About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
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| Symposium
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Preparing Undergraduate and Graduate Students - and the Faculty who Prepare Them - for Materials Careers (The Judson Education Symposium)
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| Presentation Title |
How Does an External Departmental Seminar Program Influence Student Career Goals? |
| Author(s) |
David F. Bahr |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
David F. Bahr |
| Abstract Scope |
Departmental seminars are one way MSE undergraduates can explore the choices in career planning. Using data from over the span of a decade, we examined feedback from graduating BS MSE student exit interviews and end-of-course survey tools as to the perception of intended career choice and the impact external speakers in seminar series played in possible career choices. While not a controlled study, anecdotal evidence suggests that exposure to a range of career paths presented broadens the options for graduating students in their pursuit of that “first job” after college. Presentations from alumni appear to be no more impactful than those from visitors and “friends” of the department, suggesting that career path footprints can grow even if a program currently has a narrow alumni industry base. Finally, within this institution graduating students have begun to express increased value in MSE as it “keeps options open” for career choice. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Other, |