B.Sc. Physics, M.Sc. Engineering - Mistake?

[Rgsherry]

Hello,

I would like to know everyone's opinion (preferably from those with hiring or first hand experience) regarding my chances of employment as an electrical engineer in the power industry, primarily with electric utility companies.

I received my B.Sc. in Physics from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and I am finishing the last semester of my M.Sc. Electrical Power Engineering degree from RWTH Aachen University located in Aachen, Germany.

My worry is that it will be difficult finding a job because I haven't graduated from an accredited ABET degree engineering program. I'm also worried employers will look down or be weary about my degree from abroad, even though it is a highly regarded University here in Germany and Europe.

I currently have about two years previous internship experience in electrical engineering, however not specifically in the power industry. I am now applying for internship and entry-level positions.

I would appreciate any feedback, positive or negative. Thanks.

 

[jghrist]

Check with your state PE licensing board to see if they would accept your degrees for a PE application.

 

[Rgsherry]

Thanks Jghrist, I have already checked the PE requirements and I do qualify, but the problem right is no companies are contacting me for an interview. Is it probably because my BSc. is in Physics? I can't understand any other reason why they wouldn't to be honest. I am only applying for internships, co-op positions, and entry-level positions. I am now considering going back to school for my BSEE, but the thought of that is very depressing after already having a MSEE.

 

[Desrod2]

Larger companies might have HR perform screening based on resume only before transferring your application to actual hiring people. You might want to apply for jobs with smaller companies and go directly to hiring managers. Ask friends to identify jobs opportunities for you and to introduce you to the person hiring. You might also consider moving into an area where they have problem recruiting. Last summer I chatted with colleagues in Vermont and they had a number of empty seat they could not fill.

 

[electricpete]

You might mention in your cover letter that (while you have you have a unique education blah blah) you are qualified to sit for PE in that state.

Maybe an easier way is go ahead and take the EIT (or whatever they call it) right now and report that result in your resume as soon as it's available

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(2B)+(2B)' ?

 

[xnuke]

It may be a little harder to get in the door because you have an advanced degree, and employers will expect that you would want higher pay than a baccalaureate degree holder. I have the same background as you and had to look for a while for my first engineering job, but once I got the first job and a few years of experience, getting subsequent engineering jobs became no problem. You're basically in the same position as any new grad, no matter what degree they have. The foreign degree shouldn't be too much of a problem, since most MS programs aren't accredited anyway.

As previously mentioned, you will be more competitive if you earn your EIT/EI and are already on the path toward getting your PE. Also, you shouldn't be looking for internships or co-ops since you're no longer going to be a student. Look for a permanent position. The power industry has been screaming that there'll be a shortage of qualified power engineers over the next few years, and members of industry and the DOE have been putting money into power engineering education here in the U.S.

Be sure to network. It helps you get your foot in the door. I got my current engineering position by attending a professional society meeting the month after I graduated and asking if anyone was hiring. I was through the hiring process and working within a few weeks.

xnuke
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