Best career for a mechanical enginer with MBA Degree?

Question

I have more than 6 years of hands-on experience on the mega oil sands projects in Alberta, Canada in feasibility study, detail engineering design, project controls, cost accounting, commissioning & start-up, project coordination and project management.

I am going to complete my MBA degree in April 2007 which focus on Energy and Finance.

Could you please guide me where I can earn more value for my experience and MBA education - investment banking, equity research, resources development in oil company, corporate finance in oil company, business development/marketing, etc?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

I got my MBA in 2000. One guy in the class had a chemical engineering degree and had about 5 years work experience offshore and with oil companies. (i don't know exactly what he was doing)

Energy companies were fighting over him. He took a job in Houston with Exxon Mobile starting around $90,000. (at the time that was an excellent starting salary) They send you through an 18 month training program working in every aspect of the business. I don't know what specific area he is working in now. I'm sure they could use him anywhere.

I assume he is making a whole lot more after the initial training phase.

.

Answer 2

Looking into the future, I suspect both biotechnology and energy industry will demand a lot of talents. If you are not sure sure which industry you might be interested, you could try going into consulting. A few years of experience with any one of the Big 4 consulting firms would be extremely valuable for your CV.

With your experience in the oil industry and MBA, you could be a good candidate for many consulting firms in Calgary area. Check out both PwC and Deloitte web site for job openings.

Best wishes.