MBA OR MEM?

Hello Guys, I need some help making a decision, a little about me first

I am an engineer working in the energy industry for the past 8 years in Chicago, I was looking to do my MBA at one of the top schools but realized that the cost and time is just not worth it for what I want to achieve in my career, I am left with the following two options, both options cost 50K. I am interested in working in a Business development role in the energy industry after school.

Option 1: Purdue 1 year STEM MBA – would have to move to west layette

Option 2: Northwestern 1 year Masters of Engineering Management

Both programs teach business basics, Purdue maybe more since it is an MBA, my issue is that an MBA is more accepted in the market and has a better potential salary. However, being a Northwestern Alumni would have it is advantages. Any feedback would be appreciated.

4 Comments
 

Never heard of either program, but Northwestern definitely has a stronger pull, is seen as more "elite" and you'll probably get more mileage out of being tapped into that network.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

If you want to stay in the same industry in a different function, I would look at the Part Time programs at Booth and Kellogg. You can also transition on your own terms.

 
Most Helpful

Opting for the MEM in contrast to MBA as a postgraduate programme depends on your passion and career goals.

MBA ultimately focuses on business management, communication, leadership skills, and is suitable when you have more interest in management skills.

Whereas, MEM program is very specific for those who have hands-on technology or engineering education background and want a career boost with management and engineering experience and knowledge both.

You have an engineering bachelor’s degree and if you want to continue that with management skills and knowledge and have an interest in the field of engineering, then you should definitely go for MEM.

And since you are not planning to change industries and after graduation want to work in the energy field itself and feel that MBA is not worth it for what you want to achieve in your career, you should really give MEM more serious thought. Besides, you will develop stronger connections in Northwestern.

 

Culpa ab pariatur ut non laborum. Illum incidunt ex cupiditate blanditiis. Facilis voluptate illum voluptatem qui. Voluptas provident velit quia in rerum est. Facere consequatur quis qui dolores est repellendus labore. Odio dolorem qui maxime quia et quas aut.

Porro doloremque illo maxime cupiditate. Nesciunt quia sed earum in vel est tempora. Magnam aut officiis ducimus et.

Quis odio cumque ipsam veniam. Ea impedit eos laborum voluptatem non perspiciatis. Nobis consequatur nesciunt consectetur autem. Nam quas aliquid aut in temporibus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”