Is a Master degree advisable 3

[jarimasen]

Hi all,

I am a maintenance engineer in a big firm and I always wanted to do a masters in engineering. I like my job, but I do not want to be here for the rest of my life (who does?). So I have a Bs in mechanical and electrical engineering and I want to do a Ms in energy but I don't want to waste a year or two in something that I am not going to use.

So my question is this:

Is a graduate degree in engineering practical or is it a waste of time? Bear in mind that I do not want to become a teacher or a theorical engineer.

 

[frv]

Do what makes you happy.

On a side note, "Maintenance Engineer" in my part of the world is a euphemism for janitor.

 

[zdas04]

This comes up pretty often. Normally the question is "I can't find a job should I stay in school and get an MS?". My answer to that is always a resounding "NO".

Your situation is significantly different. I've always found that an MS with relevant industry experience is an asset and I've never regretted the 2 years of night school I spent getting mine.

You currently have a job and you've been there an unspecified length of time. Now, if you keep that job and get your MS at night (or through Distance Learning), then you'll have two more years experience and an MS. Even if you've only been in the job a short time, 2 years of experience is approaching the point when an MS starts becoming valuable (5 years is better, but 2 isn't bad). Also, many employers will pay a portion of your education expenses if they see the course as potentially benefiting them (and sometimes they'll pay even if they don't see a benefit to the coursework).

On the other hand if you have less than 5 years and you quit your job to pursue the MS full time, then many employers would treat you like a raw new hire and see the MS as a liability.

In response to you "who does?" question, many of us really like what we're doing and feel that additional education will allow us to do it better. When I got my MSME I kept doing the same job for the same company in the same location until I retired a few years later.

David

 

[IRstuff]

The last job I had where I couldn't see myself in that position was in high school, working in a bank as a gopher. Even then, they had free lunch every day. I'd probably weigh 300 lbs by now if I stayed, but it was minimum wage job, so no dice.

Every other job I've had, I keep hoping no one finds out how much fun I'm having...

TTFN

FAQ731-376
Chinese prisoner wins Nobel Peace Prize

 

[LaxeyTom]

Are you saying that you want to do an MS in energy, but do not expect to use it in your current role? If you are interested in Energy, what about doing the MS and finding a new role?
Perhaps the simplest thing is just to find a new role in energy, and then assess the benefits of an MS.
Lots of engineers do an MS in their specialism, and it can help their career and give them a more in-depth knowledge. However, for a bit of extra depth on the odd topic here or there, there won't be anything on an MS syllabus that can't be found in a textbook. (The MS project may be a good opportunity that wouldn't be available any other way).

 

[B16A2]

After getting my MS, my best advice is to be very careful of the background of the people giving you opinions. The disciplines (and even sub disciplines) are very different.

I would say dont listen to anyone, but go find a job that you would want, call them up and ask what a MS degree would do for you. I found most employers would be happy to let you know.

 

[lacajun]

Years ago a trade journal published the pay rewards and when those differentiators kicked in for various levels of education. The master's paid more just a few years beyond the bachelors. The doctorate was something like 30 years beyond the master's level to see a difference. Don't hold me to that information strictly because it's been about 20 years ago.

I got the master's and decided against the doctorate because of that chart and some personal reasons. I really enjoyed the master's level for a variety of reasons. I concentrated on control theory because I like it. I have done a lot of controls work but never was able to get into the area of controls desired. I don't regret getting the engineering master's one second. It has opened doors even though it didn't directly apply, which were financially rewarding.

Any time you improve yourself through learning something new, you are going to benefit in many ways you will see years from now and mature in the process. Education is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

In retrospect, with my desires and circumstances today, I wish I had gotten the doctorate and not to enter academia.