Title :
Investigating the attributes and expectations of engineering Ph.D.s working in industry
Author :
Ahn, B. ; Cox, Monica F. ; London, Jeremi ; Jiabin Zhu
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Eng. Educ., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN, USA
Abstract :
Many engineering Ph.D.s are finding career opportunities in industry. Despite the increase in number of Ph.D. engineers working in industry, there is little research on what it takes to be a successful engineering Ph.D. in industry. This study explores the characteristics, and expectations of engineering Ph.D.s by interviewing ten engineering Ph.D.s working in industry. These preliminary findings reveal that responsibilities of engineering Ph.D.s in industry include more than research and development. Among other things, engineering Ph.D.s that work in this sector are expected to communicate effectively and teach others. The characteristics that engineering Ph.D.s need to possess to be successful in industry are also discussed.
Keywords :
engineering education; further education; career opportunities; engineering Ph.D; industry; Companies; Educational institutions; Employment; Engineering profession; Industries; Interviews; Medical services; attributes; engineering Ph.D.; expectations; industry;
Conference_Titel :
Frontiers in Education Conference, 2013 IEEE
Conference_Location :
Oklahoma City, OK
DOI :
10.1109/FIE.2013.6685096
