What do engineering postgraduate research students know about industry work

This paper explores the views of two groups of stakeholders in the Engineering research education process. The findings of two studies are compared and contrasted, one exploring the views of research candidates and the other the views of employers about the preparedness and perceived value to industry of the Masters and PhD experience. The employer data revealed two types of research-related engineering work, which we term ‘niche innovator’ and ‘innovative adapter’ roles. We conclude that providing clearer information about the nature of these roles and their associated attributes would help reduce the uncertainty research candidates express about their future professional roles. It would also confirm for them the value placed on their Masters or PhD experience.

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