One of the main concerns I hear when someone is considering beginning a graduate degree is the balancing act of making sure that adding education back into the mix doesn't disrupt their already busy life. It's a valid concern, and is a common topic that we discuss with our students in the Masters of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) at UAB.

Have you ever gotten to the end of your day and felt that you've worked all day, but haven't actually accomplished anything important?

With the year 2020 bringing in a fresh start, now is the time to take advantage of the rush of optimism and planning for the future that is in the air to make goals and set yourself up for success on your own professional track. 

One of our main focus areas in the Master of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) at UAB, is helping students grow in their professional careers, moving from engineer to manager, but seeing the transforming impact of our curriculum in the lives and careers of our students and alumni isn't a terrible outcome either.

The biggest problems faced by the engineers and technology leaders are not about technology at all. As we talk about in the Master of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) at UAB, the barriers we create as people in the workplace are the main issue. Most technology workers, or just people in general, are not prepared to deal with the challenges people bring.

Most potential students that are considering applying for the Masters of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) at UAB already have years of experience in a technical field - but they are also looking for something more. While they share similar technical skills, the diverse dreams and goals they have for themselves moving forward gives our IEM classes a different kind of authenticity. Our students are taking what they're learning in class and actively applying it in their current workplaces, their five year plans to go from engineer to manager, or even to bolster their entrepreneurial spirit to start new companies.

Entrepreneurship is a hot topic these days. The ability to start up a personal website, get a small business loan, and use social media to promote your creations have made it easier than ever to chase the dream of being your own boss. There's even a long-running reality TV show dedicated to the people willing to take a risk supporting themselves with a unique invention or idea. 

Many of the clients in the Masters of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) are looking for positions in leadership in their current company, but some are also looking to move to other companies or even venture into entrepreneurship, which may be the ultimate leadership gig. 

Communicating has never been easier than it is today. Between texting, email, and even video calling, we can get in touch with each other better and faster now than ever before. However, as we discuss in the Masters of Engineering with a concentration in Information Engineering Management (IEM) at UAB, the advancements in communication also bring some interesting hurdles along with it. 

One of the secrets to a successful career is being able to cooperate with a variety of people, and one of the most important relationships you will have in the workplace is the one with your boss. Having clear definition of responsibilities and open lines of communication with your supervisor can be the difference in having a rewarding place of work, or waking up dreading to go to your office every morning.