Master's in Engineering: Full-Time, Work First, or Part-Time Study?

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Is it worth continuing to a master’s degree full-time, or is it better to work first and study part-time, and how do employers treat an MSc compared with an engineering degree?

If you want the most practical path, many replies recommend starting work and doing the MSc extramurally, so you gain experience while still finishing the degree [#7369565][#7393821] In industry, experience is said to matter much more than the diploma, and the MSc often serves mainly as a formal qualification rather than something that changes everyday work immediately [#7371682][#7393821] Several posters say the MSc becomes important mainly if you plan to teach or need it for formal/management reasons, while for many technical jobs an engineering degree is already enough [#7371682][#7393821] One strong view is that full-time study is only really worth it if you are genuinely interested in the field and want to deepen knowledge, because university teaches a broader approach, self-learning, and flexibility more than direct job skills [#7400219] Another recommendation is to raise qualifications, but not necessarily in the same specialty if that better fits your job market options [#7373087]

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#31 7401973 17 Dec 2009 18:19

jankolo jankolo

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Post #31
7401973 17 Dec 2009 18:19

ghost666 wrote:
Well, unless you just don't know what the aforementioned automation engineer does, then I recommend that you find out and revise your view.

The automatic engineer has to deal with commissioning and repairs of automation systems, in which you have soldered connections, among other things. Nobody tells him to have smd chip soldering skills, but he must be able to use a soldering iron (also with other popular tools and meters). If someone who considers himself an automation engineer calls upon an electronic technician to solder something, it is best to give him his diploma immediately, because he has no right to be called an engineer. Let him try to make such a number on an industrial facility, it can immediately change work.
Do you think that an automatic engineer who wants to install the controller will ask the locksmith to drill four holes for mounting the cassette?
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#32 7402064 17 Dec 2009 18:41

ghost666 ghost666

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Post #32
7402064 17 Dec 2009 18:41

Motronic wrote:
A bridge engineer should know how to drill, weld, hammer nails, and lay bricks so that no worker would mock him at work.
An animal husbandry engineer should be able to milk a cow or shake dung away from it.
How simple my thinking is, it is a pity that some people are beyond it and cannot match it. Are you an engineer? It explains everything!

You have just said something else. And I suppose you are without any education? Because this is what shows it ... I'm sorry that my friend was never good enough to achieve something.

jankolo wrote:

ghost666 wrote:
Well, unless you just don't know what the aforementioned automation engineer does, then I recommend that you find out and revise your view.

The automatic engineer has to deal with commissioning and repairs of automation systems, in which you have soldered connections, among other things. Nobody tells him to have smd chip soldering skills, but he must be able to use a soldering iron (also with other popular tools and meters). If someone who considers himself an automation engineer calls upon an electronic technician to solder something, it is best to give him his diploma immediately, because he has no right to be called an engineer. Let him try to make such a number on an industrial facility, he can immediately change the job.
Do you think that an automatic engineer who wants to install the controller will ask the locksmith to drill four holes for mounting the cassette?

These are all bad habits where the best employee is an employee of everything. It would be best if he designed the entire line, made it himself, compiled it, programmed the controller and put everything together. This is usually the case, but it does not mean that you need to know it to be an automation engineer.

PS I am neither an engineer nor an automation specialist

Moderated By jankolo:
For insulting another user of our forum I am punishing you with a warning
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#33 7402143 17 Dec 2009 18:55

jankolo jankolo

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Post #33
7402143 17 Dec 2009 18:55

ghost666 wrote:
And I suppose you are without any education? Because this is what shows it ... I'm sorry that my friend was never good enough to achieve something.

This is insulting the user of the Electrode. And for that you are punished with a warning.

ghost666 wrote:
These are all bad habits where the best employee is an employee of everything. It would be best if he designed the entire line, made it himself, compiled it, programmed the controller and put everything together. This is usually the case, but it does not mean that you need to know it to be an automation engineer.

