[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any engineers here? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/20/2009 7:49:27 PM EDT
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I am about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2010. I have been doing undergraduate research in thermal barrier coatings for one of the professors at my university for almost a year now and she has pretty much offered to pay for my masters degree along with a monthly 1k stipend in exchange for doing research/thesis. I was originally fully committed to getting my masters. Now I am starting to reconsider. I'm not sure if I want to stick around and get my Masters. To be honest, I am beginning to get tired of school and want to start working. I'm thinking about trying to see what the job market is like and applying to some jobs in the region (TVA, Some aerospace contractors in Huntsville, etc.) and if the job market does not turn around then continue on with the masters degree. Some factors that may make a difference is that I do not have any co-op or internship experience, unless the undergraduate research will substitute in. Another thing that I have been hearing is that a Masters degree typically over-qualifies you for a lot of jobs if obtained immediately after your Bachelors. Any truth in that?
Any suggestions, comments? |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. |
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Quoted: I am about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2010. I have been doing undergraduate research in thermal barrier coatings for one of the professors at my university for almost a year now and she has pretty much offered to pay for my masters degree along with a monthly 1k stipend in exchange for doing research/thesis. I was originally fully committed to getting my masters. Now I am starting to reconsider. I'm not sure if I want to stick around and get my Masters. To be honest, I am beginning to get tired of school and want to start working. I'm thinking about trying to see what the job market is like and applying to some jobs in the region (TVA, Some aerospace contractors in Huntsville, etc.) and if the job market does not turn around then continue on with the masters degree. Some factors that may make a difference is that I do not have any co-op or internship experience, unless the undergraduate research will substitute in. Another thing that I have been hearing is that a Masters degree typically over-qualifies you for a lot of jobs if obtained immediately after your Bachelors. Any truth in that? Any suggestions, comments? I don't think so, I hope to go into the masters program at my school (for Aero Engineering) in the spring. I am also studying for the FE exam (you should to). Go for the free ride, I am retaking classes to get my GPA up enough so I can get a TA position and get a free ride.
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Quoted: Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam.
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I dont know much about engineering, but I grew up in Huntsville and its a great place to live. Do you know much about the Aerospace industry down there. Ive always heard that its pretty much a roller coaster type industry, being up and down all the time. I was thinking about looking into some jobs at Jacob ETS, have you heard of it? |
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I just graduated with my degree in manufacturing engineering, had alot of the same classes as the mechanical engineers
I'll tell you, the job market is pretty shitty for us right now. Been searching since the end of July and have had little luck. Keep getting fucked over by jobs that either want too much experience, or other applicants that already have plenty of it. If I can't find anything by the end of November, going to seriously consider either going back to school or moving out of the area. Honestly, experience is the main thing that has been holding me back. Not sure if getting a Master would have really helped me get a job or not at this stage. |
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I'm in the auto industry (FoMoCo), and I have an MS.
A lot of guys here have master's degrees. They company needed to lay off people and generally speaking, BS engineers got laid off before MS engineers. If I was you, I'd stick it out and get the Master's. It is a competitive advantage. |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam. I agree...the EE stuff is over my head haha |
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Quoted: Quoted: Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam. In the civil engineering field, as far as I know (and per what a civil engineering buddy who took the test last year told me), it required at least 3 years as an EIT in order to qualify as a PE. Now, whether you can take the test beforehand and do the experience later, I don't know; I do know the test is harder than fucking a box of rocks. Not sure if it's different for mechies. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam. I agree...the EE stuff is over my head haha Imagine how the EE guys feel when they see the thermo, fluids, dynamics and structural problems!...... Probably feel the same way I feel when I see a circuit diagram, or anything with an opamp. |
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I would go for the masters, assuming you get a written agreement outlining who is paying for what. I understand the desire to get out and work, but it's a little crummy finding decent engineering jobs at the moment. You could get lucky, but all else being equal, a Masters is going to increase your chances of getting the job you want where you want. Things will probably look a lot better in two years, so you'll be in a good position with a masters and a growing economy.
