Campaign programs offer career planning for a changing world

The marketplace for chemical engineers is changing everyday. The specialties chemical engineers are pursuing, the in"trim in which they are choosing to work, and the ways in which c1 engineers do their jobs are creating a heightened need for up-to-date career planning information.

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One such example is The John J. McKetta ProjectConnect Program, which links recent graduates with more senior professionals. This interaction encourages learning among different generations, and enriches both young engineers and more senior professionals. Together with the Alfred P Sloan Foundation, AIChE has developed a video, CD-ROM and Web site that provides an overview of career options in the field of chemical engineering for first- and second-year college students. They include interviews with chemical engineers from diverse fields and backgrounds. The participants explain what they do-in very practical terms-and how it relates to their educational background. The first person accounts are extremely helpful for young engineers unsure of their career path.

For engineers with more experience, a career resource center was established to assist in life-long career management. This program, available online and through scheduled educational courses, addresses topics such as networking, interviewing, research, and personal marketing; it also provides career planning activities and tools, such as self-assessment exercises to assess professional skills and strengths and write personal development plans. A live career and employment hotline is also available free to members by calling 800-803-3446; email at careerservices@aiche.org.

In addition to the Career Resource Center, AIChE produces a biennial salary survey, an annual initial placement report, and a comprehensive job search guide. Please visit the AIChE Web site (http://Iww.aiche.org) for more information on these and other career planning tools.

For more information on the 21st Century Campaign and the programs it funded, log on to http:/www.aiche.org/foundation, or call Andrew Greene, director of development at 212/591-7488.