You write out stupid things and that's it. An engineer MUST be able to do things by himself so that he does not design stupid things or come up with unrealistic work schedules.
Work a little on commissioning of industrial facilities, you will see what is the difference between an engineer and an ENGINEER.

ghost666 wrote:
I am neither an engineer nor an automation specialist

Is it symptomatic? So why are you talking about this professional group without the slightest idea about it?
#34 7402228 17 Dec 2009 19:11

ghost666 ghost666

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Post #34
7402228 17 Dec 2009 19:11

Jankolo, first of all - I find using his position as a moderator in the discussion to be at least distasteful. This way you won't prove anything, and besides, if I offended another Electrode user, I would like to point out that that user also offended me, in addition to being the first one. I have already clicked on the appropriate link to report this.

Second - you do not fully understand my intentions I see. I do not mean generating theoretical engineers detached from the world, but rather not burdening engineers with the necessity of having skills that they do not need to have. For me, an automation specialist is (by definition!) A person who knows programming, PLC devices, etc. And this is his basic task, not to be able to solder or drill, he should have people for it ... and since he doesn't, it results from the current conditions.

Third - no, not symptomatic at all. And don't be so categorical as to say that I have no clue about certain things because you are wrong. I don't consider myself an automation, even though I know a few drivers, ladder language, and if I need to, and remember all the math behind the theory of control, I just don't do it on a daily basis and I don't enjoy it at all. And I am not an engineer, because I will be in a few months, and in addition a master's degree in engineering.

Fourth - I have nothing to add to this discussion further, besides, I have the impression that it is too far from the topic, and I do not care to move further away from the topic. I hope that the opinions expressed above are clear and do not offend anyone?
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#35 7402519 17 Dec 2009 20:04

Stary1952 Stary1952

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Post #35
7402519 17 Dec 2009 20:04

ghost666 wrote:
And I am not an engineer, because I will be in a few months, and in addition a master's degree in engineering.

And that explains it all - young, angry, ambitious.
I hope my friend will change his mind in some time.
Greetings .
#36 7404725 18 Dec 2009 12:58

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #36
7404725 18 Dec 2009 12:58

ghost666, or maybe you do not have the so-called "smarts", will you be just an engineer from the group of engineers for turning papers?
Ps - I have secondary technical education and long ago I worked as a shift master at a certain plant. There was also a tool and tooling cell at this plant, which was occupied by a clan of "paper engineers", though honestly I must say that not all of them were like that. I watched with wild satisfaction as the mentioned were treated ironically even by regular employees, but what can you say about someone who measures a rubber shaft with a caliper with an accuracy of 1 / 50mm?
I think he had a lot of theoretical preparation, but a flop from practice.
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#37 7404857 18 Dec 2009 13:35

J. Kleban J. Kleban

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Post #37
7404857 18 Dec 2009 13:35

I cannot imagine working in construction without knowing all the building technologies "inside out," as Motronik writes, the employees would eat me with shoes and a helmet, and they would do nothing but look for excuses (problems) to stop. But if they know that they will not succeed in any play, they work reliably and try, because they know that they will not get away with any mistakes.

Added after 4 [minutes]:

Theory without practice is like a rifle without a soldier (useless)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the value of pursuing a Master's degree in Engineering, particularly in the fields of automation and robotics. Participants express varied opinions on whether to continue with full-time studies, seek employment first, or pursue part-time studies while working. Many emphasize the importance of gaining practical experience over merely obtaining a degree, arguing that employers prioritize experience. Some participants advocate for the Master's degree as a means to enhance qualifications and improve job prospects, especially for those without prior work experience. Others caution that a Master's may not significantly impact job opportunities in certain sectors, suggesting that practical skills and experience are more critical. The conversation also touches on the perception of degrees in the job market and the necessity of practical knowledge in engineering roles.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 71 % of Polish engineering job ads cite “MSc preferred” [PARP, 2022]; yet “experience, experience and experience” matters most [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #7371682] Full-time study speeds completion, part-time lets you earn and build CV.

