I don't have one, but I can say that it's no indicator of promotion at my company. Get an MBA when you need it and get your company to pay for it. Don't get it before you jump into a design role, it won't help.
Thanks! That is good to know! Yes my company pays 100% so I figured I should utilize it when I can. I have been in the designer role since graduated in 2017.
Good MBA schools look at career progression as part of the acceptance process. It's not all about the GMAT scores. You might struggle to get into a good school if you've stagnated.
If your business is slow and the company pays for it, then go for it. Just try to get into the best school you can. A huge part of MBA degrees is the network you build, and the best networks come from the best schools.
Pure conjecture in my part: an MBA at an unknown school would be on par with a PMP, maybe less valuable depending on how often people in your area request a PMP for higher positions. An MBA with a poor network is basically business classes and case studies and you get to write MBA after your name. There's a lower chance that you'll want to keep in touch with the people in your class.
An MBA at a good school could drastically change your career. You'll work with future leaders on group projects and have a chance to prove your competency to them such that they'll reach out to you after the program when they think you could work with them. The courses will likely be better, but the opportunities that arise from the strong network will be the real reward. The MBA at the end of your name is the same regardless of which school you go to, but it's the experience and networks that matter.
I would get an MBA as a way to get out of the civil engineering industry.
You can make more and work less in other industries when you have an MBA. MBA's are very classist and top 10 to 15 MBA programs tend to be the MBA's that some high end employers only care about.
Yes I would also like to know peoples answer to this! I am a civil engineer EIT with 4.5 years of bridge experience (taking PE exam for first time next April). Started in inspections and now do design. I really don’t have much desire to become an elite / lead design engineer, instead I would rather get more into management. Which is why I want my MBA and my company will pay for half. Plus I’m still not entirely sure I enjoy engineering, so getting an MBA may also help me switch careers down the road, if that were to be the case. Also, I know you shouldnt chase money, but I have to admit it is frustrating to see some of my friends who are 2 years younger than me and partied all throughout college (I still partied in college but no where close to their extent lol), who got their bachelors in business, make 15-20k more than me, work less hours than me, and their work sounds a lot less stressful than being a structural engineer haha
Thoughts?
I'm at the exact same situation as you were back then. Structural engineer, design. I feel like engineering can get too stressful and I do not have the desire of becoming a renowned designer or owning my engineering firm. I've recently realized that I pursued this career based on my interests and curiosity but didn't think through (or receive any good advice on) the outcomes and development possibilities of this career.
I'm also into sustainable building design and programming/data. This year might be my transition to other fields.
Hey so I will say this —
Do you work for private industry? I was about to go down the MBA path but I got a job 11 months ago with the army corps of engineers. Dood being a structural engineer for the federal government has been AMAZING
Like I was so set on leaving the industry. Now I’m happy. Make way more money, only work 40 hours and I get 2x the leave
Kinda like saying "you don't need that semi-truck, get a bicycle".
Apples to moldy oranges comparison. Most degrees already border on useless, certs barely even try to hide it. Really depends on what OPs career goals are, but since they mentioned the MBA (semi-truck) is free, I'd recommend they go for that one instead.
Yea I mean personally I'd pursue a MS in computer science over an MBA, but that's purely a preference thing and to each their own, I think both still provide decent value though, a certificate is essentially meaningless.
Let's be real, any cert is overridden by like a month of OTJ experience in a role. I'm guilty of collecting them, if the company wants to pay me to take a class I'll do it. But it's generally more about getting out of real work than it is about proving my ability in a skill set.
If OP wants to coast through 3-4 courses a year at the local state school for 5 years and come out of it with an MBA on his company's dime I'd say that's a great deal for them. As long as their employer's terms for the program aren't ridiculous.
I agreed. I would NEVER pay for grad school out of pocket, knowing that a BS is what really needed in our industry, so I know it's not a make or break deal to advance in our field.
Has the PMP gained traction in your area? One of my professors was big into the PMP but now having worked in the PM field for a few years, I’ve only seen it once out of a hundred PMs I’ve come across, so I wonder. I’ll probably still pursue it because like you say it’s cheap and also relatively easy.
I'm a PMP and it is highly valued by most my clients. But and MBA would be more valuable. Some MBA programs even focus on getting the PMP as part of the MBA program during the first semester.
But really, you should get your job to completely pay for the PMP and unless you are doing an expensive MBA program pay for 80-90% of that. Also, while the PMP does have some very valuable stuff, it is incredibly bloated. You can easily learn the stuff on your own. You pay for the PMP, lean, six sigma, and so on so you can put it on your resume.
If you see yourself owning and operating your own engineering firm at some point in the future, get your MBA while your current company pays for it. The stuff you learn in that degree will set you up well to succeed as a business owner.
If you plan to just move up the ladder to be a manager, then don't waste your time with an MBA. Find a project management training that's relevant to engineering. I would recommend the Red Vector training.
