Modeling career paths in Biomedical Quality Engineering
Suresh, Deepthi Elizabeth
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115608
Description
Title
Modeling career paths in Biomedical Quality Engineering
Author(s)
Suresh, Deepthi Elizabeth
Issue Date
2022-04-26
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Jensen, Paul A
Department of Study
Bioengineering
Discipline
Bioengineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Bioengineering
Biomedical Engineering
Quality Engineering
Careers
Engineering Education
Abstract
Current bioengineering and biomedical engineering (referred to as bioengineering/BIOE in this paper) curricula emphasize device design to prepare students for industry careers. However, only a minority of entry-level positions attained by BIOE graduates are in research and development (R&D). Studies show that quality engineering (QE) represents a large fraction of the bioengineering job market. Biomedical QE combines engineering principles, biology, the regulatory process, and systems thinking, making bioengineers ideally suited for these roles. Broadening BIOE education to include QE fundamentals would enhance the marketability of graduates.
In this exploratory study, we use Social Cognitive Career Theory to understand the decisions and career paths of current QEs with bioengineering undergraduate degrees. We found that QEs felt unprepared for their positions and were largely unaware of QE as a field before beginning their job search. Without an introduction to QE careers, our participants had low outcome expectations for roles in QE, and relatively high outcome expectations for R&D positions. We also found that having career experience in both QE and R&D was a prerequisite for making informed decisions about the fields and ultimately feeling content in their chosen field. To address these issues, we recommend the development of BIOE courses that introduce undergraduates to QE and emulate career experiences so that students can make informed decisions on the job market.
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