| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. |
| Importance: 100 (%) | Description: Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary. |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace. |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations. |
Bachelor Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor Degree, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Bachelor's Degree, and % with 1 year experience (or less).
These entry-level roles are designed for new bachelor's degree graduates ready to start their first professional position. For recent graduates who want realistic starting points that match their degree and experience level. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.
Here is a short Helper Video
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, to find entry level Bachelor degree jobs and careers: (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs ![]()
What entry level jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 97 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Materials Engineers.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Materials Engineers" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Description: Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Materials Engineers":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
25,100U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
27,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
2,100 (8.4%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
1,800
| Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Present technical information at conferences. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Teach in colleges and universities. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Design processing plants and equipment. |
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 90 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 87 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 86 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 85 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 80 (%) | Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 72 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
|
| Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data. | |
| Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans. | |
| Create models of engineering designs or methods. | |
| Design industrial processing systems. | |
| Determine operational methods. | |
| Direct design or development activities. | |
| Direct industrial production activities. | |
| Direct quality control activities. | |
| Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications. | |
| Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans. | |
| Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations. | |
| Prepare detailed work plans. | |
| Prepare materials for processing. | |
| Prepare operational reports. | |
| Prepare project budgets. | |
| Prepare proposal documents. | |
| Present research results to others. | |
| Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance. | |
| Resolve operational performance problems. | |
| Supervise engineering or other technical personnel. | |
| Teach classes in area of specialization. | |
| Teach social science courses at the college level. | |
| Test characteristics of materials or structures. | |
| Train personnel on proper operational procedures. | |
| Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise. | |
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 92 (%) | Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Importance: 56 (%) | Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters. |
| Activity: Analyze performance of systems or equipment. |
| Activity: Assess compliance with environmental standards or regulations. |
| Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details. |
| Activity: Design industrial systems or equipment. |
| Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures. |
| Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products. |
| Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures. |
| Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities. |
| Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data. |
| Activity: Manage budgets or finances. |
| Activity: Manage control systems or activities. |
| Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance. |
| Activity: Plan work activities. |
| Activity: Prepare industrial materials for processing or use. |
| Activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications. |
| Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities. |
| Activity: Present research or technical information. |
| Activity: Resolve personnel or operational problems. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
| Activity: Teach academic or vocational subjects. |
| Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products. |
| Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures. |
| Activity: Write material for artistic or commercial purposes. |
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||
| Analytical or scientific software: | ||||||
| The MathWorks MATLAB | ||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||
| Autodesk AutoCAD Dassault Systemes SolidWorks | ||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Access Oracle Database | ||||||
| Development environment software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Visual Basic | ||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||
| Microsoft SharePoint | ||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Outlook | ||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | ||||||
| SAP software | ||||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | ||||||
| C++ Python | ||||||
| Process mapping and design software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Visio | ||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||
| Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below): | ||||||
| ||||||
| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||
| Dassault Systemes CATIA PTC Creo Parametric | ||||||
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: | ||||||
| Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems | ||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||
| MTS Testworks QMC CM4D | ||||||
| Development environment software: | ||||||
| Formula translation/translator FORTRAN National Instruments LabVIEW | ||||||
| Electronic mail software: | ||||||
| IBM Notes | ||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||
| Graphics software | ||||||
| Internet browser software: | ||||||
| Web browser software | ||||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | ||||||
| Microsoft Visual Basic.NET |
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 80.0 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) | Level of Education: Doctoral Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) | Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) | Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. |
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 32.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 24.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 16.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months |
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Certified Welding Engineer | |
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Corrosion and Materials Professional | |
|
Corrosion Specialist | |
|
Corrosion Technician | |
|
Corrosion Technologist | |
|
Internal Corrosion Specialist | |
|
Internal Corrosion Technologist | |
|
Senior Corrosion Technologist | |
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Senior Internal Corrosion Technologist | |
|
Shipboard Corrosion Assessment Technician | |
|
Welding Inspection and Metallurgy Professional | |
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) | |
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NACE web | |
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Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) | |
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Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) | |
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Materials Engineers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Materials Engineers
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page
