After the GTIAE…

To study a master?

After four cohorts of GTIAE graduates, some characteristics can be defined. The one we are interested in commenting on today is the possibility of to study a master’s degree.

A non-majority option

It is known that among young graduates of the GTIAE, continuing to study a master’s degree is not a majority option. The causes can be very varied, but there are basically two:

• Firstly, once the GTIAE students have graduated, there is a great desire to move on to the job market. What you want is to start your own professional path. In fact, the proximity of the GTIAE to the company (internships, Focus Days, Enterprise Challenge, etc.) encourages things to be like this. Because of the entrepreneurial bias of students, many think about starting their own business in the not-too-distant future.
• Secondly, it is logical that after a sustained effort of four years, a good part of the students wants to change their minds.  Additionally, we could also add that options of continuing to study for a few more years it is perhaps not sufficiently disseminated and known. Or that the usefulness of a higher level of training is not clear, without visualizing a cost-benefit ratio favourable to the master’s degree.

In any case, diversity is the norm and there are quite a few cases that illustrate the reasons for continuing to study after the GTIAE.

The possibilities

The existing schemes for continuing to study after the GTIAE offer a wide range of possibilities and combinations that must be kept in mind.

• Firstly, the option of the Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (MUEI). This qualifies for the exercise of the regulated profession of industrial engineer. The goal is to offer multidisciplinary technical and scientific training, based on a global vision in the fields of industrial technologies. It lasts two academic years (120 ECTS credits). It can be started in September and February, morning and afternoon options and face-to-face at the ETSEIB. To know the curriculum, click here.
• Secondly, there is also the option of taking any other University Master’s Degree offered by the ETSEIB or an Innoenergy Master’s Degree.
• There is also the possibility of double degrees: two ETSEIB Master’s Degrees, one double or triple ETSEIB – UOC degree. Or international double degrees, depending on the deadlines and procedures for access to the ETSEIB exchange programmes. This allows students to obtain the MUEI and a master’s degree at a foreign university in three academic years.
• There is also the possibility of following, since the beginning of the GTIAE, the Successive Academic Path Programme (PARS). The PARS links the GTIAE with the MUEI during the last year of the degree. Thus, the bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be obtained in 5.5 academic years.

The BEST Foundation website includes the testimony of some GTIAE graduates. They have already taken some of these options and are very satisfied.

The case of Aina

Thus, Aina opted for the MUEI because it offers many possibilities for the future: mobility programs, double degrees and internships. Additionally, in the industrial world it is not the same to have a master’s degree as not to have it. Likewise, she plans to complete her training at a university in Paris to specialize and work in project management in the industrial field.

The case of Lluís

In addition, we have also reviewed the case of Lluís, who combines the MUEI with professional activity, focusing on his future specialization. Lluís focuses his vocation on engineering and wants to train as much as possible, and that is why he has always been clear about his choice. The more training, the more professional qualification, and more job opportunities. He wants to finish the master’s degree and gain more experience over the next three or four years. He wants to take on more responsibilities within the company. Do it little by little, focus on working and to gain more experience as a professional.

Esther’s case

Also relevant is the case of Ester, who started the GTIAE in 2019 and dedicated four years to it. She had no hesitation in continuing to study the master’s degree at the ETSEIB. Her innate interest in technology, electricity and sustainable mobility led him to this path. More specifically, Ester is studying a double master’s degree option: the Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering at the ETSEIB and the Master’s Degree in Energy Engineering. Clearly, she wants to specialize in renewable energies. The master’s degrees are combined at the ETSEIB and in 2.5 years both degrees can be obtained. The first of them allows you to have the professional attributions of industrial engineering. The second is more international in nature, with people from outside, in English and specifically focused on energy.

Marta’s case

Marta’s case  is also paradigmatic. She wasn’t sure she was going to do the master’s degree. However, knowing that there was an opportunity for the double master’s degree is what made her decide. Therefore, Marta’s choice was to finish the degree on time and go to study at a foreign university during the master’s degree. However, the option for the master’s degree was not clear to her from the first year, but she thought it was relevant to have a degree in engineering.  That’s why she did the first year of the master’s degree in Barcelona. Additionally, she knew of the possibility of obtaining two master’s degrees, studying one year at the ETSEIB and two years at a foreign university. With the possibility of a specialization in energy, Marta decided that this would be her option. 

Go with the master’s degree

In any case, an additional argument for opting for the master’s degree may be the following. Experience shows that during youth people has not yet contracted strong and inevitable responsibilities in the professional and personal spheres. Therefore, it is the best time to dedicate yourself to training. Logically, extending the person’s professional qualification as much as possible while one is young is always a beneficial bet.

On the other hand, as advised by Barcelona Activa, a master’s degree improves job placement options. Some are essential to obtain the professional qualification, and most are oriented to specialization. In any case, it is important to choose it according to the professional project itself. Therefore, choosing the master’s degree should be the result of a process of self-knowledge for what motivates us in our own professional project.

For all reason, from the BEST Foundation we want to highlight the possibility of specializing through a master’s degree. Moreover, attending the options and possibilities to combine it with professional practice and international experience.

Go with the master’s degree!