First, the traditional compartmentalized engineering positions are disappearing. Success in industry requires preparation for and practice in a broad range of activities, e.g., development, manufacturing, and marketing. Most of our graduates will be involved in management, marketing, and sales at some point in their career. An adequate engineering education must therefore include some aspects of these skills. In addition, many more Georgia Tech engineers today work for small and medium size businesses or are self-employed.
Many students expect to start their own companies.
Thus, we recognize the benefit afforded to these students by the ability to develop entreprenenurial skills - developing teams, writing a business plan, working with venture capitalists, etc. Significant research opportunities and partnerships are shifting from the federal to the industrial sector. We must insure that we can best meet the needs of our research partners while meeting those of our students and faculty in these endeavors, and maintaining the highest standards of scholarly achievement. Finally, Georgia Tech is part of a vital and growing community. This environment provides a unique opportunity for economic development stimulated by faculty and student research endeavors.