Paper ID #49168Equipping Undergraduate Engineering Students for Professional Success:An Exploration of Multiple Approaches to Career DevelopmentDr. Keilin Jahnke, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Dr. Keilin Jahnke is a Teaching Assistant Professor in Innovation, Leadership and Engineering Entrepreneurship in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.Yaning Cao, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignJoe Bradley, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign Joe Bradley is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Bioengineering, Teaching Assistant Professor at the Carle Illinois College
Advisory Committee on Equity for the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at Purdue University. She has also served as a Mentor for the USAID Liberia Strategic Analysis Program, mentoring an early-career Liberian woman on leadership and communication skills, professional development, and networking.Dr. Emeline Anne Ojeda-Hecht, Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE) Emeline Ojeda-Hecht is a Post Doctoral Research Assistant at Purdue University in the department of Technology Leadership and Innovation where she serves as a mixed methods expert for the Scalable Asymmetric Lifestyle Engagement (SCALE) project and conducts microelectronics engineering workforce needs assessments. Her research expertise
) skills like being able to lead a team and proficiencyin change management are central to career advancement. This difference in perspective existsbecause entry level engineers are novices while senior engineers are experts. The goal of thisstudy is to identify how the transition from the novice stage to the expert stage can be expedited.To do so, the researchers will be interviewing engineers at six different aerospace companieswith four to twelve years of work experience who fall somewhere between the expert and novicestages. Interview questions will cover what challenges they faced entering the workplace, howthey tackled them, and what made them feel like engineers during this process. Theseinterviewees were chosen because they have graduated
responsibility as career role models for the students.Given that not many students have the goal of a career in academia, liaisons must be mindful thatthey represent the professional life to which many students aspire. As role models, students willclosely observe the care liaisons put into projects and likely mirror their effort. For example, astudy from the 2012 Capstone Design Conference had two panels of students from multipleuniversities who had recently concluded their industry-sponsored capstone course [12]. Thesepanelists concluded that students tend to do just the amount of documentation expected byindustry: if their sponsor expected less, the team did less. The panelists also described howliaisons “strongly motivate the student group” and how
Paper ID #47209Differential graduate student-advisor career mentorship for academic vs. non-academiccareersDr. Gabriella Coloyan Fleming Gabriella Coloyan Fleming is a research scientist in Virginia Tech’s Department of Engineering Education. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. After completing her PhD in the experimental characterization of the thermal properties of nanomaterials, she moved into engineering education as a researcher-practitioner. She has worked as a program manager at the University of
Paper ID #48634Data Analytics for Faculty Success and Career DevelopmentDr. Alyson Grace Eggleston, Pennsylvania State University Alyson Eggleston is an Associate Professor in the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine and Director of Evaluation for the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Her research and teaching background focus on program assessment, STEM technical communication, industry-informed curricula, and educational outcomes veteran and active duty students.Dr. Robert J. Rabb P.E., The Pennsylvania State University Robert Rabb is the associate dean for education in the College of
Paper ID #46121Retrospective Insights in Choosing a Career in EngineeringLily Skau, Austin Peay State University Lily Skau is an undergraduate student at Austin Peay State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and a minor in Mathematics and Sociology. She plans to graduate with her degree and minors in May of 2026 and enter the industry as a Mechanical Engineer.Emmabeth Parrish Vaughn, Austin Peay State University Dr. Emmabeth Vaughn is an Assistant Professor in the Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy Department at Austin Peay State University. Before join faculty at Austin Peay, she worked in
Engineering Education Research at the University of Michigan. Her research interests include access to opportunities, social networks, and career management of engineering students. Vibha received her B.S. in Engineering from the joint department of Biomedical Engineering at The North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan.Berenice Alejandra Cabrera, University of Michigan Berenice Alex Cabrera (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in Higher Education at the Marsal School of Education at the University of Michigan. She earned a B.A. in Biology and Latinx Studies and a minor in Chemistry from San Francisco State University
Paper ID #46798Faculty Development for Chemical Engineering Professors: OpportunitiesAcross Career StagesProf. Matthew W Liberatore, Trine University Matthew W. Liberatore is a Professor and Department Chair in the McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. He previously served on the faculty at the University of Toledo and at the Colorado School of Mines. Professor Liberatore earned his B.S. degree from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, all in chemical engineering. His expertise
