Should I work at CAE or Nortel?

[Robby359]

Fresh out of engineering school at Waterloo with above-average grades.
Now, I have 2 employment opportunities: one at CAE (aerospace, flight
simulators) and one at Nortel (telecommunications). I understand that
this is a complex decision based on many factors... BUT considering
most things equal (which they aren't but I want to focus on the next
point) which of these companies would be a better choise as far as my
long-term development as an engineer is concerned? I know the recent
history of both these companies is ... well ... you know. Note that
one of the companies is offering $10,000 more than the other, but I
find the lower-salary company's product (PRODUCT not my actual work
responsibilities) more interesting. On the other hand, the
higher-paying job seems to have more system-design resposibilities
right off the bat (but I feel I may be less passionate about the
PRODUCT). Also, can an electrical engineer have as good a career in
the aerospace industry compared to an aerospace engineer? Or should I
just stick to a more obvious/traditionally-regarded
"electrical-engineering company" such as Nortel so that when the time
comes to take my experience elsewhere the odds are more on-my-side as
far as transferrable work experience? What about you? If you could go
back would you choose telecommunications over aerospace or vice-versa?
Thanks. Rob

[David]

Hello Rob,

Post by Robby359
Fresh out of engineering school at Waterloo with above-average grades.
Now, I have 2 employment opportunities: one at CAE (aerospace, flight
simulators) and one at Nortel (telecommunications). I understand that
this is a complex decision based on many factors... BUT considering
most things equal (which they aren't but I want to focus on the next
point) which of these companies would be a better choise as far as my
long-term development as an engineer is concerned? I know the recent
history of both these companies is ... well ... you know. Note that
one of the companies is offering $10,000 more than the other, but I
find the lower-salary company's product (PRODUCT not my actual work
responsibilities) more interesting. On the other hand, the
higher-paying job seems to have more system-design resposibilities
right off the bat (but I feel I may be less passionate about the
PRODUCT). Also, can an electrical engineer have as good a career in
the aerospace industry compared to an aerospace engineer? Or should I
just stick to a more obvious/traditionally-regarded
"electrical-engineering company" such as Nortel so that when the time
comes to take my experience elsewhere the odds are more on-my-side as
far as transferrable work experience? What about you? If you could go
back would you choose telecommunications over aerospace or vice-versa?
Thanks. Rob

I agree with your assessments of the companies and opportunities.
I've been out of school for nearly 25 years. I started with a
military company, was lured away to computer operating systems,
moved on to telecommunications, to medical devices, and now
back in telecom. I don't think there is a definite choice here
based on what you've said. While I agree that we sometimes
have a good idea of what may interest us, the experience and
career will grow over time. You will likely change jobs more
than a few times (the current reality) and may need to adjust
your career as the climate changes. Both companies likely
offer you a good place to grow and could be a place that
you'd like to stay. I'd suggest that you look at all the
other factors too, such as location (along with the money)
and try to find what best suits your goals for the next few
years. Above all else try to find the right employer and
career path so that you will be happy and productive.

Good luck with your career,

David