Changing Career Paths in Science and Engineering Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions derived from the May 9, 2001, CPST workshop transcript regarding changing career dynamics in science, engineering, academia, and industry.

CPST

Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology.

SESTAT

Scientists and Engineers Statistical data system, a comprehensive and integrated system of information on the employment, educational, and demographic characteristics of scientists and engineers in the United States.

NSF S&E Taxonomy

The specific taxonomy used to define Science and Engineering fields, which includes computer & mathematical sciences, life & related sciences, physical & related sciences, social & related sciences, and engineering.

S&E Occupations

Relatively small proportion of the workforce representing "core" science and engineering work, such as research, design, development, and other technical work.

Non-S&E Degree Fields and Occupations

Categories that include management, administration, sales, marketing, health, teaching, education, social service, technology, arts, and humanities.

SESTAT Sample Population

Consists of three sample surveys of $100,000$ individuals that represent a population of over $12$ million individuals.

Multiple Degrees in S&E

Status held by $44.1$ percent of the SESTAT population, with $37.5$ percent having two degrees and $6.6$ percent holding three or more.

Nonstandard Work Arrangements (NSWAs)

Work that departs from traditional permanent or standard employment, characterized as temporally unstable, lacking an employer per se (self-employed), or having a distinction between the employing and host organization.

Standard Job (Higher Education)

Regular full-time jobs characterized by permanent employment relations.

Nonstandard Job (Higher Education)

Positions comprised of regular part-time, temporary part-time, and temporary full-time jobs.

Temporary Faculty Status

Operationally defined in the NSOPF data set as reporting either an adjunct or visiting status.

Regular Employment (NSOPF)

The absence of the characteristics adjunct/affiliate or visiting, whether full-time or part-time.

NSOPF

National Survey of Postsecondary Faculty, conducted by the U.S. Department of Education.

EDS Fellows Program

A program that allows technical and business professionals to achieve executive-level status without management responsibilities, focusing on thought leadership and industry understanding.

Idea-to-Reality (i2r)

An EDS process where any employee can submit an idea for review and potential venture capital funding while remaining an employee.

EDS Career Mobility Process

A system based on the premise that employees are able to move throughout the company with ease after $12$ months in a job.

Science Policy Analyst

A professional role with the dual responsibility of communicating science to policy-makers and communicating policy to scientists.

Research Staff Member Attributes (IBM)

Basic competencies required for researchers, including creativity, innovation, ability to work in teams, initiative, closure, flexibility, business acumen, and a publication record.

Research Staff Member Differentiators (IBM)

Exceptional qualities such as relevant work experience, proven significant accomplishments beyond the norm, and leadership potential with a clear view of future business contributions.

SWOT Analysis

A periodic assessment used by technology managers to evaluate a unit's competitive standing by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.