| Abstract Scope |
This talk will describe an effort to revamp professional development-themed courses for the discipline of materials science and engineering. The previous class, which was predominately guest-speaker driven, emphasized experiences faced early in the professional career. However, it did so without the pedagogical structure necessary to under the “hows and whys” of a formal structure related to soft-skills. A robust effort was undertaken to formalize professional develop, beginning with the development of student and communication skills before moving onto team-based skills and entrepreneurial skills, before finishing with skills necessary for later into the career. It has become clear that an increased opportunity to integrate these skills into conventional classes is necessary, despite the challenges. This talk presents two sides of the same coin: soft and hard skills. Both are necessary, and innovative approaches are required to achieve both in a curriculum. |