I'd also stick with the research gig if it's at all interesting to you. It doesn't pay well, but I look back on my research work with very fond memories. There's something satisfying about doing real science that I haven't found elsewhere. Sadly, research is work for the young and the tenured. Enjoy it while you can, because with few exceptions, it's rare to make a living doing anything that doesn't have immediate commercial viability. After working for a while now, I'd happily take that offer just to get back into research, if that helps. You're going to miss it when you leave school, I promise. |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam. I agree...the EE stuff is over my head haha Imagine how the EE guys feel when they see the thermo, fluids, dynamics and structural problems!...... Probably feel the same way I feel when I see a circuit diagram, or anything with an opamp. Good point! |
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I would go for the masters, assuming you get a written agreement outlining who is paying for what. I understand the desire to get out and work, but it's a little crummy finding decent engineering jobs at the moment. You could get lucky, but all else being equal, a Masters is going to increase your chances of getting the job you want where you want. Things will probably look a lot better in two years, so you'll be in a good position with a masters and a growing economy. I'd also stick with the research gig if it's at all interesting to you. It doesn't pay well, but I look back on my research work with very fond memories. There's something satisfying about doing real science that I haven't found elsewhere. Sadly, research is work for the young and the tenured. Enjoy it while you can, because with few exceptions, it's rare to make a living doing anything that doesn't have immediate commercial viability. After working for a while now, I'd happily take that offer just to get back into research, if that helps. You're going to miss it when you leave school, I promise. I see that you are also located in TN. Im assuming you are an Engineer also? What kind? What industry do you work in, or where at? |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. Take the first test while you are in school (at least what I plan to do) that way you don't need to be sponsored (????) and everything is fresh in your memory. I feel sorry for the EE guys who take the FE exam. In the civil engineering field, as far as I know (and per what a civil engineering buddy who took the test last year told me), it required at least 3 years as an EIT in order to qualify as a PE. Now, whether you can take the test beforehand and do the experience later, I don't know; I do know the test is harder than fucking a box of rocks. Not sure if it's different for mechies. There is also education requirements, so many hours after your BS, and it is nearing the point were a Masters is going to be required, or so my instructor told me. You still have to pass the FE first, and you must either be in a engineering program or have previously taken the FE in order to take the FE. I completed my BSCE in December and am still looking, unless you have a job lined up I would go for the program, you can always keep looking for a job while you are working on your masters. |
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co-op or intern experience is a plus. Many times you will get picked up by the company. My company picks up the final year of tuition from interns that we hire on.
I've never seen a masters degree close any doors. PhD, yes... but not a masters degree. If you think you can land a decent job now and get the company to pay for your master degree later... get a job now. Pays better in the long run. Job market was weak when I got my B.S. so I went straight into an M.S. Good Luck!!! |
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Go for the Master's. The CE-> PE route is costly and a bit time consuming, unless they've removed the 5 years of professional experience delay between CE and PE. That being said, I'm about to ramp up (in the spring), my study for PE and enrolling to finish the rest of my other degree(16 hours left in EE).
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We've got some Boeing Huntsville guys out here in WA helping us right now. They seem like pretty sharp guys. You might note though that they were not busy enough in Hunstsville to keep from getting drafted for a hot job in Everett.
