Currently a Junior studying Mechanical Engineering. Thinking about pursuing a masters/PhD in BME, mechatronics, or materials science. Also considering IP Law. Was curious which career path would take me to earn the highest TC and how many yoe would be necessary. Current TC, 29k.
You’d be amazed at some of the work happening at Intel - for your work and academic experience you’d be put on a track to be a PE (principal Engineer) within 2 -3 or so years. It’s an incredible company. TC for Grade 7 on the west coast can be 150+
Ex-Intel here. PE track doesn't mean much. Getting to PE has as much to do with politics as it does with merit. Intel has tons of PhDs stuck at Grade 7s for years -- the visibility & impact of the project you work on (or your ability to sell the project you are working on) is a stronger factor than your academic credentials.
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PE in Intel is based on recommendation. Its not merit based. I would not suggest Intel. Nvidia / Samsung / Google and QCT are good..
PE is not o my based on recommendation- it’s based on your work - one can move around from one BU to another if not happy with the PE track. The company is investing in talent. Source: am in PE track and similar background to OP
What is QTC? Qualcomm? Would you suggest Materials, Design, or Mechatronics Chipzilla?
Google is a better shop than most.
Lol op clearly wants to get into FAANG and people recommend him QCT and Intel
Right? Lmao Apple doesn’t really promote from within. I had to pull teeth just to become a Genius
Getting internal internships is even more difficult.
Dude if I were u I would work for few years and get an MBA. Much easier to move around . They say MBA is over rated which is true but atleast it gets your foot in
Software
Some the responses are surprising. Usually higher TC is paid to SWE. This doesn’t necessarily translate to better work life balance or interesting work. Do not listen to those who say don’t get a PhD. They speak from a narrow point of view. Not everything in life is about FAANG, LC, and TC. Please finish your PhD. The status, pride, accomplishments, self worth, etc. and yes higher TC and better positions, faster promotions, and so on will come with your PhD! I have a PhD and been in the industry for > 15 years in HW! I’m not spewing garbage here. I have worked with hundreds of engineers with BS, MS, and PhD. You’ll do yourself a great disservice in the long term if you quit school now and focused mainly on higher TC. BTW, do not waste 100-200k on MBA!!
👆 this. I am a PhD, to give you my example, came to here only in 2015, got my GC in 6 months. From where I come, GC wait times right now run into decades. Not that you will require a GC, but just an example what a PhD can do.
I should add that if the OP is deeply excited about research, then you should definitely do a PhD. I did a PhD and I don't regret it one bit. Life isn't all about TC
I'm HW at Google, Physics and Materials Science PhD. Love working on cutting edge stuff, I think applied physics with good math skills will take you many different places.
What team is this ? I mean do you de work in manufacturing ?
No I'm in Applied Science
Since you don't know what you want to do yet why pursue a graduate degree so soon? Get out into the real world for a year or two and give yourself time to figure out what you like doing best. ME work should pay decent in the meantime. You can always go back for a Master's later or do one remotely (e.g. USC's DEN program). P.S. I'd recommend against a PhD most don't get paid what they're worth because their research is too specialized.
I have interned in various positions and companies that have only added further confusion. I’m also not the traditional college student age. I understand that a minimum of a masters degree is required for senior positions such as project management and would appreciate advice on particular sub disciplines
Hmm.. let me ask you a different related question: what are you best at?