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MAE Seminar: Translating Ph.D. Skills Beyond Academia
April 3 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Title:
Translating Ph.D. Skills Beyond Academia
Abstract:
Doctoral training equips Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Ph.D. students with advanced technical expertise, research depth, and high-level problem-solving abilities. Yet many doctoral students struggle to clearly articulate how their academic experiences translate to opportunities beyond academia. This seminar will explore how Ph.D.-level skills are perceived by employers in industry, national laboratories, government, and consulting, and how students can effectively position themselves for diverse career pathways. Participants will learn how to identify transferable skills embedded in research, teaching, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and how to communicate those competencies using employer-relevant language. The session will also address key differences between academic CVs and professional resumes, offering a practical framework for reframing doctoral experiences into concise, impact-focused resume bullet points.
Designed for MAE doctoral students considering non-academic or hybrid career paths, this seminar aims to increase confidence, clarity, and strategic awareness in career preparation beyond the professoriate.
Bio:
Glenda Darrell is an assistant director and career counselor with the Career Development Center at NC State University. She serves as the Career Development Center’s main liaison / career counselor for the College of Engineering. Glenda received a master’s degree in Career Counseling and Placement from North Carolina Central University and a bachelor’s degree from Meredith College. Prior to NC State University, Glenda worked in the Career and Professional Development Office at Campbell University School of Law. She is currently a National Certified= Counselor (NCC) and a member of NACE, NCACE, and the North Carolina Career Development Association.