<p>I don’t know the specifics about American companies outsourcing engineering labor abroad. However, the fact that it is occurring leads me to believe that employment and career advancement prospects in engineering jobs may become more competitive in the future. I say MAY is because there is a decreasing supply of recent college graduates with engineering degrees in the US and many American companies may see a large portion of their workforce retire over the next 10 years(an example: Lockheed Martin [Retiree</a> flood waits in aerospace wings - NWjobs](<a href=“http://blog.marketplace.nwsource.com/jobsnews/retiree_flood_waits_in_aerospace_wings.html]Retiree”>http://blog.marketplace.nwsource.com/jobsnews/retiree_flood_waits_in_aerospace_wings.html) ). </p>
<p>Nonetheless, is it plausible that advanced degrees may become the norm in the tech industry in the future? Of course, one’s degree does not determine one’s career path alone. It seems that the higher level of technical coursework associated with an advanced degree may become a necessity for career advancement with the complexity of technical challenges today. When I mention ‘advanced degree’, I’m talking about an advanced degree in which the coursework and/or researched performed are applicable to the tech industry in general.</p>
<p>I’ve heard interesting points raised on this forum on the decreasing prospects for career advancement in traditional engineering positions. But if engineers are being sought in non-traditional positions (i.e. investment banking and consulting), I would imagine that having an advanced degree may also be advantageous. </p>
<p>At the same time, there are the opportunity costs of pursuing an advanced degree for those interested in working in industry such as the risk of focusing on something that may become ‘obsolete’ in light of shortening product cycles and the rapidly changing nature of technology today. </p>
<p>Sorry for the long post. I’m just very curious about this subject, on which I haven’t heard many opinions in person.</p>