BSEET I would like to earn BSEE 11

[fritzl65]

Hello all
I would like to earn my BSEE. I hvae been working under the BSEET since 1993 and would like to make that change.
I live in Chicago illinois and would like to hear some thoughts and suggestion, if you would be so kind.

I thank you for your time and effort.
Fritz

 

[dpc]

Suggestions on what?

 

[MacGyverS2000]

My first question is "Why?". Is there some BSEE requirement of a position you're interested in? I would imagine a BSEET with 14+ years experience is not going to be much more impressive than one who recently earned his BSEE... if he hasn't learned it on the job yet, I don't think another piece of paper is going to change that.

Maybe a better suggestion would be to simply take a class or two in your area of interest (or better yet, in an area of shortcoming).


Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[zappedagain]

I second Macgyver's post. If you are at a company where you hit some ceiling with a BSEET instead of a BSEE, I expect that soon after your next degree you'll hit a ceiling where you'll need a MSEE or a MBA... If that is the csse, maybe instead of a new degree you should search for a new company that respects talent and experience as highly as a piece of paper from a college. Best of luck!

 

[gepman]

I guess that I would ask myself the reasons for the additional degree. If it only is for the reason to have the degree and not to improve your knowledge or capabilities then I would try to find another place to work (if the lack of the degree is holding you back at work). Another alternative is to take the electrical engineering PE exam. If you pass it then you can legally call yourself an electrical engineer and it is helpful in finding advancement and/or employment.

I only know of one BSEET program (I don't recall ET programs when I went to school in the late 70's) and my impression (I could easily be wrong) is that the curriculum is a little more applied than the engineering curriculum but it doesn't stop you from learning more of the theory on your own. If you desire to learn more theory or have additional background in electrical engineering then by all means take the courses if that is the way that you feel that you would learn it the best and get the degree if you want. I just wouldn't let the tail (degree) wag the dog (knowledge).

 

[Noway2]

I concur with the above posts in that I don't see much value in going for a BSEE. If you are after more up to date schooling in electrical engineering, in my humble opinion you would be better served getting your masters degree.

While you will undoubetdly hear that you won't be able to with a BSEET, I believe this to be untrue. You will likely be required to take the GRE exame though, which will require some study work.

 

[fritzl65]

Thank you all for your input and suggestions.
I think that I should / will start with the P.E. exam. Is there a study guide available?
The reasons for my interest initially in the BSEE vs BSEET is whilst searching fro other employment, I saw a feew requests directly stating "We seek BSEE and NOT BSEET"
If this is a bias or what I am not sure...

I wish to be as competive as possible in the market.
My interest is in mechatronics and control.

Please post your suggestions and advice.

thank you for your time and efforts
Fritz

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Many fields are often better served by a BSEET, typically considered a more "hands on" type of degree than a more theoretical-based BSEE. I would think mechatronics would be one of those fields.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[gepman]

McGraw-Hill has study guides for the PE exam. You can also buy study guides from the organization that develops the exam, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) at

http://www.ncees.org/exams/study_materials/.

I think that the PE will help in your situation. You may also want to obtain a PE in Control Systems if that is your main interest.

 

[BJC]

fritzl65.
If you want it, go for it. Some "Real Engineers" will always look at you as a technition no matter what your experience.
If you can do it, got the time, got the money go for it. If it's for self satisfaction that's as good a reason as any. If it's money you want you can sell insurance or join the Local IBEW chapter.
IT will eventually broaded your scope of work and responsibility which makes work more fun.

 

[stevenal]

You'll need to take the FE first if you haven't. I used the Proffesional Publications Guides (

http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPI)

for both.

 

[itsmoked]

Whoa.. "mechatronics and control"?

Are you wanting to work in the applied field of this? Or you want to design components used in this field?

If you want to apply this stuff then forget the degree as end users just want the skills not the "paper".

Taking any and all courses given by vendors would be vastly more useful. If you want to be applying this stuff get a job with a company like Applied Industrial Technologies, or some place similar, as they have large lines of mechatronics and never have enough skilled people to help apply it to customer's needs.

Note: Applied's web site seems to have just gone off the rails.

http://www.applied.com/

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[CurtB]

Some companies do not promote the Technology degree as a "real" engineering degree. I know this since I have a Technology degree and in the past have been limited in career progress due to the degree. This was partially due to the program that I was in was not ABET accredited - a requirement for the PE.

I suggest two things:
1.) Be clear that your employer will not limit you in progressing your career with a Technology degree.

2.) Make sure that the Technology program is ABET if you are going to get the PE.

Good luck in your endeavors!

 

[lansford]

Dear BJC,
Regarding your response "join the local IBEW chapter"
Do you mean that if one is working as an engineer,one can also join the local IBEW, pay dues and get the union benefits working as an engineer. This is a new twist to me but if it works...
thanks
JIM

 

[cabraham]

The best advice I can give you is - go for it. Advanced education only helps you. More knowledge makes you more capable.

Of course, there's more to engineering than theoretical knowledge. Work ethic, innovation, and the ability to be a team player (non-contentious, not self-centered) is extremely important. But you must have these qualities anyway, so increasing your knowledge of theory only helps.

I recently came to the perception that my career has stalled, and that more education would help. At age 51, I recently returned to grad school to pursue a doctorate. It's been 26 years since studying for the MSEE. It's a real adjustment. I'm still working full time.

To everybody reading this, if you wonder about whether or not you should increase your education, here is some advice - yes!

Claude