He also recommended checking the program's track record. Several members of the audience asked about the value of postdoctoral positions. Ferraris commented that postdoctoral experience makes applications for academic positions more competitive by broadening an individual's background, but it is not a requirement for industry if that individual has appropriate training from his or her graduate program. Although the panel felt that undergraduates should focus on a specific area, they acknowledged that it is good for undergraduates to become familiar with other disciplines. Student groups and universities should organize seminars with industrial scientists as speakers.
Local industry is often very happy to talk with student and faculty groups.
Care must be taken, however, when starting a venture between an industrial partner and the university and faculty member. Central seed support, usually from the university and the industrial partner, is needed to establish programs. A new venture must also support the education of the students involved, building on the core competencies and addressing an area consistent with the university's strategic plan. Pre-tenure faculty should be wary of too much collaboration. The best research universities recognize the value of interdisciplinary training and teaching in research, but participation in joint programs always raises questions about who is doing what, making the tenure evaluation more difficult.