GE production associate vs Masters
Hey everyone,
I could really use some advice. I was recently admitted to Virginia Tech’s Master’s in Data Science program (or Systems engineering in another collecge), but I’m also considering a full-time job offer from GE Aerospace (between 80 to 90k/year, production associate role).
My background is in Industrial & Systems Engineering, and I’m interested in data science / analytics long-term, but I’m also open to operations-type roles. That said, I don’t see myself wanting to stay in a plant/manufacturing environment long-term. Also, not a full time coder (these jobs are changing anyways)
My concern is that this GE role seems heavily manufacturing-focused, and I’m worried about getting stuck in that environment or being pigeonholed into plant roles.
On the other hand, the financial side is really appealing—especially being able to live at home and save.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or taken a role like this and successfully pivoted out later? Or would grad school be the better move here? other idea is to do Masters remote and move internally.