MSc ChemEng at good uni vs MSc Comp Sci conversion elsewhere
Hello, I recently graduated with a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from a competitive uni in the USA (not an Ivy League), and returned home to London to start a graduate job at an engineering company in London, where I'm not exactly doing Process Engineering since I don't have a Masters yet. For context, I got 9A*s 2As at GCSE, and then A*AAAB (Spanish, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics - did full A-Levels for that American scholarship money). In my bachelor's I got a 3.25/4.00 GPA, which is equivalent to somewhere between a UK 2:2 and 2:1, it really depends what UK uni you look at, either way it's not a first and not a definite 2:1.
Now I'm in a position where I don't know whether to go full steam ahead with getting a masters in Chemical Engineering in order to pursue getting chartered OR do a conversion Computer Science degree to switch into tech. The issue is that I can more easily access a MSc in ChemEng at a better uni (like Imperial/UCL) versus doing a conversion CS MSc at unis like Bath/ Birmingham. I'm motivated by money, but I don't have the knowledge to go into finance immediately, nor the projects I think you need to have in CS to get into a high paying tech job. However, if I stay in ChemEng, while it's easier now, the glass ceiling of earning is probably lower.
Does anyone have any advice? I've also thought about exploring CS more by learning what it entails, so if you have good intro courses on any websites, I'd also appreciate that. It'd help me figure out if CS would even be a good path for me. Likewise, if you have advice about going into finance without having done finance/Econ previously, I'd also appreciate that.
Yes, I am not very clear on what I want at the moment. Kind of what happens when you've just done things because you had the ability rather than stopping to think about what I might enjoy the most. I also am first-gen/neither of my parents went to uni/ don't have professional mentors, so this process is tough, hence why I am deciding to start off somewhere now. So thanks in advance!
Now I'm in a position where I don't know whether to go full steam ahead with getting a masters in Chemical Engineering in order to pursue getting chartered OR do a conversion Computer Science degree to switch into tech. The issue is that I can more easily access a MSc in ChemEng at a better uni (like Imperial/UCL) versus doing a conversion CS MSc at unis like Bath/ Birmingham. I'm motivated by money, but I don't have the knowledge to go into finance immediately, nor the projects I think you need to have in CS to get into a high paying tech job. However, if I stay in ChemEng, while it's easier now, the glass ceiling of earning is probably lower.
Does anyone have any advice? I've also thought about exploring CS more by learning what it entails, so if you have good intro courses on any websites, I'd also appreciate that. It'd help me figure out if CS would even be a good path for me. Likewise, if you have advice about going into finance without having done finance/Econ previously, I'd also appreciate that.
Yes, I am not very clear on what I want at the moment. Kind of what happens when you've just done things because you had the ability rather than stopping to think about what I might enjoy the most. I also am first-gen/neither of my parents went to uni/ don't have professional mentors, so this process is tough, hence why I am deciding to start off somewhere now. So thanks in advance!
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by ayllizle
Hello, I recently graduated with a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from a competitive uni in the USA (not an Ivy League), and returned home to London to start a graduate job at an engineering company in London, where I'm not exactly doing Process Engineering since I don't have a Masters yet. For context, I got 9A*s 2As at GCSE, and then A*AAAB (Spanish, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics - did full A-Levels for that American scholarship money). In my bachelor's I got a 3.25/4.00 GPA, which is equivalent to somewhere between a UK 2:2 and 2:1, it really depends what UK uni you look at, either way it's not a first and not a definite 2:1.
Now I'm in a position where I don't know whether to go full steam ahead with getting a masters in Chemical Engineering in order to pursue getting chartered OR do a conversion Computer Science degree to switch into tech. The issue is that I can more easily access a MSc in ChemEng at a better uni (like Imperial/UCL) versus doing a conversion CS MSc at unis like Bath/ Birmingham. I'm motivated by money, but I don't have the knowledge to go into finance immediately, nor the projects I think you need to have in CS to get into a high paying tech job. However, if I stay in ChemEng, while it's easier now, the glass ceiling of earning is probably lower.
Does anyone have any advice? I've also thought about exploring CS more by learning what it entails, so if you have good intro courses on any websites, I'd also appreciate that. It'd help me figure out if CS would even be a good path for me. Likewise, if you have advice about going into finance without having done finance/Econ previously, I'd also appreciate that.
Yes, I am not very clear on what I want at the moment. Kind of what happens when you've just done things because you had the ability rather than stopping to think about what I might enjoy the most. I also am first-gen/neither of my parents went to uni/ don't have professional mentors, so this process is tough, hence why I am deciding to start off somewhere now. So thanks in advance!
