How to succeed in EE and get into a top MBA school?

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>I'm an incoming freshman in college, and I plan on pursuing an electrical/computer engineering BS and a minor in business foundations. I then plan on getting an MBA so I can work in the corporate/management side of technology companies (I feel like that would really be the perfect job for me), but because the job field may be small, I'll still have the option to actually be an engineer.</p>

<p>I'm wondering what kind of skills/passions are required to do well in electrical engineering? What do I have to be prepared to do? In addition, what should I do to maximize my chances of getting into a good MBA school? What would be considered a "good" GPA and a "good" amount of experience?</p>

<p>I'm very good with technology and computers, but in using them, not necessarily understanding the inner mechanics of it - I've never been the kind to take things apart and learn how they work. I don't know if this tells you much, but I'm the kind of person that is excellent at math and usually grasps it immediately, but physics doesn't come to me as easily. I still managed an A in my AP Physics class, but I don't feel like I understand the subject completely, unlike Calculus.</p>

<p>I'm also a bit worried about doing well (I'm sure passing will not be an issue for me). My school is known for it's engineering AND business programs, and both schools will be filled with smart, competitive people. Also, how does being female affect things? The 12% female EE BS percentage is a bit unnerving.</p>

2

<p>

If you actually want to work in a technology company in a management role, they will EXPECT you to have significant experience as an engineer. If you show up with a BSEE/MBA/no experience, you are in about the same job pool as someone with a marketing degree.</p>

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An interest and talent in math and physics certainly help, as well as an interest in problem solving, but otherwise it is the same as any other college major - time management, dedication, taking good notes, etc. Just more so.</p>

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Study and do homework when you would prefer not to, and when people in other majors are relaxing. Seriously, engineering degrees usually require a little more work than other majors - if it is taking a LOT more work then you are probably pushing yourself beyond your actual ability level and should consider an easier (for you) major.</p>

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Good MBA programs are usually looking for a high undergraduate GPA, good GMAT scores (not an issue right now), and letters of recommendation indicating a history of leadership in a work environment - not necessarily a formal management position, but leadership at a level exceptional for your level of experience. As an incoming student you should really focus on GPA and getting involved with some student activities - a leadership position in an engineering society or other significant campus group can help you get yourself ready to be a go-getter at work.</p>

<p>

Varies substantially between programs. I would normally say that a 3.5+ GPA should be good for the vast majority of programs, but higher never hurts. As for experience… there are programs that will take you with NO experience (good programs, even) but that will NOT get you a degree in engineering management, only in consulting or finance. Most people say 5+ years before getting the MBA, and my company expects a minimum of 7-8 years as an engineer before they consider you for management, MBA or no.</p>

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In other words, you are a high school student. Relax. You should be able to figure out in your first year or two if engineering is for you, and if it isn’t it sounds like Math or Computer Science would be good and easily enterable options.</p>

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You will be very, very popular. There might be some ancient professors/managers/coworkers who will have issues with your gender, but they are retiring themselves out of relevence. As a woman you will find relatively few academic obstacles and more than a few special opportunities, but at the cost of constant and sometimes unwelcome attention from your predominantly male peers (many of whom will not otherwise have a reason to talk to women). Don’t sweat it.</p>

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<p>To put things in perspective, my dad is a full-time engineering prof who turns 75 in a couple of weeks, and he has NO issues with women. Even when I was in school in the early 80s, I had no problems at school. I’ve had a total of two male co-workers who were jerks in this area, but that was 20 years ago! </p>

<p>I loved being a female engineering student! The guys were great and treated me like one of them. I also met my future husband in engineering grad school - we had Finite Elements and Prestressed Concrete Design together!</p>

<p>Don’t worry if there are one or two classes that seem incredibly hard. For me, it was Circuits and Fluid Dynamics. I’m glad I didn’t drop out of engineering because of them.</p>

4

<p>Hey,
I found this online MBA chances calculator for engineers, maybe it can help you:
[Chances</a> Indication](<a href=“http://www.vocaz.com/ClientInfo/ChancesIndication27985.htm]Chances”>http://www.vocaz.com/ClientInfo/ChancesIndication27985.htm)
Good luck!</p>