Student Perceptions of their Educational and Skill Needs in the Workplace

Abstract

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s Education and Training Committee and the Early Career Committee identified the need to evaluate the effectiveness of graduate education in the field of human factors/ergonomics and identify areas requiring improvement. Consequently, a survey to determine the expectations of current students was developed. Fifty-eight students, from a variety of colleges and universities, completed the survey. The findings of this survey were contrasted with finding of an earlier survey, which focused on new professionals (individuals with less than five years experience in the field). Considerable overlap between the groups was noted. Of particular interest was the reliance of both groups on material obtained through the Internet and through social networks. Both groups indicated a need for applied research methods and statistics, application of knowledge learned, and various aspects of design. The ability to write specifications and requirements documents for a wider business audience was also recognized. Both students and new professionals emphasized the need for properly supervised internships, which focus on developing their skills in human factors/ergonomics and provide them with opportunities to work as team members and improve their interdisciplinary communication skills.