Now I'm in a position where I don't know whether to go full steam ahead with getting a masters in Chemical Engineering in order to pursue getting chartered OR do a conversion Computer Science degree to switch into tech. The issue is that I can more easily access a MSc in ChemEng at a better uni (like Imperial/UCL) versus doing a conversion CS MSc at unis like Bath/ Birmingham. I'm motivated by money, but I don't have the knowledge to go into finance immediately, nor the projects I think you need to have in CS to get into a high paying tech job. However, if I stay in ChemEng, while it's easier now, the glass ceiling of earning is probably lower.
Does anyone have any advice? I've also thought about exploring CS more by learning what it entails, so if you have good intro courses on any websites, I'd also appreciate that. It'd help me figure out if CS would even be a good path for me. Likewise, if you have advice about going into finance without having done finance/Econ previously, I'd also appreciate that.
Yes, I am not very clear on what I want at the moment. Kind of what happens when you've just done things because you had the ability rather than stopping to think about what I might enjoy the most. I also am first-gen/neither of my parents went to uni/ don't have professional mentors, so this process is tough, hence why I am deciding to start off somewhere now. So thanks in advance!
What are you doing at your current company if not process engineering, and has your company provided you with any assurances that you'd be able to do process engineering if you get a masters? Given a US bachelors, I wouldn't have thought the lack of a masters would have presented an obstacle.
If you are thinking about moving into tech, have you considered learning programming languages on your own first, to see how you like it?
Original post by Smack
What are you doing at your current company if not process engineering, and has your company provided you with any assurances that you'd be able to do process engineering if you get a masters? Given a US bachelors, I wouldn't have thought the lack of a masters would have presented an obstacle.
If you are thinking about moving into tech, have you considered learning programming languages on your own first, to see how you like it?
If you are thinking about moving into tech, have you considered learning programming languages on your own first, to see how you like it?
Project Controls, which leads into becoming a chartered Project Engineer (accredited by AcostE as opposed to IChemE for chartered Process Engineers). However, while Project Engineers are involved in engineering projects, Process Engineers design the process/technical part, Project Engineers manage the overall cost/finance, work orders, time planning, and all that involves having a record of the project. But they're not involved in making project decisions which is what Project Managers might do by consulting with Process Engineers.
My company hasn't provided assurance that I'd be able to do process engineering if I get a masters, I just came to that conclusion because all the graduate process engineers I've started with have a masters. Meanwhile me and another graduate non-process person both just have a bachelor's. But also it makes sense because companies want to invest money in graduates who are ready to start their path to become chartered, as you need a Master's to become chartered within 4-5 years. I've heard it's do-able without one, but with many more years' experience and evidence that you'd have to accumulate (experience which is harder to get if your company doesn't put you on the path to get it). But also, if not at my company, at others I've looked at, they tend to expect graduate process engineers to have a masters. The reason I haven't asked my company for said assurance is because I literally started the job a month ago, and I did sign up for Project Controls, in part because I just wanted/needed a job, because I wasn't exactly sure what it would entail, and because I saw it as a potential stepping stone to either switch within the company, or use it as experience to apply to a masters/apply to another company. I also can't exactly bring it up now because I'm also still technically within my probationary period. It just would sound like "Hey I signed up to Project Controls, but actually I wasn't sure what it meant and would like to do this now, can we do that?", y'know? It just would be very negative for me, so I need to address this more patiently. It's also not like the experience won't be valuable regardless.
I have considered learning programming on my own, and that's why I've done research on the MSc course syllabi of a couple of unis, which seem to use C++ in their modules. So I want to start a course, just not sure what would be a good course, or websites, as so far I've only seen people mention Udemy. So advice on that would be good too.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by studentgrad1
Project Controls, which leads into becoming a chartered Project Engineer (accredited by AcostE as opposed to IChemE for chartered Process Engineers). However, while Project Engineers are involved in engineering projects, Process Engineers design the process/technical part, Project Engineers manage the overall cost/finance, work orders, time planning, and all that involves having a record of the project. But they're not involved in making project decisions which is what Project Managers might do by consulting with Process Engineers.