I don't see much difference in how folks with BS and MS make out here. The PhDs do tend to excell (probably because they are sharp rather than any grand corporate scheme). One group that really excells however is the former interns. Boeing treats them very well and has some outstanding programs to subsidize educational expenses. If you have an internship prospect with a company you would like to work for, I would suggest taking that over the MS. |
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I don't mean to thread hijack, but I'm currently looking for information on a degree I might go for after the military
http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/entc/pdev.htm Can anyone tell me anything about this program? What exactly does a product development engineer do? I'm going to email the adviser and ask for some information on what the actual degree is all about. It sounds a lot like ME, which I'm interested in, but the school is 25 minutes away from a place for me to stay while I go to school, and they don't have any other engineering programs that I'm interested in. |
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I don't mean to thread hijack, but I'm currently looking for information on a degree I might go for after the military http://www.etsu.edu/scitech/entc/pdev.htm Can anyone tell me anything about this program? What exactly does a product development engineer do? I'm going to email the adviser and ask for some information on what the actual degree is all about. It sounds a lot like ME, which I'm interested in, but the school is 25 minutes away from a place for me to stay while I go to school, and they don't have any other engineering programs that I'm interested in. Sounds like a few majors we have here at Cal Poly: Industrial Technology (College of Business) and Liberal Arts & Engineering Studies (College of Engineering & College of Liberal Arts). Both are kind of a joke within the engineering school here. IT graduates do seem to have alot of job prospects though, whereas the LAES guys are almost always guys failing out of ME or other "hard" engineering majors. If you can, find out what the job prospects for that major are like, what companies hire the graduates, etc. Degrees are not all equal. |
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BSCE, PE here
i dont know if a MS overqualifies you, never heard that, but i dont think the MS guarantees you a higher starting pay or is necessarily in more demand than a BS degree i am in mgt and do alot of hiring, we dont typically offer more for a MS (note we are a construction project management and cost engineering services firm, we dont do design) some firms may require and/or offer higher compensation for a MS - but i dont see the MS as being real important unless you are going into research, or teaching, or possibly heavy design work - its nice but i dont think the MS candidates make more in the initial job offer (to me anyway) we pay more for experience, i am glad i got my PE even though it is not really required for the particular field i am in - it gives me alot more credibility and professionalism, i moved up faster because i was a PE i had to take the EIT (FE) before graduation (did not have to pass, just had to take it) and 5 years later qualified to take the PE, studied for 6 months and made a 75 but i passed it i recommend getting in the job market, start small and build, dont go to an interview saying you want to be a "project manager" right away - |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. <––-MS of ME and PE You are on crack. A PE for the most part for Mechanical is only good for HVAC, which is the lowest paid ME field. Finish your masters. Alot of engineering firms are getting ready or in the process of Layoffs, when this occurs you will be competing in a saturated job market. Continuing your masters will allow you to hide for a bit. Plus, if you do get hired, it would most likely right now be a defense contractor (they are the only one with any work for the most part). If they layoff it will typically be: last hired, first lay-off. |
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I would apply for jobs before choosing to stay in school.
For the one sample set I have, MS was good for 5.5% higher starting pay and promotion after one year instead of two at my place of business. As for me, I got a job with BSEngTech and then got a MSEE while working. The BSEngTech and a shitty GPA was good for 20% lower starting salary for me that a BSME, but they really bumped me up quick due to excellent performance reviews and then the Master's. The benefit of getting a job is that your employer will probably pay for some or all of your degree, they won't want to get rid of you as easily after that investment, you will be getting better experience, and they will pay you fair market value for an engineer while getting your degree. The lost income and retirement from staying in school for two years is enormous. A conservative starting salary of $50,000 would be $100,000 plus retirement minus taxes vs. your measly $12,000/year plus whatever else they give you Of course, if you can't find a job you will have to stay in school. Good luck! |
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I am about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2010. I have been doing undergraduate research in thermal barrier coatings for one of the professors at my university for almost a year now and she has pretty much offered to pay for my masters degree along with a monthly 1k stipend in exchange for doing research/thesis. I was originally fully committed to getting my masters. Now I am starting to reconsider. I'm not sure if I want to stick around and get my Masters. To be honest, I am beginning to get tired of school and want to start working. I'm thinking about trying to see what the job market is like and applying to some jobs in the region (TVA, Some aerospace contractors in Huntsville, etc.) and if the job market does not turn around then continue on with the masters degree. Some factors that may make a difference is that I do not have any co-op or internship experience, unless the undergraduate research will substitute in. Another thing that I have been hearing is that a Masters degree typically over-qualifies you for a lot of jobs if obtained immediately after your Bachelors. Any truth in that? Any suggestions, comments? I received my BSME in 1990. At the time, I inteneded to go back and get my masters after a few years of work, but I found it unnucessary fro my line of work, and I sit here almost 20 years later and I still haven't gone back. I'm making well over $100K, and doing some really fun work. Ultimately, what matter is what you want to do with your career. With a BSME, you can pretty much go anywhere you want. You're not so highly specialized that you are locked in. Heck, I have a BSME and imagined myself going in to materials testing. I wound up in Systems Engineering for electronic systems in the aerospace/defense industry! Unless you're really sure of what you want to specialize in, you might want to consider getting out there and seeing what it is you like. Jobs shouldn't be a problem, even in this recession, engineers are still in demand. unless you had your heart set on the auto industry. On a PE: I didn't get a PE. No one ever asked me if I had one. I haven't met a practicing engineer in my field (aerospace, as I said) who advertised having one. It seems to mainly useful to the civil engineers. |
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....................... I haven't met a practicing engineer in my field (aerospace, as I said) who advertised having one. It seems to mainly useful to the civil engineers. That was my experience as well as a BSME in the automotive field. In fact, asking my boss one day about PE went over about as well as standing up and, as loudly as possible, cursing in church. Just a blank stare. Apparently it was frowned because of ..................................................................... liability. "Oh, he's a PE he should have known better!" |
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Ahh crap...I guess this isn't what you meant. http://www.kansasstatefair.com/photo-gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2295&g2_serialNumber=1 +1 As a new engineer, you will discover that people throw the title "engineer" around. It will start to piss you off. And you will never say "engineer" without qualifying what type. 
