<p>Hello,
I am currently a mechanical engineering undergrad with a minor in mathematics. I have been thinking about what I want to do after I graduate. One of the great benefits of having an engineering degree is the copious amounts of opportunities available to me. Two routes that I am interested are, obivously, engineering and the other being investments/finance/banking. </p>
<p>My plan so far is to graduate and get my master's of ME. Work for a few years in engineering and get some experience and then possibly move into investments or finance. Ultimately, I would like to get my MBA from a Top 5 Program. I feel by doing this It will open some doors otherwise not opened. I feel that this would help me network and possibly get a better at either a investment/finance company or a high managerial position in a mostly engineering company. </p>
<p>In the end I would like to fullfil my dream of starting my own company. I would like to start a business that works with engineers and scientists to implement their products or devices/ideas into the real world. Either buying their patent rights or investing in their products under my own companies label. </p>
<p>My question is does this seem like a reasonable plan. I know things may change and I may find something I'd rather stick with along the way but does havinging an MBA after a MSME at all bad?</p>
<p>First off, this is a very commonly wanted career path, at least at my school. It is my goal too - exactly what you said…the top 5 MBA and everything. So obviously the world is competitive.</p>
<p>It will be challenging, but it is an excellent plan. It is reasonable, but obviously you can not control the future. The most you can do is shoot for your goal as best as you can but hope you end up in the right place at the right time. With hard work and a little luck, you can definitely do all of this.</p>
<p>Msladel “My plan so far is to graduate and get my master’s of ME. Work for a few years in engineering and get some experience and then possibly move into investments or finance.”</p>
<p>Investments and finance is an entirely different world from mechanical engineering. I don’t know why this is such a commonly desired career path. I can see someone with a general engineering degree going down the MBA path but it seems such a waste of time and effort to get a MS in Mechanical Engineering if finance is your ultimate goal.</p>
<p>Investing in someone else’s ideas is typically the role of venture capital. Emphasis on the “capital”, i.e., you need big time funds. </p>
<p>My suggestion is to take everything one step at a time. Start with just your BS in Mechanical Engineering and get a job in ME. You might decide that you actually like working as an engineer. To get into a top 5 or top 10 MBA program you are going to need several years of work experience but an MS in Engineering will not be of any use. Keep in mind that not all top MBA programs are the same, e.g., some teach general management (Harvard, Darden) while others can be more quantitative finance oriented (Wharton).</p>