me into an electronics company. A company that does R&D in electronics will probably be much more receptive to my desire to go to grad school first of all, and I would not mind going back to that company once I do finish grad school. I could use my MSEE as a way to move into another department. That is my goal with the embedded systems job. Plus, I know C/C++ and Linux shell scripting pretty well, which is why I thought embedded systems is reasonable for me right now.</p>
<p>Have you tried applying directly to companies yet? If your end goal is just to get a job in design, you might find a company willing to take you on as you are right now. If it is a larger company (like mine), they will probably pay for your masters, although it will be part-time. In the short term, a part-time degree might be better for you anyway - they are more forgiving on LOR’s, and are often willing to overlook a slightly sub-3.0 gpa for the simple reason that they would really like your (or your employer’s) money.</p>
<p>I have not started applying yet, but I would want to be a full-time student when doing an MSEE. Part of the reason that my GPA is so bad was that I initially had a lot of social anxiety brought on by the fact that my parents influenced me to think that what most kids were doing in school (drinking, etc.) was bad. So, I ended up alienating myself from most of my peers. Worse though, I was constantly fretting over not having fun instead of studying. In my final two years of college, I decided to cut loose and do whatever I wanted to do (without regard to the opinions of others). This relaxed me and my mind, so I ended up doing better in school (having removed any social anxiety). I bored you with that story only to say that I want to have fun in grad school too. I want to get involved in things that I never got to do in college. I want to make new friends, especially those I can study with. I want a real student experience. This is very important to me.</p>