My company hasn't provided assurance that I'd be able to do process engineering if I get a masters, I just came to that conclusion because all the graduate process engineers I've started with have a masters. Meanwhile me and another graduate non-process person both just have a bachelor's. But also it makes sense because companies want to invest money in graduates who are ready to start their path to become chartered, as you need a Master's to become chartered within 4-5 years. I've heard it's do-able without one, but with many more years' experience and evidence that you'd have to accumulate (experience which is harder to get if your company doesn't put you on the path to get it). But also, if not at my company, at others I've looked at, they tend to expect graduate process engineers to have a masters. The reason I haven't asked my company for said assurance is because I literally started the job a month ago, and I did sign up for Project Controls, in part because I just wanted/needed a job, because I wasn't exactly sure what it would entail, and because I saw it as a potential stepping stone to either switch within the company, or use it as experience to apply to a masters/apply to another company. I also can't exactly bring it up now because I'm also still technically within my probationary period. It just would sound like "Hey I signed up to Project Controls, but actually I wasn't sure what it meant and would like to do this now, can we do that?", y'know? It just would be very negative for me, so I need to address this more patiently. It's also not like the experience won't be valuable regardless.
I have considered learning programming on my own, and that's why I've done research on the MSc course syllabi of a couple of unis, which seem to use C++ in their modules. So I want to start a course, just not sure what would be a good course, or websites, as so far I've only seen people mention Udemy. So advice on that would be good too.
My company hasn't provided assurance that I'd be able to do process engineering if I get a masters, I just came to that conclusion because all the graduate process engineers I've started with have a masters. Meanwhile me and another graduate non-process person both just have a bachelor's. But also it makes sense because companies want to invest money in graduates who are ready to start their path to become chartered, as you need a Master's to become chartered within 4-5 years. I've heard it's do-able without one, but with many more years' experience and evidence that you'd have to accumulate (experience which is harder to get if your company doesn't put you on the path to get it). But also, if not at my company, at others I've looked at, they tend to expect graduate process engineers to have a masters. The reason I haven't asked my company for said assurance is because I literally started the job a month ago, and I did sign up for Project Controls, in part because I just wanted/needed a job, because I wasn't exactly sure what it would entail, and because I saw it as a potential stepping stone to either switch within the company, or use it as experience to apply to a masters/apply to another company. I also can't exactly bring it up now because I'm also still technically within my probationary period. It just would sound like "Hey I signed up to Project Controls, but actually I wasn't sure what it meant and would like to do this now, can we do that?", y'know? It just would be very negative for me, so I need to address this more patiently. It's also not like the experience won't be valuable regardless.
I have considered learning programming on my own, and that's why I've done research on the MSc course syllabi of a couple of unis, which seem to use C++ in their modules. So I want to start a course, just not sure what would be a good course, or websites, as so far I've only seen people mention Udemy. So advice on that would be good too.
OK thanks for clarifying. I can definitely understand you not wanting to prod your line manager or the company about whether you can move into engineering (process specifically) from project controls when you're only a month in. I'm assuming you're at an EPC company?
I'm also assuming you aren't looking for your career to progress in the area of project controls? I'm not sure about how a move from project controls to engineering would work later on down the line, outside of an entry-level or graduate position. Do you know if it has been done at your company (or sector)? That said, in some other sectors, a project engineer can take on some more technical tasks; you may be able to move to this at some point.
In terms of software, I can't really advise on that I am afraid, other than that can you learn python (one of the most common languages used in engineering) yourself.
I can somewhat relate to this question, as after graduating with my bachelors I wasn't sure to continue with Chemical ENgineering or pursue medicine instead. The thought process and looking back at it will, of course, be different for everyone. I chose to stick with chemical engineering, and even took it a step further to go for a PhD, and looking back I think (for me) it was the best decision. Sticking with what I had known for the past 5 years, plus it was something I enjoyed learning. I suppose if you don't enjoy chemical engineering all that much, a move to CS might be the better option.
However, as I am sure you know the versatility of a chemical engineering degree gives you a wider prospect of jobs, it all of course depends on what you would like to achieve. For me, business and being an entrepreneur was my ultimate goal, whether directly related to chemical engineering or not, and after the PhD, it gave me the tools to make a significant impact on a particular branch of chemical engineering (I won't bore you with the details).
So overall it really comes down to personal preference and whether the idea of a new field seems intriguing and exciting, or you want to explore and develop your existing knowledge. Chartership in chemical engineering is a major thing, especially with the older guys whose egos are often bigger than their house. This would come in time if you are with a good company and shouldn't be a major driving factor in your decision.
I wish you every success in whichever field you decide to pursue!
Kind regards
Dr. Russell
However, as I am sure you know the versatility of a chemical engineering degree gives you a wider prospect of jobs, it all of course depends on what you would like to achieve. For me, business and being an entrepreneur was my ultimate goal, whether directly related to chemical engineering or not, and after the PhD, it gave me the tools to make a significant impact on a particular branch of chemical engineering (I won't bore you with the details).
