Professional Development For Electrical Engineering Students

Abstract

Today's graduating students in engineering disciplines face an increasing number of nonacademic challenges after graduation. These challenges require students to acquire skills ranging from early financial panning to dealing with the effects of globalization on the employment market.The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) has implemented a professional development course in the core curriculum for students in its Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Technology programs, which addresses these challenges. Students are exposed to a variety of topics in a multitude of fashions.

The Career Compass Professional Development Program

“…Currently, many technical institutions and colleges of engineering offer a range of professional development activities and programs [2], [3]. Over the past two decades, The College of Engineering at Villanova University has organized events generally centered around on-campus industry talks and presentations.…”

A First-year Career Development Course: Securing and Succeeding in an Engineering Job

“…Hence, a number of engineering colleges provide this type of information through stand-alone workshops [1], modules [2][3], and incorporation within existing courses [4][5][6]. Some engineering departments also teach stand-alone courses targeted at students closer to graduation [7][8]. Other engineering colleges have developed multiple college-wide courses that encompass a complete professional development program including teamwork, decision-making, ethics, etc.…”

Work in Progress: Development of Career Preparation and Portfolio Modules in a First-Year Engineering Course

“…However, several aspects of professional development, including career development and project documentation for career development, could still be further supported in the first-year. While more engineering schools are offering professional development or professional practice courses, these are typically offered in the junior or senior year [5]. By the senior year, students are expected to have had professional experience.…”