<p>I’m currently a high school student and my ambition is to become and chemical engineer–specifically I want to go into alternative energy and focus on the chemistry aspect of solar engineering. </p>
<p>I’d much rather do something I love and make less money than do something that I think is a good profession and pays higher but I have no real passion for (i.e. doctor)</p>
<p>So, just for future reference (I am aware that I have a long time before I even go out and work), what are some ways that engineers can earn more money? Will an MBA help to get higher positions in the work force even if I want to go into research?</p>
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what are some ways that engineers can earn more money? <a href=“1”>/quote</a> Start your own company, or get in on the ground floor when they are still offering stock options, and then be the one in a million companies that hits it big.
(2) Invent something original, useful, and valuable, under conditions that allow you to retain the intellectial property (IP) rights - note that this is NOT possible while working for the vast majority of companies, even if during your free time in an area unrelated to your job.
(3) Go into affiliated fields like management, law (esp. patent), etc.
(4) Gain great stature in your field and leverage that in contract negotiations.
(5) Part time job on the side. More realistic than 1-4, but less money.
(6) Be really good at your job, and get promoted a lot.</p>
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Yes, provided you ALSO have work experience before getting the MBA. An MBA right out of undergrad will actually impair you in engineering.</p>
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Oh. No, then, not really. An MBA is all about money and finance and management, not engineering or research. It will only help you with money and finance and management, nothing else.</p>
<p>I agree with terenc. You have a plan. Stick to it. As you go along, you will gather more information and find additional resources that will help you in your quest. And at this point, you shouldn’t be thinking of an MBA.</p>