So overall it really comes down to personal preference and whether the idea of a new field seems intriguing and exciting, or you want to explore and develop your existing knowledge. Chartership in chemical engineering is a major thing, especially with the older guys whose egos are often bigger than their house. This would come in time if you are with a good company and shouldn't be a major driving factor in your decision.
I wish you every success in whichever field you decide to pursue!
Kind regards
Dr. Russell
Hi all, thanks so much for your advice a few years ago. Thought I'd add a bit of an update for any that come after me, wanting to know where this landed.
After this post, I continued to be unsure and unhappy being in project controls; it felt like my talents were going to waste. If you're a chemical engineer, and especially if you went to a russel group or elite univeristy, be warned that project controls is not where you want to be; it's entirely understimulating and underfulfilling for someone who had the capacity to get through such a tough degree. That said, in my case, I also didn't have a lot of experience seeing process engineering in the company, nor elsewhere, just got a sense of it from the good friends I made who were process engineers. In the end, I remained in project controls and in the company for about 1 year. Toward the mid-end of my time there, I ended up getting very involved in other extracurricular things in the company, to get my name out there, and this was a really good decision, as it meant 1) I made more process engineer friends that told me about their experience, and 2) I made connections higher up (directors etc.) that were appreciative of my enthusiasm and potential.
I came to the conclusion that I didn't really see myself pursuing process engineering long term. I attended various company webinars where 40+ year olds said they didn't really come into the profession for the money, and from research, learned that at that age, you could expect around 60-80k salary; which, don't get me wrong, is a comfortable amount, but for a profession where I would have had to 1) purse a masters, 2) work 4-5 years to get chartered, 3) do a lot of work outside of London (think oil rigs, norway battery factories etc), 4) continue to upskill via trainings etc for the rest of what is a very mentally challenging profession, and 5) simultaneously not do much more than spreadsheet calculations guided by senior engineers for a couple of years - that salary expectation didn't really do it for me. So I made the decision that I would either look elsewhere within the company/field, or change entirely. I ended up doing both.
I ended up leveraging my american engineering degree, through which I had also taken various classes in other subjects, did econ competitions etc, and ended up applying to a finance / consulting company, and got in! The salary itself was considerably higher than my project controls one. Simultaneously, I ended up learning about the engineering consulting arm of my company, and met some people there. Long story short, when I broke the news that I was leaving the company to pivot into finance, the directors I'd connected with at my engineering company were upset, in a good way, and put in a meeting with me to discuss what they needed to do to keep me in the company. I told them I wanted to move away from project controls, and that I wanted them to match my finance salary - and they did! They put me in contact with the process engineering consulting directors, I had interviews with them, they offered me the job, and agreed to match my salary (albeit at a push given they weren't the directors I'd originally connected with). In the end, I thought about both paths, and I'd already mentallised myself about moving on, was excited about the prospect of working in the city, the faster salary increases, the young people etc. So, I decided that whilst I appreciated the offer so much, and truly do not regret having started my post-grad career there, I decided to decline their offer, and move on into finance. They were disheartened, understandably, but also understood my thought process, and said there would always be an open door if I decided to come back. So biggest advice is, try your best wherever you are, and make connections / get involved! It truly pays off.
A year and a half into my finance company experience, it's been a rollercoaster, and I have to admit I felt way out of my depth having to catch up on finance knowledge, and having to explain my background very often, but I think I prefer the opportunities it has given me more, and I'm excited about the options I have now. I truly feel like I can eventually do anything. In terms of perks, 1) a higher salary, and faster increases biyearly 2) a younger crowd that has allowed me to meet more likeminded friends, 3) learned many useful things that apply to my financial wellbeing 4) many more socials, expensed outings, and even trips. That said, you have to weigh it out with what matters to you, as some of the downsides include some very stressful times, more late working (say 6-7pm, which can increase more the more senior you get), having to catch up on financial knowledge that sometimes makes you feel like an imposter, and sometimes boring work. In the end though, I am more satisfied and mentally engaged than I was doing project controls, and I am certain I made the right decision for me, in moving away from engineering. I still sometimes consider learning tech skills like coding, powerBI etc, but that's still an option, and I'm looking forward to doing an MBA shortly down the line. Perhaps aim for the big 3 consulting firms. Upward trajectory overall!
