1. Welcome! 
On your index card, take a minute to write down what you think of as your top 5 skills. 

2. Career Diversity for Engineering PhDs
Brett Boettcher, EdD
Elysse Longiotti, MA, MS

3. Presentation Objectives
Identify resources for important steps in the job search process:
Career Exploration
Self-Assessment
Researching industries
Researching employers
Demonstrate how these resources can enhance your career options exploration and job search BB

4. Why Explore?
~40% Engineering PhDs reported their first position as a postdoc, and less than 20% reported their first position being academic employment between
Engineering PhDs have skills and experience that are valued in a wide range of careers
Source: Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities. National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, December 2015. BB

5. Career Strategy
Source: “Putting Your Science to Work: Practical Career Strategies for PhDs,” by Peter Fiske BB

6. Self-Assessment
Skills
Values
Interests BB

7. Top Skills Sought NACE Top Skills Employers Seek (2016) Leadership
Teamwork
Communication (written and verbal)
Problem-solving
Analytical/quantitative skills
Technical skills
Interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Strategic planning
Creativity EL

8. Research Tasks Read relevant literature, hypothesized
Did experiment to test hypothesis
Used ___ techniques, equipment
Showed undergrads and grads how to use equipment; guided on research project development
Secured funding
Worked with grad students, postdocs, faculty from other depts., institutions, etc
Published and presented findings at conferences
Tasks
Skills
Planned lessons
Analysis, synthesis
Updated course content on Blackboard
Experiment design, project management
Prepared and delivered lectures
Technical skills, managed resources
Facilitated discussions
Teaching, mentoring, leadership
Answered questions during office hours
Grant writing, pitching, persuasion
Wrote exams, graded, and calculated final grades
Collaboration, teamwork
ed with students and professors
Communication of complex concepts for multiple audiences, public speaking
Tasks
Skills EL

9. With a Partner Choose an activity from school, work, volunteering…
List the tasks involved.
Identify the skills you developed and used. EL

10. Skills Gaps? Resources around campus: Center for Leadership
Management for Scientists and Engineers Certificate
Searle Center for Advancing Learning & Teaching
Graduate Writing Place
RSG Research Communication
Graduate Engagement Opportunities
Read The TGS Wire/NCA s for updates EL

11. Consider Career Values
What motivates you to love your work?
What working conditions will allow you to thrive?
What type of work do you find engaging and satisfying?
What types of interactions with others do you seek in your work? BB

12. Self-Assessment Resources
Stanford “Tree”
Career Advising and Counseling at NCA
MyIDP BB

13. Research Industries and Employers
Research the Industry
Study industry trends
Learn the major players
Identify typical roles for someone with your background
Identify particular employers of interest
Research Specific Employers
Visit employer websites
Review their mission, values, culture, size, location and job postings
Identify contacts with current or previous work experience with the employer BB

14. Research (Engineering PhD) Careers Broadly
Online
LinkedIn
Undergraduate alumni networks
Our Northwestern
Versatile PhD
Career Insider (Vault)
In Person
Informational interviews
Shadowing (NEXT Program)
Career panels
Internships (GEO Program)
Volunteering BB

15. Learn about Career Paths
Consulting
Chemical Engineering PhD hired as Associate at McKinsey & Co
Government
Chemical Engineering PhD hired as a Chemist at the USFDA
Industry
Mechanical Engineering PhD hired as Anthropomorphism Engineer at Healthcare Tech Startup
Selection of Versatile PhD profiles EL
iStock Photo
Nonprofits
Aero Engineering PhD hired as Air & Space Exhibit Researcher

16. A comprehensive resource for job search and career management information. Online resource contains:
80+ Downloadable Vault Career Guides and Employer Profiles
3,500+ Company Profiles
1,100+ Vault Career Advice Articles
Industry and Occupational Profiles
Insider intelligence on salaries, hiring information, and company culture EL

17. Build a list of companies based on
A business research company that maintains a database of over 80 million companies worldwide.
Review company and industry profiles and discover trends and new opportunities
Find new leads
Build a list of companies based on
Industry
Location
Size BB

18. Next Steps Identify options
Evaluate options: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should
Create a plan
Continue to research
Network
Develop skills, experiences that will make you a competitive candidate BB

19. Articulate Your Transferable Skills
Read job descriptions—which skills do employers seek?
Which of your experiences allowed you to develop/use those skills?
Remember: Most employers outside of academia will value skills and experience over (or at least as much as) credentials BB

20. NU Career & Professional Development Resources
Northwestern Career Advancement
Explore and Strategize: Advising and Counseling
Connect: Employer info sessions, career fairs, job/internship posts
The Graduate School
Develop Skills: Programs, Certificates, Grants/Fellowships
Gain Experience: Interdisciplinary GA-ships,
The Center for Civic Engagement (Graduate Engagement Opportunities) EL

21. NCA Support for PhD Students
One-on-one advising and counseling by appointment
In-person, Skype, telephone
Weekly Chicago campus availability
Daily “Express Advising” in Main Library
2-4, Monday through Friday, 2N Core
Quick questions
No appointment necessary
Career development programs
Job/internship database
~2000 positions posted by employers seeking Northwestern students and alumni EL

22. Additional Resources
“So What Are You Going To Do With That?”: Finding Careers Outside Academia (ebook)
Carpe Careers Advice Column, Inside Higher Ed
Advice Column, Chronicle of Higher Education
The Professor Is In (book and blog) EL

23. Contact Us
Brett Boettcher Elysse Longiotti