Career Question????

Question

Hey all. Here is my situation: I currently have BS in Nuclear Engineering and am studying for my PhD, but I don't know if this is exactly what I would want to do for multiple reasons (I don't want to work at a national lab my whole life, the nuclear industry is somewhat crippled in that there are so many regulations, etc.). I have considered getting an MBA and changing my career all together because I really loved all of my business classes. The only problem is that I have less than a year of work experience and that makes getting a job kind of tough in the business world. I am also considering going to law school and becoming a patent attorney because I like reading, writing, and studying (yeah ... I do like studying). I have no debt and nothing tying me down (no wife or kids). This is my situation ... what do you think I should do and why? The most insightful answer will get 10 points.

Answer 1

My advice would be to finish your PhD and look for a job. You want to gain work experience. Choose a job in business that you want to have a career in. 70% of people in the workforce have jobs outside of their degree. After you start working, go for your MBA, but only after you get a job. Don't mention you want to go for your MBA in the interviews. They might feel threatened or concerned you will be spreading yourself too thin with starting a new job and going to school. Prove yourself to the company and then go back. If you must start right away, keep it quiet. Most employers have education assistance after a year of employment.

The way people are looked at with a PhD and MBA with only one year work experience is "Book Smart" with no practical experience. An overachiever. Overqualified for almost every position out there. Most companies will ignore your resume as they feel they cannot pay you the salary you will demand, you will be bored a leave for a better opportunity, you COULD be socially inept (crazy scientist type), spoiled because you didn't have to work, etc. Even though there are discrimination laws to prevent unfair hiring practices, you can't avoid people's judgment. And not all HR/Hiring Managers make decisions based on common sense, but on gut instinct and past bad-hire examples.

When you are finalizing your MBA and have 2-4 years work experience, you should start applying for a job you want to do. It's easier to explain that even though you have your PhD, you chose to go into business and your recent education and work history align with that statement. And if you like your job, company, and can see future opportunities, apply for an internal promotion.

I've been there and have seen many reactions by the people I report to that defied logic. Mostly, it was jealousy as I could multi-task better than them. I did 4 MBA classes last semester (something I don't recommend), worked 50+ hours a week and received a 4.0. I was surprised, but realized I worked hard for it. And I was teased about it.

Remember, people will only do what they have to and take the easiest route. Life is busy as you get older - mortgages, kids, etc. So when someone they know makes time for and does something they wouldn't consider doing and achieve extraordinary results, their reactions are not always what you would expect.

And you have no ties or debt. Don't announce that during interviews! Most people in the hiring positions have some debt, kids, a house, etc. You represent freedom to do what you want, when you want. You will be getting paid a job, be getting tuition assistance, and owe nothing but rent and maybe a car payment. It will be a flag that you don't have ties and can and may leave anytime for another opportunity.

Hope my 14 cents (adjusted for inflation) helps. Good Luck!

Answer 2

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