With plans to return this fall, “Bridging Academia and Industry in Chemical & Environmental Engineering” was a new one-credit hour course offered in spring 2025 through the McKelvey School of Engineering. Led by Professors Ray Ehrhard, Marcus Foston, and Trent Silbaugh the course connected students with industry professionals to explore real-world applications, emerging trends, and career pathways in chemical and environmental engineering.
Center for Career Engagement Assistant Director, Robin Shepard, with the Technology, Data & Engineering career community offered a three-part comprehensive career development component that was comprised of students conducting a self-assessment and skills inventory, learning how to tailor application materials such as resumes and cover letters, and putting their experience into practice through informational interviews and networking opportunities. All together, these skills assisted students in effectively searching for jobs and positioned themselves for industry roles.
“This course was a model example of how collaboration between the CCE and an academic department can create a truly impactful and tailored experience for students,” said Kelli Delfosse, Director of Industry Relations in the McKelvey School of Engineering. “By combining the school’s deep industry knowledge with the CCE’s career development expertise, we were able to deliver a course that not only introduced students to real-world trends in chemical and environmental engineering, but also gave them the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful industry opportunities.”
The CCE is grateful for the collaboration with Professors Ehrhard, Foston and Silbaugh as well as Kelli Delfosse and the McKelvey School of Engineering. To partner with the CCE, faculty and staff can request a career program through our Academic & Campus Partnership team.
