Post-Graduate Engineering Career Paths

I see some hand-wringing in the press and social media about academia producing PhDs unfit for industry careers. This is fake news among the US #engineering departments I’m very familiar with. Out of curiosity, I charted the job placement of my group’s PhD and postdoc alumni. This distribution is not unusual in other engineering research groups I know, at many US universities. 26 (out of 33) of our group's PhD alumni are in high-tech companies, which I’ve labeled Big, Mid, and Lil’ Tech. Big-Tech are the usual suspects for our line of work, e.g. Intel Corporation (6 alumni, +1 soon), Apple, Samsung Electronics, TSMC, Micron Technology, Applied Materials, often thanks to connections that students made through the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC). Lil’-Tech are startups, some founded by our alumni (e.g., DeepSim, Inc.). 5 (out of 10) of our postdoc alumni are in #faculty jobs, which isn’t surprising. In my field, most people do a postdoc to pursue a faculty career and/or to change research direction. These are the dark blue slices. Lighter blue are alumni in #government (or similar) non-profit #research labs. Only 1 group alum (out of 43) ended up in quantitative #finance, after working a few years in Big-Tech. We’re proud of him too, and I’m a little surprised there aren’t more! Because quantitative skills (especially heavy numerical simulations) are prized among finance quants. Everyone else (42 out of 43) is in tech or research jobs, often still thinking about electrons, phonons, or photons daily. This snapshot is their employment today (thanks, LinkedIn), not too different from where they went right after graduation. Bottom line, there are many good careers (after the PhD), and a solid #engineering #PhD can prepare you for all of them!

In my 20+ year career in Software Engineering, I’ve been an IC, a VP of Engineering, and now CEO. Here is what I tell  engineers who struggle to choose the right career path: 1. Soul search You have to be honest with yourself – do you want to go down the managerial path or continue being an IC? Either way is fine. Today, any good company values both tracks, and there’s no longer a need to move into management to progress in your career. 2. The modern IC path If you want to stay as an IC because you thrive in technical challenges and innovation, you can still rise to senior levels – some companies have ICs at VP, SVP, or even Fellow roles. This way, you can stay hands-on and do what you love most without the responsibilities of managing a team. 3. The managerial mindset The role of a manager goes beyond being the “smartest engineer” with people reporting to them. Managers need credibility, but more importantly, they need empathy and a mindset shift. The question becomes: "How can I bring out the best in my team?" rather than "How can I be the best engineer?" 4. The unseen work of management If you want to be a manager, understand that 90% of your work will be invisible to your team. You’ll be in meetings, managing schedules, and coordinating across departments. You’re there to unblock your team so they can do their best work. These accomplishments may be invisible, so you might go home some days wondering, “What did I really accomplish today?” That’s normal. 5. Test the waters If you’re curious about management, test the waters before you commit. Start as a lead engineer. Mentor a couple of people and see how you guide them through challenges. Great companies support new managers with training and mentorship – if your company doesn’t, seek support outside or be prepared to learn the hard way like I did.  Early on, I thought I had to be the smartest person in the room. However, my mistakes and guidance from mentors quickly taught me that real leadership is about empowering others, not proving yourself. 6. Cultural fit and company support Some companies support managers and value leadership qualities. They know that a great manager is there to build teams that can find solutions (not to have every answer themselves). And they contribute to the company’s bottom line and top line by bringing out the best in their teams. Final thoughts: Today, both paths can lead to a fulfilling career. I know successful ICs who built incredible careers without managing a single person. I also know outstanding engineering leaders who value helping everyone become the best version of themselves. So ask yourself: Who do you want to be, and what drives you?

