Build a Successful Career in Industry by Attaining Multidisciplinary Knowledge and Experience

Abstract

Academic curriculum rarely includes information on how to find a job and build a career after graduate school; career development has become your own responsibility. Finding a job and building a successful career in industry requires planning, and my presentation will be focused on what can be done to prepare for a job in industry. There are two major aspects to preparation for a job in industry; first is to understand the differences between research environments in industry and academia. The better you understand the industrial work environment, the better you will be at presenting yourself as someone who could make a contribution. The second aspect in preparation for an industrial job is to explore the idea of building a career in industry, not as an alternative to an academic position, but rather as a career path of choice. Understanding of these aspects will help you understand whether building a career in industry is something you want to pursue and will find challenging and fulfilling. Another important consideration of building a career in industry is to understand that there are many different research positions and career paths in industry. Finding the right position is key to a successful and fulfilling career. I will address how multidisciplinary knowledge, experience and skills can help you prepare for the job you desire in an extremely competitive job field.