
Planning a successful career beyond your bachelor’s in engineering
You worked hard to earn your engineering undergraduate degree. How can you make the most of it?
While the immediate next step may seem obvious—landing that first engineering job—your long-term career growth requires thoughtful planning. Heather Smith, director of graduate programs for Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro) within the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, shares insights on advancing your career through intentional learning, networking and leveraging educational opportunities.
The 70/20/10 rule for career development
One of the most effective frameworks for professional growth is the 70/20/10 rule. This model emphasizes:
- 70% on-the-job learning: The majority of your career development happens through hands-on experience. Each project and challenge at work contributes to your skill set.
- 20% coaching and mentoring: Guidance from mentors and peers plays a pivotal role in helping you navigate complex situations and refine your leadership abilities.
- 10% formal education: Structured learning, such as earning advanced degrees or certificates, rounds out your expertise and ensures you stay ahead in your field.
As you consider your career development, keep in mind these options to explore advanced degrees or certificates.
Unlock opportunities with tuition reimbursement
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can significantly offset the cost of your continuing education. These programs often cover a wide range of learning options. If your employer offers this benefit, explore how it aligns with your career goals and can help you maximize your potential.
Smith adds, “Some reimbursement programs may be restricted in certain areas, and some of them are quite wide, where you can use them for going to a conference or getting a master’s degree. So take a look at those, learn more from your HR department and find out what you can do with that employer benefit.”
Why consider a master’s degree?
A master’s degree is more than just an academic milestone; it’s an investment in your future.
“The top reason many people pursue a master’s degree is often intellectual exploration and growth,” said Smith. “They want to deepen their knowledge in a subject and gain additional technical expertise.”
Here are other ways earning an advanced degree can elevate your career:
- Deepen technical expertise: Specializing in a field through graduate education enhances your knowledge and positions you as an expert.
- Expand career opportunities: Whether you want to transition to a new role, move to a different company or climb the corporate ladder, a master’s degree can open doors. Trenton Mullin earned a master’s in sustainable systems engineering and adds, “This degree gives me the ammunition to transition within the energy industry. As an individual currently in the oil and gas sector, now the renewable sector gives me call backs.”
- Increase earning potential: Studies consistently show that advanced degrees correlate with higher salaries. You can earn 22 percent more* with a master’s degree.
- Build a professional network: Graduate programs connect you with peers and instructors who bring diverse experiences and insights, enriching your learning and expanding your network.
Smith adds, “You may want to move into a different role or even a different company. Having that additional education and credential can help you get that job that you want next. And it can increase your salary potential. These are all great reasons to get a master’s degree.”
Flexible online pathways: Capstone certificates and master’s degrees
For engineers seeking a tailored approach to continuing education, UW–Madison’s College of Engineering offers fully online capstone certificates and master’s degrees designed to meet specific needs:
- Capstone certificates: These 9-12 credit programs are focused, stackable credentials that can often be applied toward a master’s degree. Options include:
- Master’s degrees: These flexible 30-credit degree programs are designed specifically for working professionals. Choose from these interdisciplinary programs:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering: Power Engineering, MS
- Engineering Management, MS
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering: Manufacturing Engineering, MS
- Engineering: Engineering Data Analytics, MEng
- Engineering: Polymer Engineering, MEng
- Engineering: Sustainable Systems Engineering, MEng
- Civil & Environmental Engineering: Environmental Engineering, MEng
Each program is designed to cater to industry demands while offering the flexibility working professionals need.
Charting your path forward
Whether your goal is to lead teams, specialize in cutting-edge technologies or drive innovation in sustainable systems, planning for your future starts now. Evaluate your options, tap into available resources and consider how advanced education fits into your career strategy.
Payton Hilby earned a master’s in engineering management in spring 2021 and adds, “The most valuable part of this program for my career was how it helped me grow as a leader. I have been fortunate enough to lead many different projects in my young career, and this program helped me better manage my teams in my current role and will aid me in my future roles as well.”
For more information about UW–Madison’s online engineering graduate programs, you can visit the InterPro website. You can also reach out to an enrollment coach at [email protected] or schedule a meeting if you are undecided about which degree or certificate is best for you.
*UW–Madison Academic Planning and Institutional Research Dataviz (in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau and the Institute for Research on Innovation and Science.) Percent increase identified by comparing median salaries of engineering bachelor’s and master’s graduates one year after college.
Published on Feb 05 2025
Categories: Professional Degrees & Certificates