Transitioning Into Engineering from Biology

[amirand12]

Excuse me for the wordy post. First off, some background: I am a recent college graduate with a BS in microbiology from an average state school with an only okay GPA (3.34). I entered college not in the right mindset and chose a major mostly at random. Sometime in my 2nd year I realized I wanted to study engineering but it was already too late and I could not afford to spend more than 4 years at university.

Currently I am a research technician in a microbiology lab at my alma mater, and I have an additional ~1.5 years of undergraduate research experience as well (molecular cloning, protein purification/analysis, microscopy etc). I have come to the conclusion that I want to transition into engineering because I am longing for a more quantitative and applied career, rather than basic science research. I have begun taking background courses to prepare myself for entering into an engineering masters program (thinking mechanical right now) and I have found a few programs that will accept students without a BS in engineering (namely BUs LEAP program).

Now to my actual questions:
1. Given my background what sort of job (quality assurance, R&D, etc?) would be the best use of my time, both in terms of competitiveness for graduate school and for later job prospects as an engineer? I want to find a job that I am qualified to do, but that will also be an asset later on.

2. How seriously will I be taken in industry without a BS in engineering? Will I be competing with new BS grads?

3. As a non-engineering BS holder, would a more prestigious graduate program give me more validity as an engineer? Assuming I excel in my preparation courses, would I even stand a chance at gaining admission into a prestigious program?

I am serious about this career change and really want to be doing everything I can right now to support it. Thank you for reading that whole thing, and for any advice you can give me.

 

[TonyG]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your background and career goals. It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into your decision to transition into engineering and have taken steps to prepare yourself for a graduate program.

To answer your questions:

1. The best job for you would depend on your specific interests and skills within engineering. However, any job that allows you to gain hands-on experience and apply your knowledge would be beneficial for both graduate school and future job prospects. Quality assurance and R&D are both good options, as they involve problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are important in engineering.

2. Your previous research experience and background in microbiology may set you apart from other new BS grads, but it ultimately depends on the specific job and company. Some employers may value your diverse background and see it as an asset, while others may prefer candidates with a traditional engineering degree. It's important to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your job application and during interviews.

3. The prestige of a graduate program can certainly add validity to your engineering credentials, but it's not the only factor that matters. Your performance in your preparation courses and in your job experience will also play a significant role. Admissions committees will be looking for evidence of your potential and passion for engineering, so make sure to showcase that in your application.

Overall, it's great that you are taking the initiative to prepare yourself for a career change into engineering. Keep building your skills and experiences, and don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in the field for advice and networking opportunities. Best of luck to you!