Challenges facing graduating engineers in transitioning from college to career

Abstract

Transitioning from college to an engineering career is highly complex and critical for graduating engineers. This research study examines the career transition of Lebanese engineering students as a case study of the Middle East region. Practicing engineers (n=217) from Lebanon who were scattered in several countries around the world and working in different social and multicultural settings were surveyed. The survey identified their current employment and their attitudes toward their level of academic preparation as it relates to their transition. While locating a job seems to be uncomplicated due to the high prosperity of the Arabic Gulf States, it is evident that engineering graduates confront critical issues during the transition process. An Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed three main challenges facing engineering graduates: communication, responsibility, and self-confidence. Answers to open-ended questions are used to illustrate the quantitative findings and were used to gather information regarding needs that may facilitate such a transition. Participants' comments suggest a strong need for collaboration between the engineering industries and the academic institutions to facilitate a smoother transition. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.