<p>I guess I'm going back to exploring careers again, but I was wondering if anyone could highlight the path to getting into management in engineering. I really want to become a doctor, but I fear that despite human anatomy and pathology are my favorite subjects, the fact that I got drawn to it because of how much money one makes in that field may cause me to be less happy and that perhaps I MADE myself like anatomy because of the money aspect. I've always loved physics and math, so engineering looks good, but money IS a big deal to me. I understand that there is more to life, that doctors have to deal with debt, etc, but still, money is in fact important. So I was wondering how does one earn money in engineering, and the way is through management. </p>
<p>So now that you know my life's story, can anyone demonstrate the typical path to becoming a manager of an engineering company or w/e?</p>
<p>BS -> MBA, or BS -> MS, or BS -> MS -> MBA are some typical paths into engineering management. I'd say don't get too hang up on the money aspect. I feel that's the mentality everyone has when they are in HS and about to apply for college. </p>
<p>Know that once you get higher up in management, it's possible you may become detached from technical aspect of engineering, which I found is what drew most people to engineering in the first place. That's something for you to consider. </p>
<p>In my opinion, if you enjoy your work, and it affords you to live comfortably, then it's a great job. My question to you is, what is "comfortable living" to you?</p>
<p>Even though Doctors still make more money, engineers can also make a pretty penny. I know a few senior engineers who are breaking 6 figures, granted that they have been with the company for a long time.</p>
<p>Also, I know many PetroEs who are also making a damn good living with merely a Masters. </p>
<p>If you are indeed only after a Management position, the usual path is through an MBA or MS program in graduate school. You could also get a head start and try to involve yourself with a Operations/Research or IE department.</p>
<p>If you really really want to earn a lot of money, be an investor or an entrepreneur. I've an uncle who started his own business and now his annual profit is ~2 millions. Not many doctors or lawyers can beat that number.
In those cases, you need to have some "real life" job exposures first. So I would recommend you to pick one of the engineering majors and start working as soon as you graduate. Then you can decide whether you want to get an MBA or masters in financial engineering. Both are somehow relevant to investment and/or business management.</p>