Career Resources
Materials Science
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What do Material Scientists & Engineers do?
According to the US Department of Labor, they are "involved in the development, processing, and testing of the materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors, and composites to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. They also are involved in selecting materials for new applications." For more details, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Sloan Cornerstone Career Center and the Material Science department web site.
Where do they work?
According to the Sloan Cornerstone Career Center, in "both small and large organizations...in industries as diverse as: semiconductor, consumer products, communications, medical devise and computers." Learn more here.
What are some employers in the field?
Top employers in the field include: Unilever ● Bayer ● Alcoa ● Corning. You can also check out attendees to CCE's career fairs in the employer profile books and LionSHARE's employer directory tab. The Material Science and Engineering department and Sloan Cornerstone Career Center host more lists.
What resources can I look into for more information and to gain experience?
COLUMBIA RESOURCES:
Center for Career Education Resources: For a full list of resources and services, visit our home page.
- LionSHARE: CCE’s database of internships and full time jobs for students and alumni
- Science Technology Engineering Internship Program (STEP) and other CCE sponsored international and national internship programs
- CCE Career Fairs, employer information sessions, site visits, panels, workshops, and alumni events (see CCE's calendar of events regularly for updates)
- Webshops and webinars covering a wide array of topics
- Vault & WetFeet guides: profiles industries, companies, and careers including: Vault Guide to the Top 50 Consumer Products Employers, Vault Guide to the Top Manufacturing Employers, Industries and Careers for Engineers, Vault Guide to Technology Careers
- List of Leadership Development and Rotational Programs
- LinkedIn.com Columbia Groups: Columbia Career Connections and Columbia Alumni Association Network to find alumni working in the field
Research, Other Opportunities, and Resources:
- Undergraduate Research Involvement Program
- SEAS Global Initiatives – Intern/Study Abroad Web Site
- Information on the FE Exam (Students should find out from their academic advisor whether their desired career path requires EIT/PE certification)
- Fellowships for CC/SEAS, GS, and GSAS
- Mentornet, an online mentoring community in which Columbia University participates
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Internship/Job Posting Websites
- Pathways to Science: To find programs such as undergraduate summer research opportunities, graduate fellowships, postdoctoral positions, as well as resources and materials pertaining to recruitment, retention, and mentoring
- National Science Foundation REU Sites - The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports REU Sites that focus on research in materials science and related areas, including condensed matter physics, materials chemistry and physics, and materials engineering
- Engineering Jobs – Materials: A broad starting-point for career opportunities for engineers interested in materials science
- Materials Jobs: Career opportunities specifically focused in metallurgy, polymers, and ceramics
- The Material Research Society's Job Board
- The Materials, Metals and Materials Society Job Board
- The American Ceramic Society Job Board
Professional Associations: Use the low student membership rates in professional associations to gain career guidance and information about scholarships, networking opportunities, job postings, conferences and workshops, and access to job fairs.
- Materials Research Society (MRS)
- Federation of Materials Societies (FMS)
- American Chemical Society – Materials Science
- ASM International – The Materials Information Society
- The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society
- The American Ceramic Society (ACerS)
- Association for Iron & Steel Technology
Professional Journals: Keep up to date on trends in the field, identify potential employers, and find out about new opportunities. Your access to the Columbia library system gives you extensive exposure to important information in the field today through the CU library login.