Panel talks jobs, research
Engineers Week
Naomi Parikh
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: News
The Drexel University Engineering Graduate Association co-sponsored the Ph.D. in Industry Panel Discussion and Networking Reception Feb. 17 as part of Engineers Week, along with Tau Beta Pi and the Commissions for Activities and Programs.
The panel discussion, held in Mitchell Auditorium of the Bossone Enterprise Research Center, featured four panelists who had Ph.D.s in different backgrounds in industry and academics.
John Fitzpatrick, a fourth-year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, moderated the event and posed questions to each of the panelists. Some questions included describing their respective jobs and reasons for pursuing a doctorate degree.
William Kane, senior associate for Exponent, said he analyzes how the materials could impact injuries, and why something might not be working properly.
"I was very fortunate as an undergrad to get a taste of the work I'm doing now," Kane said. "I had the opportunity to assist my professors, who told me the best way to get into this business was to either become a professor and build my reputation, or go straight into a consulting firm. Either way, I needed a Ph.D."
Fitzpatrick also posed a question about the relationship of the panelists' graduate research to their current jobs.
"I think it's unclear what Ph.D.s do, besides academia," Fitzpatrick said. "Like, you hear the term research engineer, but it's a very vague idea. I wanted to see how the research translated to their job."
Peter Moore, innovation manager for the oil additives company RohMax USA, said that in training to become a Ph.D., he learned different skills that he uses daily at his job.
"I got to learn to design experiments, ask questions, and how to present those analyses professionally," Moore said. "I do these things every day."
The panelists also discussed how, as graduate students, they focused their job search.
Robert Cargill, a senior managing engineer at Exponent who formerly taught at Georgia Tech, said he found a job through network connections.
Fitzpatrick said he hoped the students gained a better idea of their options after the discussion, and said the panelists gave some "candid, insightful remarks" about their positions and backgrounds.
"It's important for students to know that there are many opportunities to participate in both academic and industrial pursuits, and that networking plays a large role in their future possibilities," Fitzpatrick said.
The panel discussion, held in Mitchell Auditorium of the Bossone Enterprise Research Center, featured four panelists who had Ph.D.s in different backgrounds in industry and academics.
John Fitzpatrick, a fourth-year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, moderated the event and posed questions to each of the panelists. Some questions included describing their respective jobs and reasons for pursuing a doctorate degree.
William Kane, senior associate for Exponent, said he analyzes how the materials could impact injuries, and why something might not be working properly.
"I was very fortunate as an undergrad to get a taste of the work I'm doing now," Kane said. "I had the opportunity to assist my professors, who told me the best way to get into this business was to either become a professor and build my reputation, or go straight into a consulting firm. Either way, I needed a Ph.D."
Fitzpatrick also posed a question about the relationship of the panelists' graduate research to their current jobs.
"I think it's unclear what Ph.D.s do, besides academia," Fitzpatrick said. "Like, you hear the term research engineer, but it's a very vague idea. I wanted to see how the research translated to their job."
Peter Moore, innovation manager for the oil additives company RohMax USA, said that in training to become a Ph.D., he learned different skills that he uses daily at his job.
"I got to learn to design experiments, ask questions, and how to present those analyses professionally," Moore said. "I do these things every day."
The panelists also discussed how, as graduate students, they focused their job search.
Robert Cargill, a senior managing engineer at Exponent who formerly taught at Georgia Tech, said he found a job through network connections.
Fitzpatrick said he hoped the students gained a better idea of their options after the discussion, and said the panelists gave some "candid, insightful remarks" about their positions and backgrounds.
"It's important for students to know that there are many opportunities to participate in both academic and industrial pursuits, and that networking plays a large role in their future possibilities," Fitzpatrick said.
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joffy
posted 2/20/09 @ 7:22 PM EST
Grad programs are a great way to start your career, but there is so much they dont tell you.
I wish i found this site when i started my career:
http://graduatedevelopmentprogram. (Continued…)
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