Industry Collaboration
Connecting with students is vital to the future of your business. Let us help you connect with the best and brightest future leaders – get involved and let the MEM Program take your company to the next level through any of our industry opportunities.
- Practicum Courses
- Industry Fellowships
- Seminars, Workshops, and Special Events
- Industrial Advisory Board
- Internships
- Full-Time Employment
Practicum Courses
Practicum courses offer industry the opportunity to partner with and mentor future industry leaders as they guide MEM students through a semester-long project at the intersection of engineering and business. Students hone team-based skills and gain valuable “real-world” project experience while working towards a deliverable. Recent practicums have included
- Outsourcing for Engineering
- Renewable Energy Market
- Commercializing New Products
- Corporate Recruiting and Retention
Industry Fellowships
Industry supported fellowships provide relevant work experience and financial assistance to the student while the company gains access to the school, the MEM Program and a chance to recruit the best and brightest in the program.
Seminars, Workshops, and Special Events
Weekly seminars bring in top industry leaders, experienced business management, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and small-business owners who expose MEM students to different aspects of business and industry. Duke’s unique workshop series brings in experts who introduce students to business skills not covered in traditional courses. Topics are selected through input from industry, program administrators, and students. Topics have included teamwork, negotiation, business etiquette, communication, and leadership.Special events like the MEM Night with Industry bring together industry representatives and students in a relaxed setting where students can learn more about careers in various industries, network, and learn what companies look for in new hires. Representatives lead small roundtables on their industry, with a reception and dinner following.
Industrial Advisory Board
The MEM Industrial Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from a variety of industry sectors and including alumni, enhances the program's future vision and development by adding an industrial insight and flavor to the direction of the program. The board fosters excellence with regard to curriculum review, job placement, internships, industry relations, and entrepreneurial activities. To be relevant in today's global market, this assessment is vital to the success of the MEM Program. Meet the board members below.Internships
The MEM Program’s internship requirement ensures students gain valuable experience in industry, while employers benefit from motivated students who are eager to contribute to your company. Students are responsible for finding and coordinating their internship, but program staff can post internship notices to students. A typical internship is 8 to 12 weeks, with eight weeks being the minimum acceptable length of time, and should involve a well-defined project or projects.
Full-time Employment
Graduates of Duke’s MEM Program can quickly contribute to your organization with valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership coupled with a strong engineering or science foundation. By considering business issues as well as technical issues in their decision making, program graduates are able to take on greater responsibility and undertake a wider range of assignments. The end result is new hires that require less management time and training.
