Prestige of Engineers

Japher
Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:59:35 +0000

I had my first course at my MBA school Monday and for introductions that had us say what we did (since the program is for working professionals) and what we wanted from the MBA program. I told them I was an engineer in pharma manufacturing and wanted oportunity from the MBA program. The prof prodded a little more and I eventually told him that I was not interested in being an engineer anymore, that I would like to be a manager as long as it was not an engineering manager, and would even consider moving industries to ensure I was taken out of an engineering or technical role. I also indicated that I was interested in moving into insurance, perhaps engineering insurance, but more likely P&C or business insurance. He thought I was crazy.

I have gotten a lot from engineering and still enjoy my job, as long as I don’t look at the bottom line; engineers are liabilities. I’ve been an engineer for 8 years, and will be one for 2 more years. With luck, that will be it. I do not regret my past experience or degree for it has helped me get to where I am and will help me get to where I want to be. Just be sure, to go somewhere with engineering, it is way to easy to get content in this field, and the realize, after the fact, that you were left out of the promotions because you were too needed in the technical role.