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3 The Mentor as Career Adviser
Pages 43-52

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From page 43...
... Most scientists and engineers are entering a more diverse employment environment that is characterized by a trend toward more-interdisciplinary, collaborative, and team work. Many of them are preparing for more-integrative, systemic approaches to increasingly complex fields, such as bioscience, environmental studies, and information science.
From page 44...
... Envisioning ant' Planning a Career Even though students cannot know which direction their careers will eventually take, they can help themselves by studying the possibilities. One of the mentor's goals should be to help the student stay aware of evolving career conditions and opportunities.
From page 46...
... Conversely, over specialization can be perilous; today's hot technology could be outmoded in 5 years. An engineer with a narrow base of education, such as an exclusive focus on aeronautical engineering, might be more vulnerable to jobmarket changes than one with a more-general degree, such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
From page 48...
... You can monitor major trends with a small investment of time by visiting some of the on line sites mentioned in "Resources." And you can investigate the local career-planning center and your institution's alumni network. Encourage students to visit workplaces, to arrange to "shadow" people on the job, and to find off-campus internships and summer placements.
From page 49...
... Introduce students to members of your own network of contacts and urge them to extend that network themselves. Recommend other search aids, including Internet sources (such as the NRC Career Planning Center)
From page 50...
... Help students be aware of local resources for job-seek
From page 51...
... Many faculty avoid this subject and end up offering insensitive or irrelevant advice. Discuss career goals with the postdoctoral students and provide honest feedback, even when this is difficult.


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