The rebirth of scientists and technologists in Mexico
A few days ago I was discussing an interview with a candidate and he brought up a question that was made to him in one of the interviews. The question was: If you started your career in engineering why did you shift into a management role after 3 years and not pursue a lifetime career in engineering?
The answer: In the long run engineering did not pay – His real answer was not as blunt but in the end it came down to that.
A lot has been made in Mexico about pushing for more innovation, more R&D and more development of technology. Companies are pushing universities to supply the talent that is required to make it happen but there is still one obstacle and that obstacle is the answer to that interview question.
Even while it is gradually changing and it no longer applies to world class organizations, in most cases salary and compensation structures in Mexico are still based on hierarchy.
As Engineers, we all knew when we graduated from Engineering School that an MBA would pay more than and Master’s Degree in Engineering. It did not matter if someone had a Ph.D. and was a subject matter expert with many years of practical experience. The ceiling was the Engineering Manager’s salary. How can a Manager make more than a subordinate or a sole contributor? It just could not happen.
Universities need to supply the talent but it’s up to organizations to make it worthwhile for individuals to become scientists and technologists and recognize the value of sole contributors in the organization. The career paths have to be available.
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