MBA vs MEM/M&T Programs

Amazon
KmGN60

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KmGN60
Sep 14, 2021 4 Comments

Currently working as an L4 developer at Amazon (13 months) and really haven't enjoyed it. Did my undergrad at a top 5 engineering school in ECE, lots of internships throughout college. Interested in furthering my career with a degree in management and having trouble deciding between an MBA and a Masters in Engineering Management. Even considering maybe a masters in Finance or something technical like Data Science/ML but only because I am uncertain if I will be considered someone with not enough technical skills to all of a sudden do management after only a little over a year at Amazon. My fear with applying for MBA over MEM is that I might be too young/not have enough experience to be considered. Any thoughts on this? Very confused, Need to make a decision within a few weeks so I can work on apps. Thanks! #gradschool #amazonaws #mba #mem #engineer #collegedecisions

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  • Amazon
    xfine

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    xfine
    Data science/Finance/Engineering management - you seem to be all over the place. Masters is just a tool to get you where you want to be.

    What exactly do you want to do? You could also further your career as a developer.
    Sep 14, 2021 3
    • Amazon
      xfine

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      xfine
      If that’s the case, why not try to develop into a managerial role in your own domain (SDM).

      Worst you can do at such a young age (based on your YoE) is try to “pivot” into management. You’ll be more successful as an expert with lot of domain knowledge vs pivoting into a generalist management role. Plus, I think it’s step back from CS to data science. I suggest exploring more about different roles, talk to folks in those roles to understand their work etc. and then decide on what you want to do. Worst thing you can do is a graduate program for the sake of getting out of your current role (opportunity cost, time cost etc.)
      Sep 14, 2021
    • Amazon
      KmGN60

      Go to company page Amazon

      KmGN60
      OP
      Makes a lot of sense, really solid advice. I feel a bit trapped though, Im really not enjoying SWE, and to be honest Im not very good at it (I know I could definitely use resources to learn but its tough to commit to something where the passion just isnt there). Is SWE more enjoyable at other companies? In AWS its felt miserable. I understand tech and development at a high level, and can explain concepts and problems and approaches very well, I just really hate actually coding. Do I suck it up and just grind it out until I get where I (think) I want to be? If I dislike SWE, will I dislike being an SDM? Or is it time for a full career change? (Really good at math, and have a strong interest in finance/bd as well)...I know...once again, bit all over the place
      Sep 14, 2021