How can a BSEET grad get a real engineering job?

DJinMN
Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:50:41 +0000

Hello. Your BSEET is not actually what is holding you back. I was in a BSEE program, one course from graduation at a big name school and realized that I didn’t have the skill set that modern companies were wanting. To avoid loosing my pell grant and still not have a job I avoided graduating and transferred to a quality BSEET program which was ABET accredited. The difference was amazing. In labs I got my hands on all kinds of test equipment and learned a great deal about using integrated circuits in designs. The EE school did use a lot of math but the concepts were so outdated I basically could only work for an electrical utility company. Since I graduated I have encountered old guard engineers with pride in their engineering degree and older companies which would not hire BSEEs as engineers. I have also seen high level “technicians” whose pay blows away the salaried engineers on overtime. Incidentally those old style companies werent doing especially well.
It sounds to me like your process engineering job may have been somewhat low level. It is what they needed and what your skill set qualified you for. Once you are employed after graduation companies seem to promote in baby steps. Process engineering can pay very well especially in companies on the leading edge. By the way if you feel you are up to the challenge there are MSEE schools that take BSEETs. Last I heard Oklahoma STATE university did. Just know that the BSEET is not what is specifically holding you back. I am aware of some companies that prefer BSEETs for their designers probably because of who the hiring manager is. Ultimately it is about who you know, what your provable skill set is, and what opportunities you can find. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.