Friday, October 13th, 3:30-4:30pm in Olin 141 sponsored by WiPs and the Dept of Physics and Astronomy
Open to All
Research in Engineering vs. Academia Abstract: The vast array of career paths
As a scientist, you are faced with decisions on whether to go to graduate school, to pursue an academic research career or a career in industry. There is no right or wrong answer, and for many of us, this is not an exclusive decision – jobs in industry do not rule out jobs in academia and vice versa. I will give an overview of my research projects over the past 20 years in optics, from academia to industry and back. I have experience with a tiny company, and rapidly growing mid-size company, companies that were on the verge of success, and one at the end of its lifetime, as well as large and small colleges. I will discuss what I see to be the main differences between these environments – whether the differences are pros or cons is entirely up to you. Please bring questions so we can discuss your thoughts and concerns as you make decisions about your next steps after Carleton.
Dr. Amy Sullivan, University of Colorado Department of Electrical Engineering will talk about insights she has gained from her career path that took her from Bates College with a major in French and Physics to industry, to academia, back to industry, and back to academia.