mjohn3006 EE |
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I just graduated with my degree in manufacturing engineering, had alot of the same classes as the mechanical engineers I'll tell you, the job market is pretty shitty for us right now. Been searching since the end of July and have had little luck. Keep getting fucked over by jobs that either want too much experience, or other applicants that already have plenty of it. If I can't find anything by the end of November, going to seriously consider either going back to school or moving out of the area. Honestly, experience is the main thing that has been holding me back. Not sure if getting a Master would have really helped me get a job or not at this stage. This The job market is extremely slim right now. Staying and getting a Masters would be a very good idea that would pay off big time in the end. If the economy recovers, there will be plenty of opportunities, if it is still down when you finish, you will still have a leg up on those that only have a BS. |
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If the economy was good, I would say go out and get a job. With the way it is, stay and go for the Master's. Not that you can't get it later, but it will be tougher. Definitely take the FE, you will never be more prepared for it right now, and if you get somewhere that you need your PE then you will be ready for it. Hate to go back and take the FE after being out of school for a few years. <–––––– BSME out of school for 13 years. Last 8 working for an Electric Utility. |
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I am about to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2010. I have been doing undergraduate research in thermal barrier coatings for one of the professors at my university for almost a year now and she has pretty much offered to pay for my masters degree along with a monthly 1k stipend in exchange for doing research/thesis. I was originally fully committed to getting my masters. Now I am starting to reconsider. I'm not sure if I want to stick around and get my Masters. To be honest, I am beginning to get tired of school and want to start working. I'm thinking about trying to see what the job market is like and applying to some jobs in the region (TVA, Some aerospace contractors in Huntsville, etc.) and if the job market does not turn around then continue on with the masters degree. Some factors that may make a difference is that I do not have any co-op or internship experience, unless the undergraduate research will substitute in. Another thing that I have been hearing is that a Masters degree typically over-qualifies you for a lot of jobs if obtained immediately after your Bachelors. Any truth in that? Any suggestions, comments? I'd stay on and get the R&D under my belt as it would be experience on top of the masters. The field is rough, alot of my classmates went and did other things rightout of college due to a shitty career market. I hung in for a bit and then changed fields. BSME/ BSAE |
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Stay in school unless you want to move for a job. My brother has been looking since last May...he could have had a job then, but he didn't want to go back to Wichita. I don't "think" you will have a super big problem finding a job IF you want to be mobile and move anywhere in the US for one.
It will be 10X easier to get your masters if you just stay in it. On the other hand, you will probably gain more from doing it after having a little experience...I went back for 2 whole nights in class for the MSME––decided I didn't want to do the work bad enough and am about done with my MBA instead. I wanted to get the PE (though it wouldn't have automatically "done" anything for me like it does for CE's) but I haven't taken it yet. (outside chance of taking it after the MBA is done) I can't say it's anywhere near necessary, but would be a great add on to your resume if you can drive yourself to do it. I thought there was some credit given for "work experience" on the PE pre-reqs if you took a masters??? Look into that if you want. Have you had an internship/co-op anywhere? If you haven't, that really puts you behind the 8-ball for getting a job, IMO. Need SOME kind of relevant work experience to compete... Good luck in your journey! ETA: Consider taking the "general" section of the FE in the afternoon instead of the ME-specific (if that still works for you in whatever state you are in)––supposed to be a little less difficult than the ME-specific...ask around... |
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I have a friend going back to school for her EE masters.
