Career Change - Industry to Academic - What are your thoughts?

[Govind]

I recently met one of my ex colleague who was a manufacturing test engineer. He has made a “career change” and moved to a full time academic position. He made that choice because he wanted to. Not because he could not find another engineering job.He mentioned that he did not find this change very difficult. This was actually surprising to me.

I thought why not ask our “Covers” about their experience, opinion about career changes from

Industry to Academic
and
Academic to Industry

(Assuming a minimum of 3~5 years of experience in one of the area before changing to the other)
Each of the area has its own pros and cons..
Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Govind.

[Wes Bucey]

I'm not sure how it impacts the thrust of your post, Govind, but in my neck of the woods (Chicago), most of the academic institutions of higher learning have put a "freeze" on hiring anyone except "stars" for tenure-track teaching positions. Instead, the institutions hire "adjunct" professors, who get low pay and no benefits.

My wife just finished her Masters in May at a respected private university. Fewer than half her instructors over the three years she spent in school were full-time employees of the university; the balance were "adjunct" status. One such adjunct professor was working at three separate schools within a 20-mile radius. My wife calulated the teacher could have netted more (by including travel time and expense) if she worked as a glorified "babysitter" at a local day care center for children.

Some of you folks out in Academia care to comment on this aspect of Govind's question?

[Govind]

Thanks Wes. While Iam also interested to know the pay and benefits comparing academia and industry, the first thing I would worry is fitting in the new area.I always thought working in an industry for few years and moving to academia is beneficial.

Example:If you are assigned to teach Industrial engineering, Quality Management, you can bring in your practical experience. This is will be more valuable for the students than hearing the theoretical side of the subject.

Those from academia to industry could be more effective in training and development.
Engineers are not necessarily trainers. They may be Subject Matter experts. Some organization train engineers on “Train the Trainers”. Here the academia folks can do very well as they are trained to design courses, develop lesson plan, and deliver in a consistent manner. They could fit well in R &D functions as well.

Does any one see different? Iam interested to know the issues they may face while transitioning into the new career (academia to industry - vice versa) and suggestion to counter.

Regards,
Govind.

[WALLACE]

Govind,
The educational facilities of this century merely deliver the curriculum (I don't necessarily agree with this). The students who attend colleges and universities realize this fact.
If you are considering a career in education, develop your delivery tools and techniques. You are basically presenting a series of lectures, it's really that simple.
Wallace.

[Randy]

My ultimate goal is to teach at the college level. Because of this I have to get started in my doctoral studies as soon as I can. I fugure they take you more serious if you can be called Doctor instead of Mister. I enjoy teaching and have over 30 years of instruction experience to fall back on.

[Govind]

Originally Posted by WALLACE

Govind,
The educational facilities of this century merely deliver the curriculum (I don't necessarily agree with this). The students who attend colleges and universities realize this fact.
If you are considering a career in education, develop your delivery tools and techniques. You are basically presenting a series of lectures, it's really that simple.
Wallace.

Iam not (currently) planning to move to academia. However, I do enjoy training and development responsibility in our organization and conducting ASQ section refresher courses. Like any industrial project, teaching also require lots of planning and preparation, effective execution, follow-up and continual improvement. Getting Industry experienced professionals into academia will bring some fresh air and a practical touch, I guess.

I started this thread for the benefit of those who decided to walk across the aisle.
Regards,
Govind.

[WALLACE]

Govind,
I was offered (On a plate) a teaching position a few years ago.
The position would have been delivering a curriculum content of assessing quality and safety within the construction industry (My personal expertise).

I turned down the offer because, the culture of further education in this part of the world is not conducive to offering real world experiences to prospective students. Book knowledge is great and necessary yet, the balance of technical and practical knowledge isn't available within the current further educational facilities or delivered curriculum.
Coming originally from a construction trades background, I relate to this dilemma. I firmly believe that the original British system of apprenticeship would, be best applied to students who intend to study technical trades that, by nature cannot be validated without practical hands on experience.
Wallace.

Govind,
Our recent phone conversation indicated to me that, you are indeed a very multi skilled professional. This is exactly what is needed within further educational facilities. Your profile would be of great use to furthering or developing a curriculum based on a balanced approach to theory and practice.

[Govind]

Originally Posted by WALLACE

Govind,
Our recent phone conversation indicated to me that, you are indeed a very multi skilled professional. This is exactly what is needed within further educational facilities. Your profile would be of great use to furthering or developing a curriculum based on a balanced approach to theory and practice.

Wallace,
Thanks. Iam currently working on the approach you mentioned for a Lean-Six sigma BOK. I see this area fast expanding. You may see some of my efforts from the thread:
http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=9236
Once, I reach a reasonable point, I will run it in Cove for feedback from our professionals.
Regards,
Govind.