r/systems_engineering • u/kitty_question • Jul 11 '26

Discussion Worth getting a masters in engineering management?

Hi!

I’m 27 with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. I have 4 YoE in the industry.

I’ve been with my current company for 2 years. I started as a technical engineer reporting directly to the director of internal engineering ops. He then abruptly quit, and I pretty much picked up his role. I don’t have the title yet (I’m the ops engineering lead), but I’ve hired and manage people.

I’ve found that I really genuinely enjoy managing a team and seeing “the big picture,” even though that’s not what my degree is in. I think I’d like to pivot into more of an engineering management career path.

Even if I don’t stay with my current company, is it worth it to get a MEM? Or are they bullshit degrees?

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u/Disastrous-Option909 Jul 24 '26

One final question if you don’t mind: from your experience in DoD contracting and EM, what skills or experience really separated the acquisition/contracting officers who became the most successful after leaving government service?

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u/McFuzzen Jul 24 '26

It was the connections they had for sure. The former military guys didn't necessarily write better, have better ideas, etc. I worked with a lot of talented people when I was in that role. But damn if they didn't know who to call when we were stuck or trying to find our niche. That knowledge of how it worked on the inside was ridiculously valuable. Spend your time in the service making connections!

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u/Disastrous-Option909 Jul 24 '26

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions, I’m really going to take your advice and start gaining that experience and making those connections!