Business and Industry

(back to What Do Employers Want index)

As part of a recent survey of UW alumni (1995-2001) residing in the Puget Sound area, doctoral graduates were asked the following question:

What does your employing sector want in Ph.D.'s? (Skill sets, experience, qualifications)

Alumni employed in business and industry provided the following responses:

Research/Professional Experience

• Enthusiasm for work/subject matter of chosen field
• Excel in chosen field
• Combination of academic knowledge and common sense
• Subject depth
• Ability to work independently
• Relevant doctoral work
• Academic integrity
• Applied scholarship
• Hands-on experience in industry
• Experience in specific area/applicable skills
• Defined skill sets
• Clarity as to how chosen field of study will be useful to future career
• Varied background/exposure to different things
• Ability to learn quickly
   
   
  

Analysis

• Research training and experience
• Ability to analyze information/strong analytical skills
• Ability to troubleshoot
• Statistical knowledge and experience
   
   
  

Strategic Leadership

• Leadership skills
• Management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Entrepreneurial skills
• Political skills
• Networking skills
• Ability to think strategically
• Ability to see both the big picture and the details
• Ability to complete a project/develop a concrete goal
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Proactive, takes initiative
• Sense of urgency
• Ability to rapidly execute and act
• Understanding of business commercial expertise
• Knowledge of the business cycle
• Creative production
• Innovative
• Broad interdisciplinary knowledge
   
   
  

 Organizational/Administrative

• Administrative skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Project management experience
• Organizational skills
• Process focused
• Detail-oriented
• Recognized by peers for quality work
   
   
  

Communication

• Strong writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex knowledge in simplified manner
• Proven track record of publications
• Grant writing skills
   
   
  

Interpersonal Skills/Character

• Interpersonal skills
• Ethical practice
• Dependable
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to be accountable to others
• Willingness to be self-critical/humble
• Flexibility
• Ability to collaborate
• Ability to compromise
• Negotiating skills
   
   
  

Teams

• Ability to work well with teams
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
   
   
  

Marketing

• Marketing skills
• Ability to market oneself as unique
• Ability to attract business directly
• Ability to sell the experience
   
   
  

Technology

• Passion for helping people with technology
• Baseline technology expertise
• Technical knowledge
• Software and computer programming skills