Did you know that engineering leaders are in short supply, leading to speculations that nearly one in three engineering positions could go unfilled each year through at least 2030?
The engineering field is growing at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving industry demands. With the U.S. projected to need 400,000 engineers annually, the demand for professionals with advanced knowledge and specialized skills has never been higher.
In this opportunistic, yet competitive environment, staying ahead is more important than ever. Earning a master's degree in engineering will equip you to meet the industry's needs, elevate your career through practical experience, and broaden your network.
Entering the dynamic engineering industry begins with knowing how to improve your hard and soft skills. Three of the best ways to invest in your career and make the most of your skills are to:
Seeking out relevant work experience and practical, hands-on opportunities to advance your engineering skills is crucial. One of the best ways to learn more about the industry is to learn by doing. No matter how much experience you have in the field, there is expertise and innovation you can learn from others in the industry.
One way to gain this experience is by joining internships, workshops, or community classes. You don’t have to be enrolled in college to land an engineering internship. Many companies offer internships and apprenticeships to non-students or career changers. Search company websites directly or consider reaching out to their HR or recruiting departments for opportunities.
If you’re looking for more long-term experience, apprenticeships can span 1–5 years and often include pay. These are ideal for gaining deep, hands-on experience and may even lead to full-time roles. They're particularly beneficial if you need a steady income while building your skills.
“Many of our students come with STEM backgrounds and are great at what they do, but have minimal experience and leadership. This program in particular combines those two aspects, takes their technical backgrounds and combines it with leadership. Then they can then take that and move into leadership positions within their own company, move to other companies or start their own.” - Lori Ferranti, M.Eng. Program Director
An invaluable part of upskilling in engineering is building a robust professional network. Experts in the field in your community and globally can help you understand engineering on a broader scale, while also making connections that can lead to job opportunities and more.
Helpful ways to grow your network include:
Mentorship opportunities are also helpful in growing your network. Through these opportunities, experienced professionals can offer guidance and share insights into advancing your engineering career. Building relationships with industry mentors can provide ongoing support and open doors to new opportunities throughout your professional journey.
Whether you work in mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, or somewhere in between, connecting with other engineers in your area gives you a variety of seasoned perspectives and boosts your industry knowledge.
For the most condensed amount of engineering experience in your timeframe, graduate education offers a fast track to high-level engineering careers. A master’s degree provides a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and specialize in engineering fields such as:
These programs provide access to cutting-edge research and technology, empowering students to advance their careers while staying current with technological changes.
Furthermore, programs often go beyond technical expertise to include key leadership and business skills for an engineering resume:
One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a master’s is the ability to apply your new engineering skills in real-time. Whether you're exploring advanced technologies or refining management strategies, you can bring insights from the classroom directly to your job, creating immediate, meaningful impacts in your workplace and the broader engineering field.
A master’s degree doesn’t just enhance your current role—it opens doors to entirely new career opportunities. With advanced qualifications, you can pursue:
This advanced degree also comes with significant financial benefits, namely a higher engineering salary and increased earning potential. In 2024, the median engineering manager salary was $167,740 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, a master’s degree positions you to negotiate even higher salaries and benefits thanks to the specialized skills and expertise you bring to the table. It also grants you access to positions and industries that require advanced qualifications.
A typical career path may look something like this:
“Since completing the program and earning my M.Eng., I’ve advanced towards one of my goals of moving into an engineering leadership position, where I am responsible for leading discipline engineers. The coursework within the engineering management program provided me with the tools to be an informed and well-rounded engineering leader. I have been able to successfully implement what I learned through course material and apply it for and within my team.” - Anton, online M.Eng. graduate, class of ‘22
Thanks to the rise of online learning, pursuing an advanced engineering degree is now more convenient and accessible than ever.
Online master's programs provide access to top-tier universities and renowned faculty from around the world. Programs like Vanderbilt’s online master’s in engineering maintain the same rigorous standards as their on-campus counterparts, ensuring that students receive high-quality education and mentorship no matter their location.
The flexibility of an online master’s program makes it an excellent choice for busy professionals. Online programs allow you to:
Equally important, online programs empower learners to avoid the need to relocate or commute to a campus. With the ability to study from anywhere with an internet connection, you can maintain a comfortable and familiar learning environment while eliminating the stress of daily commuting.
“The thing I enjoy the most about being an online student at Vanderbilt is the flexibility of being able to work full-time in your profession, while managing your degree. The staff, professors, and entire team of the online degree is really helpful, making sure that the professionals who are full-time in the industry do not have to make compromises in order to achieve this degree and achieve their goals.” - Saad, online M.Eng student
Advancing your engineering career starts with a smart investment: your education. Online programs from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering empower you to transform your experience into expertise, all with the flexibility to fit your life.
Vanderbilt offers an online master's in engineering management that is specifically designed for working professionals.
This program features asynchronous classes, world-class research discoveries, and a curriculum designed to help you immediately apply your learning to your career.
With 140,000 new jobs for engineers projected by 2026, earning a master’s degree from a prestigious program like Vanderbilt will help set you apart from the competition and position you for long-term success.
Are you ready to take your engineering career to the next level? Discover the value of a Vanderbilt degree and request more information today.
Interested in learning more about our master’s in engineering management program? Download our program guide to discover more.