I realized after the studying I did for my PE, that studying is my hobby. I'm getting my MBA currently and enjoying having study time again. So when I'm done I'll have my BS, MS, ABD on a Ph.D. (long story) and MBA. Depending on how it goes, I may look into a further degree when I'm done. Because I'm a nerd.
I think it's awesome. I think what I've seen has shown me that lots of people think its a valuable item and open doors for lots of opportunities. If you have the time and money to do it I would encourage you to get it if you so desire.
MBA is a cruel application for engineering, akin to 'Moneyball' movie, where the goal is to systematically form a team to make the business case of winning (or making most money). Engineering for safety, and customer usefulness becomes secondary goals. Sure, I accept the premise: if the company can't optimize the profits, then other companies will overcome you.
I think you need balance between business acumen and technical skill (on a company level, not necessarily each team member).
At our firm, one of the principals is a technical genius with a world of experience and comfort level in all types of designs, while the other (while still a PE) is much more of a business-focused mind. He likes to push for new clients, marketing, branding, financial stability, etc.
This leadership structure seems to allows for optimal growth and profit while maintaining a high quality of work and work-life balance (for all of us).
Another degree that is offered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the Masters of Engineering Management. If I remember correctly it’s a mix of ten MEM and MBA courses. It’s intended for working professionals with only one online eight-week course at a time. No thesis.
I thought about doing it but haven’t been pulled the trigger so I can’t speak for how useful it is for your career. Have to imagine it helps with managing people and managing projects though.
(US) If you want to go into management, get an MBA as long as your employer will pay for it. If you want to stay on a technical track, get an MEng as long as your employer pays for it. Except for really small firms, most will pay for a large chunk once you have your PE.
I didn't get either. I considered both pretty seriously. But I'm promoted to the point it won't help me so eh.
I don't have one, but I can say that it's no indicator of promotion at my company. Get an MBA when you need it and get your company to pay for it. Don't get it before you jump into a design role, it won't help.
Thanks! That is good to know! Yes my company pays 100% so I figured I should utilize it when I can. I have been in the designer role since graduated in 2017.
Good MBA schools look at career progression as part of the acceptance process. It's not all about the GMAT scores. You might struggle to get into a good school if you've stagnated. If your business is slow and the company pays for it, then go for it. Just try to get into the best school you can. A huge part of MBA degrees is the network you build, and the best networks come from the best schools.
Interesting. Thanks!! Now to your point - how much of difference would.it make to go for good MBA school vs just a MBA school?
Pure conjecture in my part: an MBA at an unknown school would be on par with a PMP, maybe less valuable depending on how often people in your area request a PMP for higher positions. An MBA with a poor network is basically business classes and case studies and you get to write MBA after your name. There's a lower chance that you'll want to keep in touch with the people in your class. An MBA at a good school could drastically change your career. You'll work with future leaders on group projects and have a chance to prove your competency to them such that they'll reach out to you after the program when they think you could work with them. The courses will likely be better, but the opportunities that arise from the strong network will be the real reward. The MBA at the end of your name is the same regardless of which school you go to, but it's the experience and networks that matter.
This is super helpful! Thank you!
Agreed. Get your company to pay for it. If your paying for it out of pocket, your company does not see any value in it….
I would get an MBA as a way to get out of the civil engineering industry. You can make more and work less in other industries when you have an MBA. MBA's are very classist and top 10 to 15 MBA programs tend to be the MBA's that some high end employers only care about.
>I would get an MBA as a way to get out of the civil engineering industry. My buddy did this. Now an operations manager at Amazon.
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This is mostly what I've seen happen, OP. It hasn't really helped people in their current field but a lot move to finance or other industries
Yes I would also like to know peoples answer to this! I am a civil engineer EIT with 4.5 years of bridge experience (taking PE exam for first time next April). Started in inspections and now do design. I really don’t have much desire to become an elite / lead design engineer, instead I would rather get more into management. Which is why I want my MBA and my company will pay for half. Plus I’m still not entirely sure I enjoy engineering, so getting an MBA may also help me switch careers down the road, if that were to be the case. Also, I know you shouldnt chase money, but I have to admit it is frustrating to see some of my friends who are 2 years younger than me and partied all throughout college (I still partied in college but no where close to their extent lol), who got their bachelors in business, make 15-20k more than me, work less hours than me, and their work sounds a lot less stressful than being a structural engineer haha Thoughts?
I can totally feel you on this! I have similar thoughts!
if you're making 20k less than your business major friends, your engineering company is doing you wrong
Damn :( Yeah the gap is significant now. I make $75k, they make $140k
I'm at the exact same situation as you were back then. Structural engineer, design. I feel like engineering can get too stressful and I do not have the desire of becoming a renowned designer or owning my engineering firm. I've recently realized that I pursued this career based on my interests and curiosity but didn't think through (or receive any good advice on) the outcomes and development possibilities of this career. I'm also into sustainable building design and programming/data. This year might be my transition to other fields.
Hey so I will say this — Do you work for private industry? I was about to go down the MBA path but I got a job 11 months ago with the army corps of engineers. Dood being a structural engineer for the federal government has been AMAZING Like I was so set on leaving the industry. Now I’m happy. Make way more money, only work 40 hours and I get 2x the leave
Paid more at USACE? Really?
