I want to know more
Hi everyone,
I recently graduated in Automotive Engineering and I’m currently trying to decide what master’s degree to pursue. I thought it would be a good idea to ask people who already work in the industry or who have gone through similar decisions, because real experiences are probably more valuable than university presentations or marketing.
My background is mostly mechanical engineering focused: internal combustion engines, thermodynamics, vehicle dynamics, machine design, materials, manufacturing processes, drivetrain systems, etc. So overall, I feel like I have a solid mechanical foundation.
The thing is, the automotive industry seems to be shifting more and more toward electrification, electronics, software, embedded systems, control engineering, ADAS, and EV-related technologies. That’s where my dilemma starts.
I’m not sure if I should:
continue further into the mechanical side, where I already have a strong base and probably a more natural path;
or
push myself toward the electrical/electronic side, even if it means leaving my comfort zone and catching up on a lot of new concepts.
I’d really like to hear from people already working in the field:
What master’s degree did you choose and was it worth it?
How difficult is it for someone with a mechanical background to transition toward the electrical/software side?
Do companies value traditional mechanical engineers as much as hybrid profiles nowadays?
Another thing I keep thinking about is that I genuinely enjoy the mechanical side of engineering, but at the same time it feels like many of the better opportunities and salaries are moving toward electrical/software-related roles. On the other hand, I also don’t want to choose a path only because “that’s where the market is going” and then realize I don’t actually enjoy the work.