Career switch (Engineering to Finance/Management)

I am an engineering graduate, working in the field for around 3-4 years now. I feel stuck and notice that things are slowly down. I am no longer as passionate doing routine engineering work.

I am considering to pursue a financial degree/master on top of my engineering degree and transit into a different field that can complement my current skill set with the business side of things.

Job that interest me and I would like to try to gain my first few years of finance/business experience are

-Accountant

-Financial planning analyst

-Securities Specialist

-Operation Manager (Related to my engineering field)

-Data analyst

Question is,

1) Should I get a finance degree 3-5 years part time or a MBA 2 years part time

I'm not sure if having a MBA is enough for a transition in the eyes of the HRs.

2) Apart of a degree/masters, are there any other entry level certificates that are good to obtain?

3) Is it wise to do so. I'm confused.

Discussion (14)

What are your thoughts?

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Diorlyn Tan

23 Jun 2023

Hi, just go for a MBA. I have the same working experience as you but I am currently saving money for it. Please ensure that you have enough funding throughout your MBA. Otherwise, you might get distracted by the lack of funds. In my own perspective, I chose MBA over Msc in Finance, was because MBA is more broad and it has a lot of specialization within the curriculum. With that certificate, you can jump into any field that you like and will not be tied to one specified field (e.g. financial industry). If you don't like finances, you can jump into consulting,etc.

Just take PT MBA if you can cope. If not, the opportunity cost will be too high, and having a MBA also does not guarantee a high salary. The best suggestion is to get sponsored MBA but this is very difficult because a company is not a charity unless your bosses want to invest in you. However, in your case, no offense, don't get tied down by the company since you want to change the industry. Just stay in your current company, get your MBA and leave.

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Robin

02 May 2023

Administrator at SG

Current skillset

Good to list out all the current skillset that you have that can be applied to other firms that does more engineer tech, data or Fintech.

Patient transition
Good to take the transition slowly so that you can have a backup (Engineering) if the venture fails.

Slow and steady is the way.

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Chris

01 May 2023

Do you have a successful investment portfolio to showcase? If don't mind starting from basic level, can use it to jumpstart your career in the financial/banking industry. If you found passion in that area, enrol in courses like CFA, CFP, etc. then.

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