Introducing a new publication that explores the diverse career paths of engineering education Ph.D. graduates beyond academia, shedding light on their unique contributions and the importance of inclusivity in the field.
CITATION: Pollock, M., Ehsan, H., Bhaduri, S., Nelson, K., Quigley, L. (2024). Outsiders: Pathways and Perspectives from Engineering Education PhDs Outside Academia. Paper presented at the 131st American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference.Â
Our collaborative conference paper, “Outsiders: Pathways and Perspectives from Engineering Education PhDs Outside Academia,” delves into the diverse and enriching career paths of engineering education Ph.D. graduates who venture beyond traditional academic roles. Here are some key takeaways:
- Diverse Career Opportunities: The paper highlights varied non-traditional career paths such as industry, entrepreneurship, consulting, and pre-college leadership. These paths challenge conventional norms and expectations within engineering education.
- Valuing Non-Academic Contributions: It underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of non-academic professionals who bring unique perspectives and insights that can significantly enrich the field.
- Creating Inclusive Environments: The paper provides actionable recommendations for fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within professional organizations like ASEE. Our recommendations include promoting dialogue and collaboration between academic and non-academic professionals to expand the understanding and appreciation of diverse career trajectories.
By understanding and embracing these diverse pathways, we can broaden the scope of engineering education and ensure it reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of our global society.
Our Authors
Join Our Nascent Community
We are developing a community of engineering educators who have chosen, are curious about, or dream of careers outside the traditional academic path. Please sign up for our mailing list below if you want to join us. We can share experiences, support each other, and drive meaningful change in engineering education.
Join us on June 26, 2024 in Portland
As part of our community, we will be hosting a 90-minute “Outsiders Only: A Community Conversation” this summer as the ASEE Annual Conference. This session will provide a platform for sharing personal narratives, analyzing systemic barriers, and brainstorming actionable strategies to promote inclusivity in engineering education. More details will be shared with our community members.
WHEN: June 26, 2-3:30 PST
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Portland, Room: Regency Club
In conclusion, we invite you to join our community if you are an educator exploring non-traditional career paths, a professional seeking to reclaim your space, or an ally looking to support diverse trajectories in engineering education. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and equitable future in engineering education.
