I just returned from a focus group discussion where the other participants and I were interviewed on our tertiary education, our career options, our future goals and everything in between.
Most of the participants who are currently working as engineers have little praise for their jobs and were complaining throughout. That made me wonder why they chose the profession at the outset.
Was it due to ignorance of the industry, of the company OR or the alternative career options?
Many said that they want to switch to a job that will allow them to perform a business function such as sales, marketing, etc. But they are unwilling to do so as it will result in a short term pay cut. Logical, I say, which is why it is crucial for a graduating student to ensure prudence in selecting the first job.
Engineering graduates from NUS and NTU have many career options that involve a business function. However, if they what the best if all worlds, i.e. the opportunity to work across business functions AND industries, management consulting is the best choice. In fact, I'm not even sure if any other job offers such a benefit. Probably now.
Which is why engineering undergrads and non-business undergrads should be made known of management consulting as a career to be fair to them. Based on experience, there is a significant proportion of engineering undergrads who already know that engineering is not a career choice long before they graduate. Open your eyes and ears wider. There are many options out there, and management consulting ranks as one of the most attractive.
Was it due to ignorance of the industry, of the company OR or the alternative career options?
Many said that they want to switch to a job that will allow them to perform a business function such as sales, marketing, etc. But they are unwilling to do so as it will result in a short term pay cut. Logical, I say, which is why it is crucial for a graduating student to ensure prudence in selecting the first job.
Engineering graduates from NUS and NTU have many career options that involve a business function. However, if they what the best if all worlds, i.e. the opportunity to work across business functions AND industries, management consulting is the best choice. In fact, I'm not even sure if any other job offers such a benefit. Probably now.
Which is why engineering undergrads and non-business undergrads should be made known of management consulting as a career to be fair to them. Based on experience, there is a significant proportion of engineering undergrads who already know that engineering is not a career choice long before they graduate. Open your eyes and ears wider. There are many options out there, and management consulting ranks as one of the most attractive.
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