Demand for engineering managers grows across healthcare, technology, construction, manufacturing and other industries. If you plan to pursue an engineering management career, an advanced degree – such as a master’s in engineering management – can provide a pathway to reaching your goals.
Deciding to pursue your master’s degree involves many factors. In addition to determining the right program, you must determine when to add your academic credentials. This article can help you answer the question: Is now the right time to return to school? The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and circumstances.
The Value of Completing Your Engineering Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s in engineering management degree can help you gain the knowledge and skills to advance your career and qualify for engineering leadership positions. In addition to opening the door to senior job roles, earning your master’s will also boost your earning potential. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicate that engineering managers with master’s degrees earn between 9 and 13% more, on average, than their counterparts who have only bachelor’s degrees.
At Stevens, Online Master’s in Engineering Management students build their technical expertise while developing skills in project management, decision and risk analysis, leadership, team management, data processing and analysis.
Factors to Consider When Deciding Your Degree Timing
When deciding whether to enroll in a master’s program, consider your current career stage, long-term goals (and whether earning a master’s in engineering management will help you reach them) and personal circumstances.
Earning your master’s degree provides different impacts and benefits, depending on your career stage.
- Early career: For recent graduates or those early in their careers, a master’s degree can enhance their qualifications and professional network, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
- Mid-career: At mid-career, a master’s degree can help you upgrade your skills or acquire new ones to bolster your resume and broaden your career options.
- Late career: For senior professionals seeking to specialize within their current field, a master’s degree offers in-depth knowledge and expertise but also helps fill any gaps in their skill set. This can lead to career advancement, leadership roles or consulting opportunities.
In addition to reflecting on the benefits outlined above and your long-term career objectives, it’s important to consider whether you can balance going back to school with your professional and personal commitments. Stevens Online Master’s in Engineering Management students have control over their pace of study and access to resources and support to help them succeed.
How to Determine the ‘Right Time’ to Return to School
The “right time” to return to school differs for each prospective student. These questions can help you determine if you should enroll now:
- Is your career stagnating? If you’ve hit a plateau in your current role (characterized by a lack of challenges, limited career advancement, decreased learning opportunities and feeling unfulfilled), earning your master’s in engineering management can help you acquire the skills and expertise needed to push past it.Â
- Are you ready to advance your career? If you aspire to higher-level specialized or leadership roles, an advanced degree can help you. The combination of leadership skills and technical expertise gained through the Stevens Online Master’s in Engineering Management will make you a stronger candidate for top-level positions.
- Is your industry changing? A master’s degree can prove advantageous in sectors where technology or practices evolve rapidly. It enables professionals to stay current and adaptable, enhancing their value to their employers and in the job market. The Stevens Online Master’s in Engineering Management curriculum helps students remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field, with industry-relevant coursework and a capstone project that allows students to build solutions for real-world engineering problems.
- Are you planning a career transition? Many professionals pursue a master’s to help them transition to a new field. Earning your MEM can help you bridge the gap between your previous experience and the requirements of your desired field. Working while studying allows you to stay in your current role (and earn a salary) while you gain the skills to pursue your next opportunity. Many employers also offer their staff tuition assistance benefits, especially if your degree will qualify you for a more senior role within your current company.
Why Choose Stevens Institute of Technology for Your Engineering Master’s Degree?
Finding the right program for your career goals and personal learning style is just as important as nailing down the timing of your return to school. The Stevens Online MEM program equips you with the managerial and technical expertise to create and lead engineering projects, bridging the gap between engineering and business.
As an Online MEM student, you will take coursework built on three pillars: management for engineers, data science and management, and engineering modeling and risk analysis. This well-rounded education combines the best technical knowledge and problem-solving skills with the business management principles learned through an MBA.
The 100% online program combines live class sessions with asynchronous course content and assignments, allowing you to balance your studies with your work and personal commitments. Expert faculty members with in-depth industry expertise teach the courses.
Are You Ready to Earn Your Engineering Management Master’s Degree?
To decide whether you’re ready to earn your Online MEM, consider your career stage and professional aspirations. Will a master’s degree help you reach your career goals? You should also assess your lifestyle to determine whether you can dedicate enough time to your studies.
At Stevens, the Online MEM program enables students to fit their studies into their schedules and earn the degree on their own time, at their own pace, while maintaining a robust career. If you’re ready to take the next step, review the Stevens Online MEM admission requirements or contact an enrollment advisor for personalized advice.