As engineers progress in their careers, moving into leadership positions can naturally become part of their desired growth—whether they’re looking for a career pivot, seeking higher salaries, or wanting to avoid stagnation in a field they’ve already mastered.
While a strong foundation in engineering provides the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for innovation, advancing to management or executive roles often requires additional business acumen. ASME career insiders report that engineers with advanced business training are more likely to transition into executive roles, manage large-scale projects, and drive strategic growth within their organizations.
Developing general business skills is key for those who aspire to leadership positions. However, many engineers acquire these skills informally, often through trial and error, which can limit their ability to effectively transition into management roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
This whitepaper examines the role of business education in engineering career advancement, with a focus on the Executive MBA (EMBA) program at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). With a reported 20% of EMBA alumni in the past five years holding engineering degrees, the program provides substantial data on technical professionals seeking a broader understanding of business operations.
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