April 2025
ECEDHA 2025 Workforce Development Panel:
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
The Workforce Development Panel at the 2025 ECEDHA Annual Conference and ECExpo provided a valuable forum for exploring how academic institutions and industry can collaborate to address the growing need for skilled engineers. Moderated by Katie Crist, Director of Workforce Development at Synopsys, the panel brought together a group of experts from various sectors, each sharing their unique perspectives on workforce readiness, licensure, and the importance of hands-on experience. The distinguished panelists included Lehmon Dekle, Chief Officer of Examinations at National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); Noah Schmitz, Director of University Development at Keysight Technologies; Michelle Ferebee, Deputy Director of the Strategic Partnerships Office at NASA Langley Research Center; and Kelly Hannum, Board Member of the Society of Military Engineers (Hampton Roads Post).
One key discussion point was the importance of engineering licensure, particularly the role of the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam in helping students build a successful career. Lehmon Dekle highlighted that many students fail to pursue licensure early, which limits their opportunities in the workforce. He encouraged universities to advise students to take the FE exam during or shortly after graduation to enhance their career prospects. This was complemented by Michelle Ferebee’s emphasis on the critical role internships play in preparing students for the workforce. Ferebee discussed NASA’s internship programs, which provide students with the chance to work alongside researchers and engineers on cutting-edge projects. She stressed that students need to understand the broader system context of their work, which is highly valued by industry.
Noah Schmitz from Keysight Technologies discussed the need for ongoing collaboration between industry and academia to ensure that curricula remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. Schmitz pointed to Keysight’s efforts in developing industry-recognized certifications, which help students gain valuable skills that align with current technological demands, particularly in the semiconductor and RF/microwave sectors. He also recommended the use of industry advisory boards to facilitate better alignment between academic programs and industry needs. Kelly Hannum, representing the Society of Military Engineers, shared insights on the unique skills veterans bring to the engineering workforce. She discussed the need for specialized programs that help veterans transition into civilian engineering roles, emphasizing the value of systems engineering and communication skills that are increasingly sought after in today’s job market.
The panel discussions also centered on the role of universities and industries in addressing workforce shortages, especially in specialized fields like semiconductors, AI, and systems engineering. As workforce gaps continue to grow, the panelists all agreed that stronger partnerships between academia and industry will be crucial for equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills they need to succeed in a global and rapidly changing environment. One of the critical takeaways was the need for more agile curriculum development that can quickly respond to technological advancements and market needs. Tools like Keysight’s learning platforms, which provide hands-on experience in semiconductor technology and RF/microwave engineering, were cited as excellent examples of industry-academic collaboration.
The audience questions sparked additional insightful discussions. One question came from Stu Thompson from Bucknell University, who raised concerns about the gap between engineering education and practice, particularly in terms of producing graduates who are not necessarily entering engineering fields. The panelists reflected on this and discussed how engineering skills are transferable across many industries, not just within traditional engineering roles. This conversation further underscored the need to expand the messaging around engineering education, emphasizing the versatility and real-world applicability of an engineering degree.
In conclusion, the Workforce Development Panel provided valuable insights into the critical role that academia and industry must play in preparing students for future challenges. Key lessons for department heads and faculty include the importance of encouraging students to pursue licensure early, integrating industry-relevant skills into the curriculum, and expanding internship and hands-on learning opportunities. Additionally, faculty should consider using industry partnerships and advisory boards to ensure their programs stay aligned with current trends and workforce needs. The collaborative nature of the discussion highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships with industry to help students transition smoothly from academia to the workforce, ensuring that they are not only technically proficient but also adaptable, innovative, and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s engineering landscape.