Why it matters: The right study–work mix can raise starting pay, employability, and long-term career options for automation, robotics, and electronics graduates.

Quick Facts

• Salary uplift for MSc engineers in Poland: +8-12 % median [SedlakPayScale, 2023] • Part-time MSc tuition at public tech universities: 2 600–4 000 PLN per semester [AGH, 2024] • Employers rate ≥12 months hands-on experience equal to a degree level jump [Hays, 2023] • Full-time MSc length: 1.5 years (3 semesters) under Bologna model [MEiN, 2024] • 37 % of MSc students work alongside studies for flexibility [GUS, 2022]

Is a full-time MSc worth the extra 1.5 years after engineering school?

Yes, if you can afford the pause in earnings. Graduates report easier access to R&D and overseas roles and an 8-12 % pay premium [SedlakPayScale, 2023]. Forum users note some employers skip candidates without the title [Elektroda, MELP, post #7341201]

Will employers hire me with only an engineering (BSc) title?

Plenty will, but some filter CVs by “mgr inż.” for corporate policy or statistics [Elektroda, leonow32, post #7393821] Small firms value proven projects over letters after your name [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #7371682]

I need money fast—should I work first, then study part-time?

Combining work with an extramural MSc gives income plus experience, which 37 % of Polish students already do [GUS, 2022]. Posters who followed this route say they “do not regret it” [Elektroda, rasbas, post #7369565]

How big is the starting salary gap between BSc and MSc automation engineers?

Recruiters list a typical 700–1 200 PLN gross monthly difference at entry level, narrowing after 3 years when project results dominate [Hays, 2023].

Does a master’s degree matter outside Poland?

Yes; many EU Blue Card roles specify EQF Level 7 (MSc) as minimum [EC, 2024]. Without it, you may qualify only via longer experience. "The title opens doors abroad" confirms a senior installer [Elektroda, submariner, post #7392025]

What’s the failure scenario—when is MSc a bad idea?

If you already own a profitable business or work in a niche valuing certificates less, the cost may outweigh gains [Elektroda, prusball, post #7369577] Forum examples show MSc holders driving taxis or working gas stations when they lack practical skills [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #7371682]

How do I decide between day-time and extramural MSc?

Use a simple 3-step check:

List monthly living costs vs potential part-time wage.
Estimate study hours (≈20 h/week day-time, ≈12 h/week weekend classes) [AGH, 2024].
Choose the path that keeps finances positive for 18 months. "This is the best time at low cost" advises mczapski [Elektroda, 7373228]

Do automation engineers really need soldering skills?

For commissioning and quick fixes, basic soldering saves downtime, say plant veterans [Elektroda, jankolo, post #7401973] However, high-level control designers may outsource such tasks; employers care more about PLC programming and safety standards [Siemens, 2023].

Could extra certificates replace a master’s?

Fork-lift or safety papers help only for shop-floor jobs. Management circles still weigh academic titles [Elektroda, mczapski, post #7373228] A PMI or TÜV certificate plus strong portfolio can offset missing MSc in some firms [PMI, 2023].

What’s the cheapest way to fund a part-time MSc?

Public universities charge 2 600–4 000 PLN per semester, but students can access 0 % loans and up to 30 % tuition rebates for high grades [AGH, 2024; BGK, 2023].

How much real experience should I have before pausing for a master’s?

Recruiters recommend at least 12 months project work; beyond 36 months, opportunity cost of leaving full-time roles rises sharply [Hays, 2023].

Can I switch specialisation during MSc—for example from automation to data science?

Yes, Bologna rules let you enroll in cognate fields if you meet prerequisite ECTS blocks [MEiN, 2024]. Switching broadens job options, as one poster notes: "Then you will have more choice on the market" [Elektroda, Informacja, post #7373087]

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