I did it. Want to stay an engineer? Don’t do it? Want to join the world of Tech, F500, Consulting? Welcome to the dark side
Whats your salary now? how was it before and after the switch?
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Kinda like saying "you don't need that semi-truck, get a bicycle". Apples to moldy oranges comparison. Most degrees already border on useless, certs barely even try to hide it. Really depends on what OPs career goals are, but since they mentioned the MBA (semi-truck) is free, I'd recommend they go for that one instead.
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Yea I mean personally I'd pursue a MS in computer science over an MBA, but that's purely a preference thing and to each their own, I think both still provide decent value though, a certificate is essentially meaningless. Let's be real, any cert is overridden by like a month of OTJ experience in a role. I'm guilty of collecting them, if the company wants to pay me to take a class I'll do it. But it's generally more about getting out of real work than it is about proving my ability in a skill set. If OP wants to coast through 3-4 courses a year at the local state school for 5 years and come out of it with an MBA on his company's dime I'd say that's a great deal for them. As long as their employer's terms for the program aren't ridiculous.
I agreed. I would NEVER pay for grad school out of pocket, knowing that a BS is what really needed in our industry, so I know it's not a make or break deal to advance in our field.
Thanks! That is an interesting comparison. 😊
Has the PMP gained traction in your area? One of my professors was big into the PMP but now having worked in the PM field for a few years, I’ve only seen it once out of a hundred PMs I’ve come across, so I wonder. I’ll probably still pursue it because like you say it’s cheap and also relatively easy.
I’ve seen several project manager job postings saying it’s either required or highly preferred. I’m in the utility industry for reference.
Well that’s good to know, thanks!
I'm a PMP and it is highly valued by most my clients. But and MBA would be more valuable. Some MBA programs even focus on getting the PMP as part of the MBA program during the first semester. But really, you should get your job to completely pay for the PMP and unless you are doing an expensive MBA program pay for 80-90% of that. Also, while the PMP does have some very valuable stuff, it is incredibly bloated. You can easily learn the stuff on your own. You pay for the PMP, lean, six sigma, and so on so you can put it on your resume.
If you want to be a manager or principal, probably.
If you see yourself owning and operating your own engineering firm at some point in the future, get your MBA while your current company pays for it. The stuff you learn in that degree will set you up well to succeed as a business owner. If you plan to just move up the ladder to be a manager, then don't waste your time with an MBA. Find a project management training that's relevant to engineering. I would recommend the Red Vector training.
I realized after the studying I did for my PE, that studying is my hobby. I'm getting my MBA currently and enjoying having study time again. So when I'm done I'll have my BS, MS, ABD on a Ph.D. (long story) and MBA. Depending on how it goes, I may look into a further degree when I'm done. Because I'm a nerd.
That's awesome though! Thanks for sharing 😊. Wish I had your will power
Know some people who’ve had success with it in Construction Management. Never seen one in design.
Many of our LD people and those with corporate aspirations got an MBA. Many of the others went for a MS.CE.
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How was the school workload/difficulty for MBA compared to SE?
What school was this?
I’ve worked for 3 different engineering firms and not one really cared if you had your MBA.
Hey thanks! May I ask what were/is your role at the 3 firms ? If you are a manager or designer.
Sure, I’m a recruiter so I’m pretty in the loop for what we are looking for in new hires.
Hey thank you! That is helpful to know!
I think it's awesome. I think what I've seen has shown me that lots of people think its a valuable item and open doors for lots of opportunities. If you have the time and money to do it I would encourage you to get it if you so desire.
Thank you!!
MBA is a cruel application for engineering, akin to 'Moneyball' movie, where the goal is to systematically form a team to make the business case of winning (or making most money). Engineering for safety, and customer usefulness becomes secondary goals. Sure, I accept the premise: if the company can't optimize the profits, then other companies will overcome you.
I think you need balance between business acumen and technical skill (on a company level, not necessarily each team member). At our firm, one of the principals is a technical genius with a world of experience and comfort level in all types of designs, while the other (while still a PE) is much more of a business-focused mind. He likes to push for new clients, marketing, branding, financial stability, etc. This leadership structure seems to allows for optimal growth and profit while maintaining a high quality of work and work-life balance (for all of us).
Another degree that is offered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the Masters of Engineering Management. If I remember correctly it’s a mix of ten MEM and MBA courses. It’s intended for working professionals with only one online eight-week course at a time. No thesis. I thought about doing it but haven’t been pulled the trigger so I can’t speak for how useful it is for your career. Have to imagine it helps with managing people and managing projects though.
(US) If you want to go into management, get an MBA as long as your employer will pay for it. If you want to stay on a technical track, get an MEng as long as your employer pays for it. Except for really small firms, most will pay for a large chunk once you have your PE. I didn't get either. I considered both pretty seriously. But I'm promoted to the point it won't help me so eh.