Collection

2008 GSW

Authors

Debra Pearson

programs allow students not only to significantly improvetheir engineering skills, but also to acquire soft skills and—in the case of work abroad students—topractice solving engineering problems in another culture. From improving retention in engineeringto having programs that attract top student talent, work-integrated opportunities positively impacteveryone involved in the partnership.Work-integrated programs include, but are not limited to: • Traditional cooperative education programs requiring three or more work semesters, which alternate with school semesters (Issues to consider: Are work terms required or optional? Will students pay tuition during work terms? Will top administrators support the effort? How will co-op

Collection

2008 GSW

Authors

Chad E. Kennedy

solution not unlike designresolution. Evidence also suggest that these “soft skills” lead to not only a greater likelihood ofinitial job placement, but also have a significant effect on an individual’s ability to successfully risethrough the corporate ladder2-4. In addition, the use of Role Playing as a teaching technique hasbeen utilized in the clinical environment5.From our experience, top employers who recruit graduates from the DeVry University, PhoenixBMET bachelors program, such as Phillips Medical, GE Healthcare, and Mayo Clinic, have allexpressed a need for more customer service training. This feedback came as a surprise to us, sincein getting the 1st ever accredited bachelors BMET program approved, this topic was never discussed.After

Collection

2008 GSW

Authors

Carol Costello; August Allo

whole on general areasof difficulty. Students were encouraged to visit the PIs privately for specific feedbackand ideas. The students were reminded that the comments on their writing were notaimed at them personally, but that it was better to know what areas were problematic inthis business simulation, rather than finding out later on the job, where faulty writingskills can be disadvantageous.The titles for the lectures were important as attendance was voluntary, followed one hourof “hard” engineering content, and communication skills have the reputation of being“soft” skills, which minimizes importance.Several of the lecture titles are carefully devised to attract attention, and exemplary of a“user-friendly” approach to writing: • Why