Advancing in engineering beyond concept and testing...?

Question

I have worked for 5 years at a start-up in the optical communications industry. I have done a lot more planning and testing than I ever imagined and a lot less design that I'd hoped. Any advice for how to move into design engineering? Industry doesn't seem to want to give you the chance to learn and I'm usually too burned out at the end of the day to try much else. I have an EE degree from U of Waterloo in Canada.

I've considered the MASc route and even started taking evening classes, but again the burnout is a problem.

I showed some potential for managerial work, but I see what my managers put up with and I've actually backed off from those aspirations. Plus upward mobility in a start-up is kind of limited because everyone is fulfulling a role.

If anyone knows of other segments of the high-tech sector that are doing well, please let me know.

Answer 1

Get your MBA. You will advance quickly into management positions and that will give you the avenue to do design work.

Your other option is to work at a small consulting firm. You can take on a wide variety of projects, including engineering, and that will build up your resume for design.