Employment Patterns and Job Satisfaction of Foreign-Born Science and Engineering Doctorate Recipients in the United States

Abstract

Science and engineering fields are important to a nation’s economy, especially in the areas ofinnovation and technology development (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy,2007). The demand for scientists and engineers is increasing globally, making it more difficult fororganizations to attract and retain qualified professionals in these fields as schools and industriescompete on a global level for top talent (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2005).It is not surprising, then, that academia and industry are increasing their focus on the science andengineering workforce. Indeed, a recent National Academies report stated that "identifying the best,brightest, and the most innovative science and engineering talent will be crucial" to maintaining acompetitive advantage (Committee on Maximizing the Potential of Women in Academic Science andEngineering, 2006, p. 1-1).Foreign-born workers comprise