“The Real World” HF/E: Understanding the Realities of Your First Professional Job

Abstract

Welcome to the Fifteenth Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Student Career Panel. While our typical career panel emphasizes what one should do before graduation to prepare for a career, it is equally important to know what to do once one starts to work on the job. Thus, this year's paper will begin with a section by Anthony Andre, emphasizing the final preparations for a new professional career as well as the job search itself. The remaining papers will discuss what to do after beginning one's career. Anshu Agarwal will discuss the first 90 days on the job, Sharnnia Artis will discuss the remainder of the first year, and Raegan Hoeft will discuss the second year. Ron Shapiro will close by focusing on the subsequent term of a given job. This paper will present tried and tested techniques as well as new ideas towards preparing for, finding, and experiencing the ideal career path and position. At the annual meeting panel discussion, panelists will provide a brief introduction and then entertain questions from the audience regarding career preparation while still in school as well as success factors on the job.