Not All Who Wander are Tenure-Track: Mentoring Students for Industry Careers

• In Event: Roundtable: Division on Corrections & Sentencing Mentoring for Success Program

Abstract

The world of careers outside the academy is growing for students with graduate degrees. However, faculty are often ill equipped to provide mentorship to help students transition to these spaces. In turn, faculty often point students to the few researchers they know in industry spaces – researchers who are also often not equipped to mentor students. This paper provides insights for both faculty and industry professionals to mentor students transitioning to industry spaces. This includes defining various industry spaces including what students can expect in that space (e.g., salary, benefits, work setting, clients, focus of work, type of work), identifying skills needed in the industry, and, importantly, helping students build graduate school experiences that will give them the competitive edge when they finally reach the market. With these insights, faculty and industry professionals will more effectively help students not only transition to industry careers, but thrive early in their career.

Authors

• Shannon Magnuson, Justice System Partners

• Kelsey L. Kramer, Bates College