<p>I have a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and I am considering pursuing a masters in Thermal Sciences or Structures.
Do you guys think this will help me find a good job later?
I know PhD are focused in research mostly, but I think a masters could help.
Should I consider a masters in administration instead of an specific area in Mechanical Eng?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>It depends on the definition of the better job for you. Usually, with a BS or MS you will not do any research and you are working for your boss but with a PhD you have high degree of freedom in your work and you can develope and invent new things and you focus on research rather than low level technician-like tasks. The salary of an MS or a PhD is obviously higher but there are more job opportunities for people with BS and MS degrees. </p>
<p>When you finish your BS, you think you know everything in your field. When you get your MS degree, you understand that there are some things in your field that you don't know but after you get your PhD you realize you do not know anything. Continuing a MS or a PhD degree depends on your eagerness to learn new things and explore your field of study more.</p>
<p>@ mechanics101</p>
<p>I would be very careful about pursuing another degree. Depending on your field, if you don't have the necessary work experience, a graduate degree could actually hurt you rather than just having a bachelor's degree and stable work history. You don't want to be overqualified. However, if you are already working and really feel that this degree will lead to advancement opportunities in your career area down the road, go for it.</p>
<p>In aerospace, you certainly will not be "over-qualified" with a MS or PhD. Far from it...in fact, if we have a promising "new hire" with only a BS, the first thing we do is "strongly encourage" them to start working toward a Masters...and we have assistance programs to do that.</p>
<p>@ rogracer</p>
<p>I said certain fields. I know companies in aerospace engineering and urban planning require at least a Master's for employment. Some places in other fields hower simply don't want to hire and pay more for a person with a graduate degree if they think the job title is suitable enough for a bachelor's degree holder.</p>
<p>I am sure people with PhDs who are looking for non-academic careers (especially in the non-sciences) face this hurdle very often.</p>
<p>Thanks for answering guys.
I am deciding weather to pursue a masters or try to find a job first.
I live in Peru, and most jobs (except some mining companies) offer a very low salary and that’s why I am considering going to USA, more opportunities and I think an extra degree could help me eventually.</p>
<p>I will do more research; I still have some time to decide.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>Well, if you add in the fact that you are from Peru and want to work in the US then having an advanced degree is HUGELY important to find a job. In order to obtain a work visa and eventually a green card, you need to prove that you have a special skill set worth hiring over others in the US that are already citizens. This process is usually much smoother with a PhD in a field. If this is your ultimate goal I suggest contacting a US Immigration lawyer and getting legal advice from them.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the visa situation, but depending on the legal advice you get, I want to point out again that most employers will provide some financial assistance if you start a master's program after they've hired you.</p>