Can an Engineer With an MBA Work in Finance?
From workshops and simulations to business math and management, making the jump from an engineering undergraduate degree to a Master of Business Administration isn’t simple. Luckily, there’s a lot of overlap between the fields. Math and analysis are both important in business and engineering — especially if you’re looking for a career in finance.
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Engineering
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An undergraduate degree in engineering is a challenging task. Not only are the courses difficult even for people skilled in math and science, but the workload is heavy. Most successful engineering students are disciplined and dedicated to their field of study. An engineering undergraduate student can expect to study calculus, differential equations, mechanical engineering, electrical theory and thermodynamics. Many undergraduate engineers end their course of study with a capstone project overseen by an advisor.
MBA
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A Master of Business Administration degree is your ticket into big business. Coursework includes finance, economics, marketing and business ethics. You will work closely with your peers to develop business ideas, budgets and targeted advertising. Many of the skills you develop while getting your MBA. Many people obtain MBAs after years of experience in business, but you can enter a program directly after completing your engineering degree, since it will be more difficult to get jobs in business with no business education.
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Benefits
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An engineering degree is a surprisingly strong complement to an MBA, especially if you’re interested in technology-oriented businesses. Engineers must have a strong grasp of math, analysis and statistics — all benefits in finance. When you interview for a finance position, play up the finance-related training you received as an engineer. Explain how you used the skills you learned in engineering to help you achieve your MBA. Since engineering is such a valuable asset to a businessperson, many schools offer combined business and engineering majors.
Career Opportunities
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An MBA graduate with an engineering degree can certainly find a career in finance. You could join an investment firm to manage clients’ stock portfolios. Look for careers in commercial banking, corporate finance and financial planning or counseling. Insurance companies, real estate agencies and credit unions also employ MBAs. Your engineering experience is an asset, not a detriment — especially if you play up the math and analysis skills.
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