The Next Step

[Fairran]

Straight out of high school I did not exactly know what I wanted to do, I just knew it was going to be something I got to use my hands as much as my brains. I found a two year automated manufacturing program at the local tech school that I have recently completed. Now I have found out that it would have been better for me to get a bachelors in Manufacturing Engineering. I do not have the time to go back and start the engineering program. What I can do is transfer my credits to an online 4 year Manufacturing Management program or take night classes and get a 2 year Mechanical Design degree. Knowledge wise I feel that Mechanical design would get me closer to a Manufacturing Engineer type job that I want. Career wise the Bachelors in Management sounds better on paper just for the simple fact I would actually have a bachelors degree in something. I was hoping to get some feedback on the subject from engineers that are out in the field and know what employers are looking for.

Thank You

 

[rb1957]

IMHO, if you want to use either your hands or your brains, stay away from mgmt.

an Engineering degree would be needed to work in an Engineering office; but don't rule out mechanic.

most colleges are associated with a university (usually in the same neighbourhood) and should give credit for your courses, 100% credit is another question; consider the higher expectations of university work, I guess the most I`d hope for would be about 80%, maybe only 50% (ie 1 year credit for your 2 years worked). but it depends on the school ... talk to them.

don`t rule out having a trade. Possibly the best would be to start somewhere as a mechanic, work night school (sponsored?), and more "up" to the engineering office.

GL

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[TheTick]

Don't get too snotty about management. Who knows, you may actually have talent for it (especially if you can empathize with your staff).

 

[rb1957]

it is incredibly rare to see management positions using engineering hands or brains. this'd most often happen in a small outfit (which'd have a very small mgmt presence anyways).

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[Fairran]

I actually got lucky and got a job designing and implementing automation into current production lines by showing my skills as an intern. I am doing what I want to do right now it is just that I am looking forward to the future in case something happens with my current position. I want to be able to go to a different company with something that says I am capable on paper to get my foot in the door because I probably will not have the chance to show someone what I can do like I did through the internship I had.

 

[GregLocock]

Ah, that puts a different light on things. If you already have a satisfactory job then your course has done at least 40% of what a BSc or whatever would have done, get you into the door.

Frankly my bias would be towards the Mechanical Design degree, IF it is ABET eligible.

If it isn't then you are paying a lot of money and time for an interesting, but not especially recognised, piece of paper. The learning in its own right may be worthwhile to you.

As you get older your work history will be far more important than what qualifications you have, for most engineering type jobs.



Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[KENAT]

Could you later build on the Mechanical Design degree to get your BS in Engineering?

My guess is a BS/BEng (depending on location etc.) in any vaguely relevant engineering will be adequate for the typical Manufacturing Engineer job.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[cdxx139]

Bachelor opens up more opportunities

knowledge is power

 

[cdxx139]

meant bachelor of engineering (not management)

knowledge is power

 

[ljstar]

Hate to sound like a broken record but it seems like the Bachelor's in engineering is the best bet. Everyone on here is right.

One of the hardest but better than most of the other options you mentioned.

 

[TomDOT]

Shockingly, a group of engineers thinks that engineering is the best bet.