Navigating the Crossroads: A Strategic Approach to Your Post-Graduate Career Path For graduate students in STEM especially in North America, one of the most pivotal decisions you will face is choosing between a career in Academia or Industry. This isn't merely a choice of employer, it's a choice of ecosystem, each with different expectations and pathways for advancement. That Is why i always tell my mentees that proactive planning is essential for a successful transition. Here are some potential strategic framework to guide your decision-making process. Note, this may not apply to everyone. A. The Academic Pathway: A Postdoctoral Fellowship as a Stepping Stone In North America, the traditional route to a tenure-track faculty position in research intensive universities almost invariably (there are few exceptions) includes one or more years of postdoctoral fellowships experience. This period allows you to: 1. Deepen your research expertise and build a robust, independent publication record. 2. Secure grant funding and develop your unique research program. 3. Gain invaluable mentorship experience by supervising undergraduate and graduate students. While exceptions exist, I think treating a postdoc as a required step in your plan is a prudent strategy for aspiring professors. B. The Industry Pathway: Cultivating Connections and Applied Experience A successful transition to industry requires a different, equally intentional strategy. Here, your technical expertise is the price of entry, but it is often your professional network and practical experience that secure the offer. Here are some key actions I will recommend to take during your graduate studies. 1. Strategic Networking: Actively build relationships within your target sector. Attend industry conferences, engage with professionals on LinkedIn, and conduct informational interviews to understand company needs and cultures. 2. Pursue Relevant Internships: An industry internship is one of the most powerful items on a CV for a PhD seeking a corporate role. It provides tangible evidence of your ability to apply research skills in a business context. 3. Consider an Industry Postdoc: An increasingly popular option, an industry postdoctoral position offers a bridge between academic research and corporate R&D, allowing you to build experience within a company setting. While a strong publication record is a significant asset for any career, industry recruitment is a multi-faceted process. Recruiters and hiring managers are evaluating a holistic profile, your technical skills, your ability to communicate and collaborate, your problem-solving aptitude, and the strength of your professional recommendations. What has been your experience navigating this decision? What strategies have you found most effective? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

📢 Professor's responsibility: Preparing students for industry roles (responding to recent post by Andrew Akbashev) In my role as a faculty member, I’m dedicated to preparing students and postdocs primarily for impactful careers in industry. The reasons for this are: - Job Market Reality: Most opportunities lie in industry, demanding we equip our learners with necessary skills. - Work-Life Balance: Industry often offers better balance and compensation, aspects crucial for our students' awareness. - Making an Impact: It's in industry where one can often see the direct application and impact of their research. My approach to this includes: - Early Exposure: Introducing students to the variety of roles available in industry from the outset of their academic journey, and conveying the industry values (naturally I adapt the Amazon leadership principles of "learn and be curious", "earn trust", and so on - those that apply) - Networking: Facilitating connections with industry professionals and alumni to broaden their perspectives and opportunities. - Navigating the Job Landscape: Guiding students through the process of understanding the job market, identifying suitable roles, and preparing for them effectively. - Exploring Career Pathways: Educating students about the diverse career paths in industry, from principal engineering roles to management positions, offering a glimpse into potential career trajectories. - Management Training: Offering basic management training and resources to those interested in exploring leadership roles within industry. This includes providing information on courses, workshops, and seminars that can bolster their management skills. - Resource Sharing: Providing information about online platforms, industry publications, and professional networks that can offer insights into the industry job landscape. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of developing soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and project management, which are invaluable in any industry setting. It's also essential to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to think innovatively and understand the business aspects of science and technology. Does this mean I discourage academic pursuits? Not at all. My own journey from a national lab and industry back to academia is a testament to finding one's fit based on personal preferences and aspirations. I support students interested in academia with clear insights into all career paths, ensuring they make informed decisions. Ultimately, my aim is to mentor professionals who contribute significantly to both industry and society, ready for the future's challenges and opportunities. And support them on their chosen pathway.

In 2025, career options for Robotics PhDs are not: Industry vs Academia There are many shades of “industry” and “academia” It’s more like: Research/eng roles in private institutions Research/eng roles in mid size companies Research/eng roles in big tech Independent technical consulting Technical consulting for larger firms Startup co-founder Startup founding scientist/engineer Startup pre-seed/seed scientist/engineer Startup series A/B scientist/engineer Tenure track assistant professor Teaching track assistant professor Research track assistant professor Some of these can also be combined together. For example, there are professors that have founded companies, or scientists in industry that teach part time or make online content. Career planning during a PhD doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding your options early and actively experimenting with them, you can turn it into a conscious, deliberate process. #phd #robotics #roboticsphd #stemphd #careerplanning #roboticsjobs