Conference Session

Educating Students for Professional Success

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joy Watson, University of South Carolina; Jed S. Lyons, University of South Carolina

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

extent they were interested in each technique. The initial draft of the survey wasreviewed by a content review panel, which consisted of a senior mechanical engineering studentand an electrical and computer engineering freshman. The final survey was created with ClassClimate®, an online survey tool.The first part was based upon a list of skills seen in Table 1. This list was developed in previousresearch through a review of advertised job solicitations for industry positions requiring anengineering Ph.D. 5, 13. The list of skills included technical skills, such as solving problems anddesigning experiments, and transferable skills (often referred to as soft skills) such ascommunication, teamwork, and professional ethics. The root for the first

Conference Session

Professional Aspects of Graduate Engineering Programs

Collection

2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joy Watson, University of South Carolina; Jed S. Lyons, University of South Carolina

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

. Researchersmust discuss subjects and ideas outside of their comfort zone when it comes to research. Hiscompany wants passionate people who can work in teams. Being able to think broadly is alsoimportant. He did state that if a person is passionate, the “soft” skills can be developed. Page 25.860.9Chris had several internships as a graduate student sponsored by his current company. Hecommented that one of the biggest challenges many Ph.D.s face in transitioning from academiato industry is their way of thinking. They have to be able to think of not only a specific topic, asthey do in academia, but the big picture as well. The big picture is often missed by