Expert: Paul Soderman - 7/14/2010

Question
Hello,
I was looking for your opinion to help me think about the possibilities of life after college. I'm going to be a sophomore at RPI duel majoring in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering with some minors as well, but had a dilemma. My school offers a co-terminal Masters/Bachelors which gets you both degrees after 5 years. However, if I got a job after my Bachelors, I hear that companies often pay to send you to get your Masters. What's your view on this?

Unrelated, I know much of your experience has been working for NASA. Do you have any opinions about the differences working for government as opposed to industry?

Any opinions you can offer me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Chris
You could go either way on the Masters degree.  The advantage of doing it in five years is that you get it out of the way and you get a better starting salary.  Plus you know more up front.  On the other hand, if the future company will pay for the degree you save money.  But you need to be near a good school, and it will take several years to earn the credits.  You have to do homework after a full days work.  But many people do it.  In fact, it is good to take advantage of graduate work after a Masters so you might be going to school on the companies dime either way. The choice is yours.

As to government versus industry, I did both, though my time at Boeing was only six months.  Industry pays better, but the government has more security and probably better benefits.  For example, after X number of years with government, you can earn 4 to 5 weeks annual vacation time.  Industry is often only two unless that has changed.   Industry can get you involved with cutting edge technology and aerospace products.  You can go higher in management if you choose.  Government is more research minded and often lets you chart your own path in research and career.  Industry wants you to keep your work proprietary.  Government is more open to publication.  Both have bureaucracy, government is probably worse.  

The best approach would be to do an internship in both arenas if possible.  Only you knows what is best for you.  Good luck.
Paul