<p>Currently, I'm a BME major at UT-Austin, and I think it's pretty interesting. However, I don't plan on actually being an engineer in the future. I really want to do a finance/investment/business-related field. Although I think I like BME the most out of the engineering disciplines, is it a better idea to do a more traditional (ChemE, MechE,...etc) major, if I want to pursue an MBA in the future?</p>
<p>Or, will an undergraduate BME degree coupled with an MBA be better? Or, do I need to get a graduate level engineering degree in addition to the MBA? What specific engineering major(s) do most people with Eng/MBA do? And do they usually have a graduate (Masters, or PhD)?</p>
<p>What field do you want to "do business" in?</p>
<p>If you want to go into non-tech related business then I don't think major matters. However, if you want to be in business for a tech related business then pick the engineering that would help you to land a job in that field.</p>
<p>Additionally, most MBA programs want you to have a couple years of work experience before persuing the degree. Thus, if you think that you could hack it for a couple years as an engineer than pick a field you think you could handle for that time. However, if you don't think you can work as an engineer at all then I would think about getting a job in sales or market/financial analysts for a couple years in which case your degree type won't matter as much.</p>
<p>Be aware that there aren't that many engineering jobs out there for BME undergrads. I know a few BME people switched ChemE/MechE at my school. If you aren't ready to go to grad school for MS in BME, I'd switch to a different engin major.</p>
<p>UT-Austin is awesome for engineering. You could choose ChemE or MechE. I feel that BME is too limiting for career growth at this point. ChemE and MechE will give a much broader employment base. </p>
<p>All engineering majors are good feeders to MBA programs because its quantitative - just get a decent GPA.</p>
<p>I have a ChemE and MBA. You don't need a masters or PhD in engineering.</p>
<p>Just an aside, UT-Austin has an excellent PetroE program. With oil prices up, petroleum engineers are in big demand. $80-90k out of college with big signing bonuses. Although, the lifestyle isn't for everyone.</p>
<p>^ Definitely. It has opened doors to higher positions within my company...and the general business background is very useful. I find I use my MBA coursework more so than my engineering background.</p>
<p>But, the major oil company I work for wants engineers to remain in technical positions as well, versus moving up into business management positions.</p>
<p>UCBChemEGrad, do you have a higher degree in Engineering (like a MS or PhD)? What about your peers? Is it useful if you want to work more on the business side of a company?</p>
<p>No, I just have a BS. All of my peers only have BS degrees as well. In the corportate world, you can do well with just a BS in engineering. If you want to set yourself apart, maybe go for an MS or MBA. </p>
<p>However, I definitely recommend working for a couple years before getting an MS in engineering or an MBA. This is because as you're out in the workforce, your experiences and interests may change. Also, some companies will reimburse you for your advanced degree.</p>
<p>No need for the PhD unless you want to teach or do a lot of research.</p>