Engineering Management (EM) vs MBA? That is a question I have talked about a lot in the last few years. 

I have both a masters in engineering and an MBA. And since joining the university, I have been running an engineering management program (Information Engineering and Management or IEM). So I have seen them all up close and personal. 

I have the conversation almost daily with engineers and technology leaders who are looking to grow through higher education and considering both the MBA and the Engineering Management paths. 
 
Should I Get a Masters in Engineering Management or MBA (Podcast Outline)

Things to consider before making the decision

The company I work for or want to work for - culture
Knowing where you want to go

Define your goal

Management strictly and get out of technology
Move into technical management

MBA Programs - Not all the same

Course work similar but varieties

Economics.
Accounting.
Entrepreneurship.
Marketing.
Strategy.
Project Management.
Organizational development.

Connections to industry highly variable

Some pure academic
Some talk about the industry with little true connections
Some highly connected

Engineering Management Program - Not all the same

Course work variations

Statistics
Systems engineering
Project Management.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Leadership and strategy.
Communications.
Technical paths.

Connections to industry

Often less than in the MBA.
Look behind the scenes and ask questions.

How to evaluate

What is your goal? 

Move into technology leadership.
Pure academic vs applied.
Just get a degree.

Look at faculty

What industry backgrounds do they have?
Have they ever practiced what they teach?

Is experience required

If you want to grow your network - go for programs that require experience
Many programs geared to recent graduates

What are the income projections? 

Other Considerations

Does the EM talk more your language
Does this EM help you move from tech doer to tech leader

About IEM

Real-world
Real faculty
Client-focused vs curriculum-focused
Coaching
The $30k challenge

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