How can I get into an MSEE program

[likestoask]

I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2010 with a BSEE and a 2.92 GPA (with two classes retaken--stricken from my GPA but noted on my transcript). I have an upward trend on my GPA (if it makes any difference), with a 3.75 average for my senior year, and a 3.33 average for junior and senior years combined.

I have no prospects for recommendations because I never established a relationship with any of my professors. My current employer wants me to stay with them forever, and they will not give me a recommendation unless I decide to come back to work for them (which I would not do).

I have been working in engineering consulting (which has little or nothing to do with actual engineering) for the past year. I got into it without knowing what it was, and now I regret it. I have no interest in being a manager, which is where a job like mine ultimately leads. Hence, I am looking for a job in embedded software currently. My undergrad concentration in Electrical Engineering was telecommunications (primarily the TCP/IP and software side).

I have not taken the GRE, but that is the least of my concerns.

People have suggested taking non-degree grad classes or looking for volunteer research opportunities. I'd have to quit my job to do these things, but I still have student loans/car payments/insurance payments.

My dream is to work in product development, in either consumer electronics or telecom. I'd really like to get into a PhD program down the road too (if that ever became possible).

So, first thing's first. How do I get into an MSEE program? Also, any idea of potential schools when the time comes, or should I just apply and cross my fingers.

[HassE]

I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2010 with a BSEE and a 2.92 GPA (with two classes retaken--stricken from my GPA but noted on my transcript). I have an upward trend on my GPA (if it makes any difference), with a 3.75 average for my senior year, and a 3.33 average for junior and senior years combined.

I have no prospects for recommendations because I never established a relationship with any of my professors. My current employer wants me to stay with them forever, and they will not give me a recommendation unless I decide to come back to work for them (which I would not do).

I have been working in engineering consulting (which has little or nothing to do with actual engineering) for the past year. I got into it without knowing what it was, and now I regret it. I have no interest in being a manager, which is where a job like mine ultimately leads. Hence, I am looking for a job in embedded software currently. My undergrad concentration in Electrical Engineering was telecommunications (primarily the TCP/IP and software side).

I have not taken the GRE, but that is the least of my concerns.

People have suggested taking non-degree grad classes or looking for volunteer research opportunities. I'd have to quit my job to do these things, but I still have student loans/car payments/insurance payments.

My dream is to work in product development, in either consumer electronics or telecom. I'd really like to get into a PhD program down the road too (if that ever became possible).

So, first thing's first. How do I get into an MSEE program? Also, any idea of potential schools when the time comes, or should I just apply and cross my fingers.

Well lets face it. Very few students get any type of financial aid in graduate school, so if you have loans and bills to pay, then how do you expect to pay them when your in a master's program gaining no salary paying 75k for it? First things first, you really need to decide how dedicated and devoted you are to this.

You come from a top-5 electrical engineering program, surely someone will accept you. MOST importantly for you, you said the GREs are the last of your worries, but if anything, that should be your biggest worry. You have a low GPA, but you come from a top school. Your GREs could either make or break your application. If you do exceptionally well on your GREs and come up with a very good statement of purpose explaining what you want to do and briefly why your grades your bad and how you've improved, you have a very good chance to attend a very good school. For your masters, letters of recommendations rarely count, if they read them at all.

Now don't go applying to MIT and Stanford for your MS, but lower tiered schools and I think you won't have a problem. There's no way you can contact an old professor or adviser and see what your chances of being accepted into Gtech are?