Systems engineer grad scheme or computer science masters

I am an engineering graduate that still doesn't really know what they want to go into. I have been applying for jobs all across the board but only managed to get one graduate scheme at bae systems as a systems engineer. Before getting this, I was set on doing a master's in computer science to allow me to go into the Software engineering field and give me a better chance, I am interested in this field but I dont know yet if I would actually enjoy it full time. My main concern is taking this job but then being locked into engineering and this sector not being able to go into SWE if I decided that I would prefer to do so. I was wondering if anyone would know about this being possible and the flexibility there and if you can go into the SWE sector without formal qualifications but just self-learning. Also what you recommend I do.

Reply 1

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

10

Original post by Ruben Newfield

I am an engineering graduate that still doesn't really know what they want to go into. I have been applying for jobs all across the board but only managed to get one graduate scheme at bae systems as a systems engineer. Before getting this, I was set on doing a master's in computer science to allow me to go into the Software engineering field and give me a better chance, I am interested in this field but I dont know yet if I would actually enjoy it full time. My main concern is taking this job but then being locked into engineering and this sector not being able to go into SWE if I decided that I would prefer to do so. I was wondering if anyone would know about this being possible and the flexibility there and if you can go into the SWE sector without formal qualifications but just self-learning. Also what you recommend I do.

Hey,

It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, which is totally understandable. Congrats on securing the graduate scheme at BAE Systems - that's a big achievement! As for your concerns, it’s worth noting that many skills in engineering are transferable to software engineering (SWE), especially problem-solving and analytical thinking.

It’s definitely possible to transition into SWE without a formal computer science degree, especially if you’re willing to self-learn and build a portfolio. Many software engineers have backgrounds in different fields and have successfully made the switch through online courses, boot camps, or self-taught projects. I work with some senior developers, on my placement, who were previously chefs and maths teachers.

If you take the BAE Systems job, you won’t necessarily be locked into that sector forever. You can still explore software development on the side, which might even help you decide if you enjoy it enough to pursue it full-time. Plus, having diverse experiences could make you a more well-rounded candidate for SWE roles in the future. There might be some programming involved in your role also, so this could be a great opportunity to explore that aspect.

Ultimately, if you’re still uncertain, you could always defer your master’s and see how you feel after gaining some industry experience. Remember, your first job doesn’t have to define your entire career - there’s flexibility to pivot as you learn more about what you enjoy and excel at.

Best of luck with your decision!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 2

hotpud

18

Original post by Ruben Newfield

I am an engineering graduate that still doesn't really know what they want to go into. I have been applying for jobs all across the board but only managed to get one graduate scheme at bae systems as a systems engineer. Before getting this, I was set on doing a master's in computer science to allow me to go into the Software engineering field and give me a better chance, I am interested in this field but I dont know yet if I would actually enjoy it full time. My main concern is taking this job but then being locked into engineering and this sector not being able to go into SWE if I decided that I would prefer to do so. I was wondering if anyone would know about this being possible and the flexibility there and if you can go into the SWE sector without formal qualifications but just self-learning. Also what you recommend I do.

If it helps, you need to change your mindset when it comes to applying for jobs.

Up to now, the mindset required is that you need to pass x,y,z exam or get a specific mark in order to pass through the gate and go onto the next level of study.

Business doesn't work like this. What a business is looking at is what value do you bring to that business and how will you contribute the the profit of that business. In short, what skills and knowledge do you bring? This might be specific skills or expertise developed from previous employment. So rather than thinking that a masters will give you an advantage because it is a higher level of study (businesses couldn't care less), ask yourself the question, what skills are businesses looking for and will my masters give me those skills. Then, when it comes to writing your applications / CV think less about the qualifications you have and more about the specific skills, knowledge and experience you have.

Good luck!

Reply 3

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post by Ruben Newfield

I am an engineering graduate that still doesn't really know what they want to go into. I have been applying for jobs all across the board but only managed to get one graduate scheme at bae systems as a systems engineer. Before getting this, I was set on doing a master's in computer science to allow me to go into the Software engineering field and give me a better chance, I am interested in this field but I dont know yet if I would actually enjoy it full time. My main concern is taking this job but then being locked into engineering and this sector not being able to go into SWE if I decided that I would prefer to do so. I was wondering if anyone would know about this being possible and the flexibility there and if you can go into the SWE sector without formal qualifications but just self-learning. Also what you recommend I do.

So first off you’re in a great position BAE systems is a fantastic company. The systems engineering grad scheme is very long standing and at a company like BAE you will have excellent career opportunities including if you stay, and if you leave it’s a great company to have on your CV as very technically strong.

The systems engineering grad scheme may well have opportunities to get involved with utilising software and perhaps some room for developing software tools but I imagine a lot will be reliant on being in the right team at the right time (particularly as a graduate), and probably not sophisticated software development as inevitably this would be done by full time software engineers.

I think you have a couple possibilities:

•

go to BAE do the grad scheme, if after 12/24 months you’re unhappy you can go back for a masters in software engineering (I don’t think it would prevent you going to do the masters if you’re already able to get onto a masters now , you could be tactical and even ask the university to “defer” your place for 12 months and see how BAE goes)

•

You could ask BAE if they would defer your grad role for 12 months to do a masters (some companies do actually allow this, some say no, re-apply

•

Ask BAE if you can transfer to a graduate opportunity involved with software engineering (they might say no)

•

Walk away from BAE and pursue your passion in SWE, if this is your passion & what really motivates you I don’t think you’ll regret chasing your dreams

Reply 4

needgoodgrades1

9

Original post by Ruben Newfield

I am an engineering graduate that still doesn't really know what they want to go into. I have been applying for jobs all across the board but only managed to get one graduate scheme at bae systems as a systems engineer. Before getting this, I was set on doing a master's in computer science to allow me to go into the Software engineering field and give me a better chance, I am interested in this field but I dont know yet if I would actually enjoy it full time. My main concern is taking this job but then being locked into engineering and this sector not being able to go into SWE if I decided that I would prefer to do so. I was wondering if anyone would know about this being possible and the flexibility there and if you can go into the SWE sector without formal qualifications but just self-learning. Also what you recommend I do.

i’ll be so honest with you, you don’t need to do a masters for swe, take the grad scheme if you haven’t already. don’t worry about being ‘locked into engineering’ there are plenty of ppl who make the switch to other fields like swe later. good luck

Systems engineer grad scheme or computer science masters

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