MSEE with degree other than BSEE

[PK]

If someone were to obtain a MSEE from a good engineering school (ABET
accredited for their undergrad programs), would the fact that their
bachelors was not a BSEE make a difference in the job market? For example,
if you were to get a BSEET (Eng Technology degree), would employers still
consider the MSEE to be the main credential to be looked at?

Realize I'm not asking about whether or not you could get in to a graduate
program - I know of a particular program where the BSET grad could be
admitted provided they fill in the gaps with some bridge courses, which may
very well bring them up to the knowledge level that is somewhat equivalent
to a BSEE - I'm just asking how potential employers would perceive your
MSEE degree once you already have it.

 

[Guest]

Employers with two potential candidates for a single position will make a
decision....they will look at the degrees for sure, but you may win out over
a slightly better qualified candidate based on other factors such as
applicable experience, curriculum more relevent to the position, or even how
well you play with others.....

They may also make a decision to hire the less qualified candidate simply on
cost....that extra piece of paper may raise the salary expectations of the
candidate, when the actual job functions could be suited by the
qualifications of the lessor candidate (who seems hungrier, and comes at a
bargain!)....Selling is selling, know your market, and price your product
accordingly!

After you obtain a position, what you accomplish in that position will weigh
very heavily in any future interviews...companies are results
oriented....show them how you affected the bottom line, brought about
positive changes, cut development time, improved quality, etc....

 

[Charles Perry]

If someone were to obtain a MSEE from a good engineering school (ABET
accredited for their undergrad programs), would the fact that their
bachelors was not a BSEE make a difference in the job market? For
example,
if you were to get a BSEET (Eng Technology degree), would employers still
consider the MSEE to be the main credential to be looked at?

Realize I'm not asking about whether or not you could get in to a graduate
program - I know of a particular program where the BSET grad could be
admitted provided they fill in the gaps with some bridge courses, which
may
very well bring them up to the knowledge level that is somewhat equivalent
to a BSEE - I'm just asking how potential employers would perceive your
MSEE degree once you already have it.

As someone who hires engineers, your BSEET would only come into play if you
were one of two equally qualified candidates and the other had a BSEE from
an ABET school.

You realize that even with an MSEE, your BSEET may keep you from qualifying
to take the PE exam. That is important to some employers. It is becoming
more important to us. We are pushing for all of our engineers to get
licenses, even though most of the work we do does not require it. Why?
Because it looks good.

Charles Perry P.E.

 

[PK]

You realize that even with an MSEE, your BSEET may keep you from
qualifying to take the PE exam. That is important to some employers.
It is becoming more important to us. We are pushing for all of our
engineers to get licenses, even though most of the work we do does not
require it. Why? Because it looks good.

Excellent point. My understanding, however, is that in NJ, where I live, I
am eligible for the PE. I know this is not true in all states. Would it
be a valid assumption that if I were to pass the FE/EIT, and later after
getting the necessary experience become a PE, that a PE combined with an
MSEE would further downplay any potential negative effect a BSEET degree
would have?

 

[Charles Perry]

Excellent point. My understanding, however, is that in NJ, where I live,
I
am eligible for the PE. I know this is not true in all states. Would it
be a valid assumption that if I were to pass the FE/EIT, and later after
getting the necessary experience become a PE, that a PE combined with an
MSEE would further downplay any potential negative effect a BSEET degree
would have?

Yes. But, and it is a big but, you MIGHT not be able to transfer your PE
obtained in NJ to other states. This could cause you problems when trying
to move from job to job.

As for me, once you have an MSEE and a PE, I am looking more at your work
history and the types of projects you have managed and less at the BSEET.

I do recommend a MS. It will open doors that are shut to you with a BSEET.
Nothing against that degree but we have one BSEET working as a technician
and another as an engineering manager. BSEET degrees have a huge span of
competence. Some are no better than a technician program at a local
community college and some are nearly as good as a BSEE. This is not your
fault, but does prejudice the people interviewing you. An MSEE proves you
can learn and are willing to put in the time to learn. That is what many,
if not all, employers are looking for.

BTW, 80% of our new hires are MS, 10% PHD, and 10%BS will additional
experience.

Charles Perry P.E.


Charles Perry P.E.

 

[PK]

Yes. But, and it is a big but, you MIGHT not be able to transfer your
PE obtained in NJ to other states. This could cause you problems when
trying to move from job to job.

As for me, once you have an MSEE and a PE, I am looking more at your
work history and the types of projects you have managed and less at
the BSEET.

I do recommend a MS. It will open doors that are shut to you with a
BSEET. Nothing against that degree but we have one BSEET working as a
technician and another as an engineering manager. BSEET degrees have
a huge span of competence. Some are no better than a technician
program at a local community college and some are nearly as good as a
BSEE. This is not your fault, but does prejudice the people
interviewing you. An MSEE proves you can learn and are willing to put
in the time to learn. That is what many, if not all, employers are
looking for.

BTW, 80% of our new hires are MS, 10% PHD, and 10%BS will additional
experience.

Charles Perry P.E.


Charles Perry P.E.

Thank you, sir. I have decided to pursue the straight Engineering
Bachelors degree (I am still torn between Electrical, Mechanical, and
Biomed -- one of the reasons I'm going straight Engineering is that it
will provide a general theoretical education that allows me to examine
the different options -- the tech degree is more application-specific),
but your last comment, regarding the percentage of your new hires that
are MS, was most valuable to me -- as I complete my undergrad, I will
definitely keep that in mind, and try to get co-op or even paid
experience in the summers, and/or examine the various MS programs in the
area.