THE CHALLENGE
The general view is that the scientific research and technical
expertise of U. S. graduates is excellent in both science and
engineering. However there exists in today's rapidly changing
global economy a need for shift of focus for the "knowledge
workers" to an emphasis on traits and skills and not just
content.
With this in mind the education committee recommends the
following positions.
- New chemists and chemical engineers must have the
opportunity for a broader exposure to other areas of
science and engineering to foster interdisciplinary and
collaborative research. Examples include biological
science, polymer science, catalysis, physics,
environmental science, etc. The desired benefit would be
that, in future employment, the successful graduate has a
greater appreciation for issues broader than the pursuit
of pure research goals.
- So-called "soft" skills must be more strongly
incorporated into the graduate curriculum to allow for
the success of the graduate. It has been repeatedly
emphasized that failure in industrial positions is more
often related to these areas than to technical expertise.
This is true in academic positions as well. These areas
include a basic understanding of ethics, the environment,
team working, economics, patents and corporate/university
culture.
- Communications skills of all types: oral, written,
computer and group dynamics must be more heavily
stressed. Foreign language skills have gained renewed
importance in this respect.
- Breadth of training must be reemphasized to produce a
graduate capable of handling the diverse and rapidly
changing global world of industry.
- Awareness of the goals, products, competitors, and areas
of emphasis in industry should be increased in all
graduates to better facilitate university/industrial
interactions as well as to better prepare those students
interested in industrial positions. Who are the major
players and what are their products?