Conference Session

Undergraduate College Industry Partnerships

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Irene Magara, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Vicent Rutagangibwa, Mbarara University of Science and Technology; Thomas E. Marlin, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S4L7

Tagged Divisions

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)

where improving industry readiness can yieldtransformative socio-economic benefits [6]. Internships, as experiential learning opportunities,provide an avenue to address this disconnect; however, many students struggle to integratetechnical and professional skills effectively due to insufficient preparation, shorter industrialinternship durations, and limited institutional resources [7], [8].Feedback from company supervisors frequently highlights gaps in students' professional skills,including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—critical areas for workplacereadiness [9]. To address these gaps, we adopted the SoSTeM Model (Soft Skills TeachingMethod), developed by [10], which aligns well with our focus on enhancing soft skills

Conference Session

Undergraduate Career Development

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tara Esfahani, University of California, Irvine; David A. Copp, University of California, Irvine

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)

most desirabletechnical skills sought out by engineering companies. Senior design projects also play a role inthe development of engineering students’ professional skills by engaging in presentations andcollaborating with other students [20]. Professional (previously called soft) skills includereliability, teamwork, self-motivation, and a positive attitude, and have become the decidingfactor in hiring and promotion at some engineering firms [21]. While senior design projects aregenerally serving students well, they still strive for constant improvement, such as in areas ofproject budgeting and increasing industry relevance, relying heavily on the desire of faculty toadopt new best practices [18] [22].To become more effective future employees

Conference Session

Undergraduate College Industry Partnerships

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Craig M. Spears, Texas A&M University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)

expectations, withengineers who articulated a personal vision and formalized development plans betterunderstanding their future roles and career trajectories [20].Similar to the value experienced engineers accredited to on-the-job training, further developmentprograms, such as soft skills development, continued to help engineers build self-efficacy and topromote goal orientation and outcome expectations [21]. The most supportive organizationsprovided universal initiatives to help all engineers’ in their professional growth [19], [22].On the other hand, diversity-focused programs also provided opportunities, but often came withunintentional challenges. For instance, initiatives aimed at advancing women or minorities intomanagement roles improved access

Conference Session

Graduate College Industry Partnerships

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mandana Ashouripashaki, The Ohio State University; Kristina Kennedy, The Ohio State University; Paul A. Reeder, The Ohio State University

Tagged Divisions

College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)

adoption of capstone projects in universities worldwide. This has resulted in a diverse range of projects that address global engineering challenges, fostering a more comprehensive educational experience [3].Current trends and future directionsToday, capstone projects are seen as a critical component of engineering education. They notonly help students apply their knowledge but also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork,communication, and project management. As engineering education continues to evolve,capstone projects are likely to incorporate even more advanced technologies andinterdisciplinary approaches, further enhancing their value in preparing students for theengineering profession [3].Backward design approachTo