Paper ID #49520EZ-RA: Enhancing Research Access for Career-Ready Success of UndergraduatesDr. chen pan, The University of Texas at San Antonio Dr. Pan is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and directs the Resilient, Intelligent, and Sustainable Embedded Computing and Networking (RISE) Lab. Dr. Pan brings extensive teaching experience in computer architecture, embedded systems, data communication and networking, AI hardware, and programming, with a focus on preparing students for real-world applications and career success
Enhancing Career Readiness Skills for Engineering Students with Artificial Intelligence Lina H. Kloub Christina Smith Faiyhaa-Sydra Saulat School of Computing School of Computing School of Computing University of Connecticut University of Connecticut University of Connecticut Storrs, CT, USA Storrs, CT, USA Storrs, CT, USA Abstract—Career readiness is a vital aspect of engineering mon goals. These three competencies not only help studentseducation, aligning with the National Association of
©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Career support services in construction-related programs in the USIntroductionCareers in the construction industry are in high demand. More specifically, the demand forconstruction managers is expected to grow 9% in the next decade, that is “much faster thanaverage” according to the [1]. A recent publication from the Association of General Contractors(AGC) in partnership with Sage also noted difficulty in hiring both craft workers and salariedpositions, while companies seek to increase their headcount (AGC & Sage, 2025). To meet thisdemand, enrollment in construction programs has increased since the economic downturn in2008, as evident by the rebound in bachelor’s and master’s degrees
can have critical consequences. However, despitetheir capabilities, not many veterans are currently working in STEM fields, leaving their talentslargely untapped [7]. This highlights the necessity for targeted programs that facilitate veterans'transition into hardware security and STEM careers.`In response to the pressing need for skilled hardware security professionals, this projectdeveloped an innovative experiential learning program: Veterans SkillBridge through Industrybased Hardware Security Training and Education (VETS-HASTE). Grounded in cognitiveapprenticeship theory, VETS-HASTE addresses the specific needs of hardware security,emphasizing hands-on engagement, real-world problem-solving, and mentorship fromexperienced professionals
Paper ID #48536WIP: College-Wide First Year SeminarBuilding the Foundation for CareerSuccessDr. Cheryl B. Schrader, Wright State University Cheryl B. Schrader retired as president and rejoined full-time professor ranks in Wright State’s Department of Electrical Engineering. Prior to Wright State she served as chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology and associate vice president for research and dean of engineering at Boise State University. Professor Schrader earned her BSEE degree from Valparaiso University and MSEE and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Notre Dame. Over her career she received
Paper ID #46775Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderJingyuan Shen, Georgia Institute of Technology Jingyuan Shen PhD student School of Building Construction, College of Design, Georgia Institute of TechnologyJing Wen ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Immediate Impacts of Informal Learning Intervention on High School Students’ Career Attitude toward Construction by GenderAbstractThe construction industry is facing a growing workforce shortage, further exacerbated by theunderrepresentation of women. This
Paper ID #45586Construction Trade Schools Employers Perceptions: Past and PresentMr. Jonathan Robert Gomes, Roger Williams University Jonathan Gomes is a Lecturer at Roger Williams University in Bristol RI. His background is in Heavy Civil and Infrastructure construction primarily focused in the Rhode Island area. Research interests are focused in employability, career and technical education, and utility as-builtsDr. Amine Ghanem, Roger Williams University Amine Ghanem joined the SECCM faculty in Spring of 2013 as an Associate Professor after serving 5.5 years as a faculty member and construction management program
declines. The decrease in student population, which consequentlyresults in more intense competition among institutions to attract students, motivates academicadministrators to find ways to increase enrollment. This study explores factors that influencedBCS students to choose the program despite strong regional competition. A quantitative approachwas employed to collect data on various aspects, including drivers, obstacles, expectations, andfuture career paths. All first, second, and third-year BCS students participated in the survey.Results indicated that family-inspired factors, job opportunities, and the nature of the programwere among the important influencers, while social perceptions, work situations, and lack ofaccurate advising were
international students who must navigate additionalchallenges, such as visa restrictions, language barriers, and cultural transitions. In addition,demanding coursework, competitive research environments, and the pressure to secureinternships or employment exacerbate their stress levels. Male students often report stress relatedto academic performance and career expectations. In contrast, female students face additionalchallenges, such as gender discrimination, underrepresentation in STEM fields, and balancingprofessional aspirations with societal expectations. However, few studies have explored thestressors and coping strategies of international graduate students in engineering programs, orhow these may differ by gender.Within the broader engineering