Top advice:
1) Get involved and make connections wherever you are; put your best foot forward even if you know you're not currently where you want to be
2) Do your search about your current and potential options
3) Don't be afraid to pivot
4) Reach out to those who are in positions you'd be interested in
5) Follow your gut
6) Don't be afraid to take risks; if you ended up taking the wrong turn, that's ok! Just pivot again!
7) Believe in yourself wholeheartedly
Hope this helps someone, and look forward to providing the next update!
After this post, I continued to be unsure and unhappy being in project controls; it felt like my talents were going to waste. If you're a chemical engineer, and especially if you went to a russel group or elite univeristy, be warned that project controls is not where you want to be; it's entirely understimulating and underfulfilling for someone who had the capacity to get through such a tough degree. That said, in my case, I also didn't have a lot of experience seeing process engineering in the company, nor elsewhere, just got a sense of it from the good friends I made who were process engineers. In the end, I remained in project controls and in the company for about 1 year. Toward the mid-end of my time there, I ended up getting very involved in other extracurricular things in the company, to get my name out there, and this was a really good decision, as it meant 1) I made more process engineer friends that told me about their experience, and 2) I made connections higher up (directors etc.) that were appreciative of my enthusiasm and potential.
I came to the conclusion that I didn't really see myself pursuing process engineering long term. I attended various company webinars where 40+ year olds said they didn't really come into the profession for the money, and from research, learned that at that age, you could expect around 60-80k salary; which, don't get me wrong, is a comfortable amount, but for a profession where I would have had to 1) purse a masters, 2) work 4-5 years to get chartered, 3) do a lot of work outside of London (think oil rigs, norway battery factories etc), 4) continue to upskill via trainings etc for the rest of what is a very mentally challenging profession, and 5) simultaneously not do much more than spreadsheet calculations guided by senior engineers for a couple of years - that salary expectation didn't really do it for me. So I made the decision that I would either look elsewhere within the company/field, or change entirely. I ended up doing both.
I ended up leveraging my american engineering degree, through which I had also taken various classes in other subjects, did econ competitions etc, and ended up applying to a finance / consulting company, and got in! The salary itself was considerably higher than my project controls one. Simultaneously, I ended up learning about the engineering consulting arm of my company, and met some people there. Long story short, when I broke the news that I was leaving the company to pivot into finance, the directors I'd connected with at my engineering company were upset, in a good way, and put in a meeting with me to discuss what they needed to do to keep me in the company. I told them I wanted to move away from project controls, and that I wanted them to match my finance salary - and they did! They put me in contact with the process engineering consulting directors, I had interviews with them, they offered me the job, and agreed to match my salary (albeit at a push given they weren't the directors I'd originally connected with). In the end, I thought about both paths, and I'd already mentallised myself about moving on, was excited about the prospect of working in the city, the faster salary increases, the young people etc. So, I decided that whilst I appreciated the offer so much, and truly do not regret having started my post-grad career there, I decided to decline their offer, and move on into finance. They were disheartened, understandably, but also understood my thought process, and said there would always be an open door if I decided to come back. So biggest advice is, try your best wherever you are, and make connections / get involved! It truly pays off.
A year and a half into my finance company experience, it's been a rollercoaster, and I have to admit I felt way out of my depth having to catch up on finance knowledge, and having to explain my background very often, but I think I prefer the opportunities it has given me more, and I'm excited about the options I have now. I truly feel like I can eventually do anything. In terms of perks, 1) a higher salary, and faster increases biyearly 2) a younger crowd that has allowed me to meet more likeminded friends, 3) learned many useful things that apply to my financial wellbeing 4) many more socials, expensed outings, and even trips. That said, you have to weigh it out with what matters to you, as some of the downsides include some very stressful times, more late working (say 6-7pm, which can increase more the more senior you get), having to catch up on financial knowledge that sometimes makes you feel like an imposter, and sometimes boring work. In the end though, I am more satisfied and mentally engaged than I was doing project controls, and I am certain I made the right decision for me, in moving away from engineering. I still sometimes consider learning tech skills like coding, powerBI etc, but that's still an option, and I'm looking forward to doing an MBA shortly down the line. Perhaps aim for the big 3 consulting firms. Upward trajectory overall!
Top advice:
1) Get involved and make connections wherever you are; put your best foot forward even if you know you're not currently where you want to be
2) Do your search about your current and potential options
3) Don't be afraid to pivot
4) Reach out to those who are in positions you'd be interested in
5) Follow your gut
6) Don't be afraid to take risks; if you ended up taking the wrong turn, that's ok! Just pivot again!
7) Believe in yourself wholeheartedly
Hope this helps someone, and look forward to providing the next update!
(edited 2 weeks ago)
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