Engineering Degree

[RLD4ISU]

Tossing in my unqualified-as-an-engineer, but qualified-as-a-parent two cents.

I remember being told in 2006 during a college visit with our sons that the average college student changes their major four times.

We encouraged our boys to also learn a trade or get some experience in one. If the degree doesn't work out, they have that skill and experience. And there's always the chance that skill/experience or connections can help with their career at some point.

My son is an ISU AeroE grad, later obtained his MBA. He worked for an electrician one summer during college. I think he learned a lot and it helped solidify his decision to get the engineering degree.

Find somewhere or someone that will let him job shadow or intern - as soon as possible. I think that is the best way for someone to figure out if it's really what they want to do. I've heard so many stories of people that have obtained degrees (where 2 or 4 year) and then, once they got a job, discovered it's not what they want to do.

Research how versatile the degree is for jobs. If the opportunities are somewhat limited, or ones that your son has zero interest in, perhaps the best route is one that has a wide variety of opportunities.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Kinda sounds like you have an inferiority complex.

Kinda sounds like you're an engineer who got offended when you suddenly realized you got the wrong degree.

 

[Bader]

Stop taking the bait

 

[CycloneWanderer]

Stop taking the bait

Adding him to the ignore pile. Thought it might just be silliness, but he's trolling.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Adding him to the ignore pile. Thought it might just be silliness, but he's trolling.

You've been around long enough to know I do this every time

 

[AlaCyclone]

This thread makes my head hurt.
Signed,
History Major at an Ag school.

Let's Go State!

 

[cowgirl836]

Actual engineering is a lot of work which is why a lot of engineering majors want to move into things like management.

Have you SEEN the people in management? Get paid like that to make dumb as **** decisions which get them promoted? And they don't have to worry about what the sequel or hotmail or jason error says? Sounds good to me.

 

[CyArob]

Have you SEEN the people in management? Get paid like that to make dumb as **** decisions which get them promoted? And they don't have to worry about what the sequel or hotmail or jason error says? Sounds good to me.

Wut

 

[CyBobby]

I went Aero because rocket science AND salary.
Never used any of it... other than general problem solving skills.

My Wife's cousin who grew up down the street from me, Took Aerospace Engineering (aeronautical engineering then) and was THIRD ON THE DEAN'S LIST. Needless to say he was recruited by Lockheed, He made a lot of money and he Retired Early.

The only drawback was he had to live in No Cal which is now called Silicon Valley!

GO ENGINEERING & GO IOWA STATE!

 

[throwittoblythe]

@isucyfan I’m late to the party but here are my thoughts:

- have him try lots of things. I wanted to be an architect but didn’t have any artistic ability but excelled at math/science in HS. I decided structural engineering was for me so started in the civil program at ISU. Early junior year I realized geotechnical was more my flavor. I never even looked at programs outside of CE. Stayed for a masters in civil at ISU as well. I regret not doing more exploring of majors in college.

- regardless of the above: tell him to enjoy the time! I had lots of fun in college and met my wife there. But I was also hyper-focused on getting finished and getting a good job. I didn’t grow up with much money so the goal for me was start making some on my own. I wish I would’ve slowed down and had a little more fun along the way.

- I did design work for the first 8 years of my career and eventually burned out on it. I switched to BD which I enjoy and have an inclination for, more than most engineers (aka I like meeting and talking with new people). 15 years out of school and im still trying to find my place. For most, “the search” never truly ends.

Last piece of advice is to check out the book “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport. It really pushes back against the “find your passion” theme that is so prevalent right now. His thesis is pretty simple: try lots of things, find something you’re interested in/enjoy doing, get really freaking good at it, and THEN you will be passionate about it.

 

[RLD4ISU]

@isucyfan I’m late to the party but here are my thoughts:

Last piece of advice is to check out the book “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport. It really pushes back against the “find your passion” theme that is so prevalent right now. His thesis is pretty simple: try lots of things, find something you’re interested in/enjoy doing, get really freaking good at it, and THEN you will be passionate about it.

I've heard that from others - to find what you're good at and the passion will follow. IMO some of the best advice out there. You can have a passion to be an engineer, but you may not be good at it.


Careers - it's all a chess game.

 

[Clarencewinkle]

I think the best thing would be to let your son apply where he wants and in case he moves to another college later because I've been in such a case and nothing so good came out. I started using https://edubirdie.com/write-my-speech to not fail with the university, write my speech did everything for me and now I have a degree that I don't need.

 

[Mr.G.Spot]

I don't know if TT has a program like Iowa State's 5-year undergrad and concurrent MBA. U have to have a certain GMAT score to get in during your sophomore/junior year, I think.

Only serious students apply and the vast majority are engineering undergrad with an MBA. Around 100 students per year and 99% job placement upon graduation. Almost all have multiple job offers. It might be the highest MBA job placement % in the country because it is highly specialized.

Fabulous program.

Again, if TT has this program, I highly recommend evaluating.

 

[cyclone13]

I don't know if TT has a program like Iowa State's 5-year undergrad and concurrent MBA. U have to have a certain GMAT score to get in during your sophomore/junior year, I think.

Only serious students apply and the vast majority are engineering undergrad with an MBA. Around 100 students per year and 99% job placement upon graduation. Almost all have multiple job offers. It might be the highest MBA job placement % in the country because it is highly specialized.

Fabulous program.

Again, if TT has this program, I highly recommend evaluating.

Do they get the job because of the engineering degree or because of the MBA? My understanding is you don't get the added value of the MBA unless you have experience. Otherwise, it'll be a text book MBA.

Some of my MBA classes were frustrating because many students jumped directly from undergrad and the discussions ended up really "shallow".

I think there's a value of MBA but the best is if you work for at least 3-4 years before you pursue the MBA.

 

[Mr.G.Spot]

Do they get the job because of the engineering degree or because of the MBA? My understanding is you don't get the added value of the MBA unless you have experience. Otherwise, it'll be a text book MBA.

Some of my MBA classes were frustrating because many students jumped directly from undergrad and the discussions ended up really "shallow".

I think there's a value of MBA but the best is if you work for at least 3-4 years before you pursue the MBA.

I would tend to agree with you. I would say it is synergistic, but with the engineering undergrad carrying more clout. I agree with your shallow comment - with very little, if any, work experience the conversations can be only so deep.

That being said, it not only opens you up for engineering jobs, but now u have the opportunity to skip the engineering path and go on more of the business side. The employers love this background - an engineering dude that can go directly into technical sales, as an example.

These students tend to be more insightful and thoughtful for all of the obvious reasons.

 

[aeroclone08]

Many employers, at least in the large aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, will pay for your post-grad program, be it technical or business. Obviously it takes a little longer as a part time program while you work full time, but paid by The Company was a plus for me. (Shocker MBA grad here).

 

[Mr.G.Spot]

Many employers, at least in the large aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, will pay for your post-grad program, be it technical or business. Obviously it takes a little longer as a part time program while you work full time, but paid by The Company was a plus for me. (Shocker MBA grad here).

Absolutely. Great path and potentially cheaper.

The combo 5 year undergrad MBA is great for those that are "ready for it."