Find opportunities for future engineering PhD graduate

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on networking strategies for PhD students in nuclear engineering to secure industry connections before graduation. Key recommendations include leveraging IEEE chapters, connecting with former students of advisors, and exploring employment opportunities with local power companies, General Electric, and General Atomics. The conversation highlights that while nuclear plants may not directly hire PhDs, power companies operating these plants do employ them, particularly in roles related to resource planning and management.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of networking strategies for PhD students
  • Familiarity with IEEE chapters and their role in professional development
  • Knowledge of the nuclear engineering job market and key employers
  • Awareness of roles within power companies related to nuclear engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research IEEE chapters relevant to nuclear engineering
  • Investigate job roles at local power companies that hire nuclear engineers
  • Explore career opportunities at General Electric and General Atomics
  • Learn about resource planning and management roles in the nuclear sector
USEFUL FOR

PhD students in nuclear engineering, early-career professionals seeking industry connections, and anyone interested in understanding the employment landscape for nuclear engineers.

nukapprentice
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I was wondering how I could make connections in industry while still a PhD student. I know about job fairs and conferences, but are there other ways to make friends/contacts while still in the early stages of PhDdom so that I have viable options when I graduate?
 
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A great way is networking with former students of you advisor. Most engineering fields that hire PhDs are surprisingly small worlds.

What kind of engineering are you studying? Are you in the US? If so, some IEEE chapters are very active.
 
Well, as of right now I think my focus will be nuclear materials and I am also at a college in the US. I hadn't thought of IEEE chapters, but I will give it a shot. What companies and industries are hiring nuke PhDs fresh out of school because all I see are national labs, the NRC or academia.
 
The biggest employers are local power companies that operate nuclear plants. Second are big companies like GE and General Atomics. After that are the DOE labs and academia. It's not a hot time for nuclear engineering.
 
Do nuke plants hire PhD's in nuclear? I didn't think they did. But yeah, you're right, it is definitely not a hot time for nukes unfortunately.
 
nukapprentice said:
Do nuke plants hire PhD's in nuclear? I didn't think they did. But yeah, you're right, it is definitely not a hot time for nukes unfortunately.

You know, I don't know if nuclear plants hire them directly, but I am 100% sure that the power companies that operate them do. I know a guy who works for Pacific Gas and Electric and he has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from UC Berkeley.
 
Awesome, thanks for the advice. I have to ask though, do you know what he does exactly?
 
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Looks like your friend is a boss/pro. Thanks Carlgrace for the website, I'll be sure to check it out.
 
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