Navigating Your Career in Materials Science and Engineering

There are many paths that a new graduate or ECP can take in their materials-centric career. Options include R&D, raw materials processing, manufacturing support, commercial testing, etc. Each of these paths has their pros and cons, and these will be discussed. The importance of career-enhancing activities, such as participating in extracurricular activities, engaging with professional societies, and remaining flexible to take on stretch assignments will also be discussed. Mentorship programs as well as employee resource groups can allow the ECP to flourish professionally and technically. Examples of these will be given and discussed.