In order to get promoted into senior engineering positions, having your bachelor's degree often isn't enough. Many people are going back to school for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in engineering in order to learn the finer points of finance, marketing and employee relations. If you plan on furthering your education this way, you must first consider getting the proper work experience, searching for the right MBA in engineering program and discussing this option with employers.
Most programs that offer an MBA in engineering require you to have some previous work experience before enrolling, or at least they highly prefer students who do. These programs are tailored for mature individuals who have real-world experiences to share, which helps them better understand the curriculum. It is not impossible to move from a bachelor's degree straight into one of these programs, but the management strategies learned will tend to have more impact with a few years of engineering work behind you.
Another reason it is helpful to have a job before seeking an MBA in engineering is because many of these programs are part-time, in order to allow students to work during the day and attend class in the evenings. In fact, there are many types of accredited MBA programs, and you should research what is the best match for your career goals. A full-time program will take fewer years to complete and requires you to leave your career during that time, but options such as an online MBA program or weekend MBA program can help you juggle work and school, although these will take longer to finish. Another aspect you must consider is whether an MBA in engineering is even offered, because that specific of a master's degree is rare for many schools. An alternative is to research whether a traditional MBA will apply to your engineering field.
Once you have found a school that appeals to you, it is important to discuss this plan with your employer. If you are planning to remain working, it is best to alert supervisors and coworkers of any schedule conflicts with classes. Another good reason to share these plans with an employer is because many workplaces offer tuition assistance in order to help employees further their education. Finally, if you are planning to leave a job to pursue an MBA in engineering, it is a professional courtesy to give at least two weeks' notice before vacating a position.
