10 replies to this topic

[DAIALOS]

Hi,

I am Gustavo Mendez from Puerto Rico, a Chemical Engineering student. My graduation is on June 27 of this year.

My question is about what options we have as recent graduates in pursuit of our future. My main concern is that we are passing through a very bad moment. A moment in time that finding a good job is not easy, at least from what I have seen so far. Specifically in my country, that has an economy driven by the pharmaceutical industry, we are passing through its worst moment - at least from what I have experienced. The pharmaceutical and manufacturing industry in Puerto Rico is practically disappearing.

That puts me in a position, upon which I need to have an open mind to relocate and look for a job - specially in the United States. I have been applying for positions for around 2 month so far with a very good resume for an entry level engineer (in my opinion), and have received no response from any employer yet. Because of that, I have been thinking on studying for a master's degree in the united states. But I am very confused about what should be the degree I should be pursuing. Personally, I think studying a master's degree in Chemical Engineer will limit my possibilities of finding a job even more (Thats just my personal opinion). My other option is completing an MBA degree.

I would like to hear some recommendations from you guys. I know that here in these forums are people with vast experience in different areas and industries. I know i am not the only student questioning this situation and I can provide any kind of additional information you guys need or request.

Thanks in advance,

Gustavo

[kkala]

"Best is to get a Master degree in USA, work there few years, then return to your country" (said in Athens, 1972)
This was the opinion of my professor of Chemical Engineering, having studied in USA, come to Athens in 1970 and returned to USA later. Of course it reflects situation of late 1960s and every generation has different challenges to face. From colleagues having gone for further studies to USA (after graduation) few have returned.
I have heard some doubts about usefulness of PhD, if you are not aiming at an academic career. But no doubts about a Master Degree abroad, considered as a good supplementary education. One can argue that time spent for it could be devoted more profitably to a job, but what if you cannot find a job?
A degree on MBA (understood as Master of business administration) is considered as a good chance here too, especially for engineers. In this way you combine technical and commercial knowledge, useful to many companies. Chemical industries are seriously ailing in Greece, yet this has perspectives. Of course you should like it and have a tendency for commerce, since activities in business environment will be different to what considered (by most of us) as common Chemical Engineering activities.
Hope of best choice, according to your talents.

[Bharat Abhyankar]

Dear Gustavo Mendez,

Your concern is genuine. I have done Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering and working in oil and gas sector since 5 years. I had gone through such situation in my career. It is very logical and practical to opt for higher education in such a condition of job market due to global slump. I would like to make following points:

1) Fresh out of college it is very important to join industry that has good prospects and your interest.
2) There are very high chances to get type casted. Example: If you join pharmaceutical industry, it will be difficult to switch to Oil and Gas or other field after 2-3 years. So do not take hasty decision to join an industry in which you don't want to be in, when you have higher education as an option.
3) Pursuing Master's degree for an year or two in good university in USA will definitely increase your prospects of getting good start in career by two ways:

a. Additional Qualification;
b. Improvement in Job Scenario.

4) It's of your personal liking to go for MS in Chem. Engg or MBA.

I hope this helps. All the best for your graduation.

[lopez8]

Hello Amigo

My name is Alex Lopez and I graduated from The University of Arizona this past May 14, 2010 with a B.S in Chemical Engineering. So I am in the same shoes you are in right now.

I graduated with a good GPA, 3.3/4, and I am having trouble finding any engineering job. I also applied for graduate school across the nation and I got accepted to some of the schools (3) that I applied at, but the schools did not have enough funds, meaning that I had to assume a LOAN!! (not good), so I put them on hold.

Regarding your question, I would rather take a job then enter graduate school and thereby pick up working experience and have an income $ (maybe not much, but steady). Then, in the near-by future, I would go for a MS. You could always change jobs within your field. Remember, companies like versatile engineer's. By getting a job first and then entering graduate school, will give you a taste of what really a Chemical Engineering job is all about. It will also create a foundation in your area of interest. If you don't have one jet. Then, it will be much easier to chose an appropriate graduate school, that will meet your area of interest. If you choose to go to a graduate school here in the USA, given how the economy is, it might not be too hard to get into one of the graduate school, but for sure it will be very expensive because most of the school are lacking Federal fund and the number of applicant's is really high, so competition is really hard for the 3.3-3.6 GPA's, JaJaJa.

I have friend who applied to Washington State with a 3.8-4.0 GPA and still he didn't receive a full stipend. I figure that it comes out to $10,000 to $20,000 for a 1 year MS program without thesis and $20,000 to $??,???? with thesis depending on the school and state. These figures include everything from tuition, fee's, book....etc. What I just said is for my case only. If you can't find a job over there in Puerto Rico, get your MS over there (it might be cheaper) and apply for your PhD here at the USA. I am not trying to discourage you from following your goal here at the USA; I am just telling you what I going through.


Good luck and be aggressive in your job hunt - and most importantly, don't lose faith mi amigo.

[akr_3]

To Mr. BHARAT ABHYANKAR
Dear Sir,
I am also confused regarding the fact that whether i should go for M.S. in USA or join the oil & gas exploration company FOCUS ENERGY LTD. as a GET chemical for the post of MUD Engg.

[Absolute Zero]

This is the reflection of global economical crisis

[rosneft]

in the same torn shoes

[Absolute Zero]

Its all the matter of luck dear, both the degrees have potential if you find the relevant job.

[Ahmed Shafik]

Really you are describing my seriuos needs, and M.Sc. Then PH.D. are on the top of my list, i would appreciate your advices, i am looking to have online-Far distance M.SC. also i am looking for the minimum acceptable expenses with a reasonable quality

[Teck Guan Wan]

Come to singapore, we welcome more phd students here.
study for free