Such programs are designed to assist students in becoming industry-proficient in an expedited fashion by exposing them to an array of practical laboratory, clinical, and pilot plant environments and classroom lectures. The lecturers can be university faculty or staff but frequently are industry professionals with ties to the university and some teaching experience or other credentials. Making Contacts The benefits for students enrolled in these programs are considerable. In addition to the specific knowledge and skills obtained, the classroom offers an excellent environment in which to make contacts with industry peers and to stay current with news and trends in their fields of interest. For recent graduates, as well as anyone finishing a postdoc or simply looking for a career change, a course can be a good place to meet industry managers, find out which companies are hiring, and plot a career move.
Most companies reimburse employees for educational expenses such as tuition and books.
Obviously, students realize considerable savings in travel, meals, accommodations, and time when attending a local class. And in lieu of exposure to national experts, students gain access to regional people, resources, and industry at local programs. Less Stressful Job hunting and networking in a classroom environment are more relaxed and less stressful than at a conference or job fair, where the job seeker may only meet with someone once and only for a few minutes. An educational environment allows people to get to know and feel comfortable with one another over a few days or weeks. This atmosphere makes career topics such as job opportunities, contacts, and compensation easier to bring up.