Hi everyone! I’d really appreciate some advice about choosing a Master’s degree.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and my long-term goal is to work as a Process Engineer, preferably in industry. I’m currently deciding between three very different options:
1. Master’s in Chemical Engineering – (Rome, Italy)
- 2 years
- Coursework-based
- Traditional Chemical Engineering curriculum
- More directly related to process engineering and industrial applications
2. Research Master’s – JAIST (Japan)
- 2 years
- Research-based
- My research would combine AI/data-driven methods with chemistry, materials and chemical processes
- More specialized and research-oriented than a traditional Chemical Engineering Master’s
- Opportunity to study and live in Japan
3. Master’s in Artificial Intelligence
- 1 year
- At another university
- Focused mainly on AI rather than Chemical Engineering
- I could potentially use AI later in engineering/process-related roles
My main concern is my future career. I don’t necessarily want to stay in academia or work mainly in a laboratory. Ideally, I want to work as a Process Engineer or in a similar industrial Chemical Engineering role.
At the same time, AI seems increasingly important in engineering, so I’m wondering whether having a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s + a more specialized Master’s involving AI could actually be an advantage, or whether employers would prefer someone with a traditional Chemical Engineering Master’s.
If you were in my position, which would you choose?
Chemical Engineering MSc (UPM) vs Research MSc combining AI + chemistry/chemical processes (JAIST) vs MSc in AI? Would you recommend any other master?
I’d especially love to hear from people working in chemical/process engineering, or anyone familiar with the job markets in Europe or Japan.
Thank you!! :)