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1

General Discussions / Re: Why did you choose engineering?

« on: February 15, 2011, 11:44:36 PM »

I think the most interesting aspect of engineering is the mix of creative and analytical skills required. There is probably no other field where you can merge these two so strongly in your daily life. Especially if you are involved in design and or development (hardware or software) you get the pleasure of seeing your ideas come to fruition.

A very rewarding aspect and very unique to engineering. Job security is also very high if you are competent.

Michael Brit
www.engineers-forum.com
www.engineer-resume.com

2

Educational / Re: Masters in Engineering or MBA?

« on: April 22, 2010, 10:09:20 PM »

It very much depends on your objectives.

An MBA will give you a broad awareness of business in all fields.
It will prepare you for a management career where you will
be able to converse with all management track folks in the
organization. It will also open doors in the management track.

An engineering masters is mostly an opportunity to advance
your knowledge and grow as a technologist. It will prepare you
for more advanced work in your field if done correctly.

There are also hybrid degrees in engineering management
but if management is your calling then an MBA is probably
better worth your time because of the brand recognition.

Michael Brit
www.engineer-resume.com

3

Educational / Re: Do you get better job prospects if you graduate from a top engineering school?

« on: April 22, 2010, 10:05:51 PM »

In general we have found that the school you go to may have
some small bearing for entry level engineers in some fields.
For example in fields that are highly scientific and quantitative
in nature MIT or Stanford degrees help.

However things like extra curricular projects, design projects,
internships and other such experiences really matter more than
the school. Unless there is some type of parochial attachment to
a school due to several managers attending that school (we
have seen that too).

As your career progresses (past the first 3-5 years) it will
matter less and less.

It doesn't hurt to go to a top school but that is not a ticket to
a job in any way.

Michael Brit
Engineering Resume Specialist
www.engineer-resume.com

4

Career / Re: Is the resume dead?

« on: April 22, 2010, 09:59:07 PM »

There are a couple of options to deal with the resume black hole
problem you describe.

One is to follow up with a phone call. With
most organizations it is possible to call the HR department
directly and when you describe that you applied for a position
they will usually be cordial and helpful. You can then get a name
and a number in HR and follow up later. HR will likely ping the manager
and get back to you. No guarantees you will get the job but at
least you will get status. Being pro active may also get you to
the top of the pile.

The other option is to use a connection on the inside. If you know
somebody who works there or someone who knows someone...
Never disregard any connection. Mention it to friends or others
and if the organization is large it's very likely you will find a link.
You can then follow up with the internal contact and get a status
update. As before this may also raise awareness and lead to
an interview.

And of course it helps to start with a excellent engineering resume.

Best of luck.

Michael Brit
Engineering Resume Specialist
www.engineer-resume.com