Question about engineering careers

[7055]

I am 23 and just about to get my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and I am thinking about going on to get a masters. What I understand is that a masters in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology would put you more down the path of a leadership or management position within a company. Would you agree with that statement? I am not looking for a management position or leadership position within a company, I am more interested in going down the path of some kind of research and development type position. Or possibly on a team that designs something new and does the engineering for it and/or the research and development for it. Can you guys shed some light on how I could get down that path? Would it be better to get a masters in Physics for something like that? Are there any engineers with R&D type jobs and can you shed light on what it's like?

[tonystephenson]

You’re correct. A masters train you towards management and leadership positions. The MET degree will be fine for an engineering career in research and development. As a new graduate I'd suggest you work in engineering, get your hands dirty, and then go on to a masters if you want that level of responsibility. Project managers don’t get hands on like engineers. They're mostly meetings and budget people.

[justin22]

I have just graduated with my bachelors in mechanical engineering and I have decided to go to grad school. Personally, I have decided to do complete my masters so that I can become more specialized in a specific area. ( alternative energy) I feel like completing my masters program right after my undergrad will allow me to stay in "school mode." Completing a masters program will give you the research experience that will be beneficial to your career. I think the real question you should be asking is what are you personally interested in. If you can studying that topic in your masters program, you can they directly correlate it to a career.

[ftarnogol]

Hi 7055,

"What I understand is that a masters in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology would put you more down the path of a leadership or management position within a company"

This is really up to you and what career path you choose to pursue. a MS won't place you directly under the leadership umbrella. Actually, in order to get into a management role you will most likely (95% of the time) have to put some time in a non-hierarchical position in order to be considered for management, specially w/o a management background. A specialized area would be the best entry door into a company and then you can assess the situation from within and a)confirm your willingness to stay a specialist or b)switch to management. You'll have plenty of time to make this consideration.

Hope it helps!