I'm an EE and I'm staying employed, but if the job market gets worse... :-/ 1. Definately take the FE. 2. Try to apply for several jobs. 3. Take the job if either: A: It's your dream job and will love it for all time and as long as the money is ok you'll be good. (might not happen) B: The pay is reaaaaally high that you can't pass it up. (prob won't happen) 4. Maybe stay and get Masters + FE and wait out the economy. In Texas, at least, Master's degree counts as 1 of the 4 years of working engineering experience needed to be able to take the PE exam. |
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Getting your PE > having a master's, at least starting off. Can't get your PE without time in the field. A master's is great, but after you have a solid job and PE behind your name. Engineering companies want people with experience, not a bunch of book knowledge. A non-master's engineer with field experience will almost always trump a fresh-out-of-school master's degree engineer when it comes to winning the job. <––-MS of ME and PE You are on crack. A PE for the most part for Mechanical is only good for HVAC, which is the lowest paid ME field. Finish your masters. Alot of engineering firms are getting ready or in the process of Layoffs, when this occurs you will be competing in a saturated job market. Continuing your masters will allow you to hide for a bit. Plus, if you do get hired, it would most likely right now be a defense contractor (they are the only one with any work for the most part). If they layoff it will typically be: last hired, first lay-off. This is all true. I rarely see a ME with a PE. The couple I've met did it just for their own personal satisfaction. They were in semiconductors and got no career advancement from it. One guy said his boss even gave him a funny look when he hung up his certificate. Not to belittle the work it takes to get a PE, but as a structural engineer looking over, it doesn't seem to be that useful. Every now and then, I run across an armature or rack or something, and the manufacturer usually is calling me because they don't know any mechies with a PE but those are few and far between. I don't know about ME pay in various subdisciplines, but the construction field is pretty bad except in New York City (where real estate drives it) and DC (where they never seem to run out of our money), so even if you went the PE route and looked for a job in HVAC, you'd probably have to relocate. Every once in a while, you'll find a big civil firm with openings in the hydraulics department. I'd suggest you take the FE exam. Almost every engineering student I know did. It really isn't that hard, it is just a waste of a Saturday that's usually a perfect day for trout fishing. Take the MS position. Most states allow experience credit for MS and PhD towards the four years experience requirement (Delaware, for instance, gives you one year and two years respectively), so you're not really that far behind if you still want a PE. W12x40, BSCE, PE. |
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The CE community will change some now that the ASCE has made the first professional degree the MS degree. So, if you are currently an undergrad and working on your degree, you will be required to go for your MS degree to be licensed later on.
The job market here didn't really reward an MS degree before (unless you were structural or geotech), and there was no competitive advantage over a BS degree-holder. Only experience mattered. Now, with this development, I am not exactly sure how things will shake out in the field. Maybe rates and fees will increase, maybe they won't. What the market will bear will establish that. The ASCE was becoming increasingly butt-hurt over the disparity in pay when compared to medical doctors and lawyers, and that is what drove their decision to implement this degree/licensing change. OP, stay in school. The market isn't hot right now. Learn what you can in your MS program, and best of luck. Hopefully you will end up working on some "gee whiz" DARPA project. |
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Ahh crap...I guess this isn't what you meant. http://www.kansasstatefair.com/photo-gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=2295&g2_serialNumber=1 +1 As a new engineer, you will discover that people throw the title "engineer" around. It will start to piss you off. And you will never say "engineer" without qualifying what type.
mjohn3006 EE Isn't that the truth. Everyone I know is an "Engineer". My favorite is "it's an engineering degree without the math". I have been out of school for years and it still drives me nuts. |
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<––––BSME from U of AR 2006
Definitely take the FE. Probably half of my friends didn't and now all wish they had just for future option of getting PE. I'd go for masters just because the job market sucks right now. And I swear I remember a professor telling me once that getting a masters degree took a year or two off the time required to qualify for the PE exam. Doubtful because nobody else here has mentioned it, but you might look into that. |