Materials, Project Management, and Construction EducationDr. Mohsen Garshasby, Mississippi State University Mohsen Garshasby is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Building Construction Science at Mississippi State University. Dr. Garshasby is an architect, researcher, and educator who currently teaches collaborative studio(s) and environmental building systems within the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025The Impact of NACE Competency Integration on Students’Perceived Career Readiness in Construction Management Education Mohsen Goodarzi1, Tamer Breakah2, and Mohsen Garshasby3 1
Paper ID #46034Exploring the Influence of Gender and Prior Experience on Career Perceptionsin Remotely Operated Vehicle Operations: A Social Cognitive Career TheoryPerspectiveDr. Kent J. Crippen, University of Florida Kent Crippen is a Professor of STEM education in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida.Minji Yun, University of Florida Minji Yun is a graduate student in science education in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida. Her research centers on STEM workforce development and pre-service science teacher education, particularly emphasizing integrating computational
Paper ID #46010Pilot Study: From Curiosity to Career- The Influence of a Summer Camp onHigh School Students’ Interest in Transportation and STEM CareersDr. Tejal Mulay, Florida A&M University - Florida State University Dr. Tejal Mulay is an Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering Technology under the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology (SAET) at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Dr. Mulay’s primary research area is speech signal processing, including but not limited to acoustic emotion recognition, digital signal processing, autonomous vehicles, and blockchain technology and its
, and the benefits of enrolling were not well publicized. These factorscollectively likely resulted in the lower engagement figures we observed in the past.Starting around 2018, the ECE department ramped up activities to promote its acceleratedprograms and re-aligned its admission criteria. Furthermore, in 2021, several modifications weremade at the university and college levels to make the programs more accessible to students,including increasing the number of overlapping credits and allowing students to apply at anearlier stage in their undergraduate careers. These combined efforts and their impacts aredescribed in the forthcoming sections.Programmatic ModificationsStarting around the 2020-2021 academic year, three main modifications were
Information System Security Professional (CISSP®) certification with security architecture focus (ISSAP®) from ISC2®.Tracey Sulak, Baylor UniversityDr. Anne Marie Spence, Baylor University Clinical Professor Mechanical Engineering ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Investigating Perceptions of Engineering in First- and Third-Year StudentsThis empirical research brief investigates undergraduate students’ perceptions of engineering asa career. Guided by theory on developing engineering perceptions [1], [2] and the 2024 InclusiveMindset Report’s challenge to create pathways “toward professional practice, graduate school,and challenges not yet known” [3, p. 39
Paper ID #47608Designing Futures: ECE Graduate Students’ Experience with a ProfessionalDevelopment and Career Planning ModuleProf. Pamela Bhatti, Georgia Institute of Technology Pamela Bhatti is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Bhatti received her B.S. in bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989 and her Ph.D. in electricaDr. Jacqueline Rohde, Georgia Institute of Technology Jacqueline (Jacki) Rohde is the Assessment Coordinator in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her
Facility and a McCormick Teaching Excellence Institute Research Fellow. Her research focuses on how identity, among other affective factors, influences diverse groups of students to choose engineering and persist in engineering. She also studies how different experiences within the practice and culture of engineering foster or hinder belonging, motivation, and identity development. Dr. Godwin graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Engineering and Science Education. Her research earned her a National Science Foundation CAREER Award focused on characterizing latent diversity, which includes diverse attitudes, mindsets, and approaches to learning to understand engineering
approachcultivates not only technical expertise but also crucial communication, teamwork, and projectmanagement skills, all essential for success in the modern engineering landscape [11], [12]. Theinclusion of elective courses in emerging and high-demand areas like artificial intelligence (AI)and Robotics ensures that graduates are well-versed in the latest technologies and prepared forroles in cutting-edge industries.Moreover, the program’s structure allows for flexible learning pathways, ensuring students canspecialize in areas aligned with their career aspirations. Whether focusing on renewable energy,advanced robotics, or embedded systems, the curriculum fosters depth and breadth of knowledge[12], [13]. To complement formal coursework, the program
personal andprofessional settings. Another example is the ‘Professional Continual Learning’ module in ECEGR 3710, a spring quarter course forstudents in their junior year. It is at this point that many students begin thinking about post-graduation pathways and exploringopportunities to strengthen their career preparedness. Finally, ECEGR 4870, the first course in a three-quarter senior design (capstone)sequence and a key touchpoint before students enter the workforce, seemed well-suited for the ‘Social Responsibility’ and ‘Bias andMicroaggression’ modules.Table 1: Pilot Implementation Plan for AY 2024-25. An overview of the modules highlighted is included in this paper.Course Course Title Quarter Program Curricular Outcome