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The Office of Professional Practice offers many classes that help students prepare to participate in our programs and complete their plans of study. Below, you will find each course that is offered by the office along with a description that details what to expect out of each course.

This course introduces students to semiconductor technology and the broad range of opportunities within the semiconductor industry. Speakers from some of the largest companies in the world, including Apple, Tesla, Intel and others, engage students on a weekly basis. Students in the course develop personal networks while being presented with resources and opportunities to prepare for exciting careers within the semiconductor industry. Topics covered include logic microprocessors, sustainable manufacturing processes, auto industry, digital healthcare technology, memory technology and more. Offered in the fall and spring. This course is open to all students in the College of Engineering, School of Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Physics and Math.

These courses available to first-year students aim to prepare students for successful co-op or internship experiences. In the course, students develop a resume, cover letter, elevator pitch, interview skills and a LinkedIn profile. They have the opportunity to connect with engineering student mentors who have already gained professional experience. Additionally, students hear from several industry speakers on topics such as organizational culture, building a professional networking, creating effective working relationships, working effectively across cultures and more. Offered in the fall in West Lafayette and fall/spring in Indianapolis.

This course serves to enhance students professional development and prepares course participants for careers in the tech industry and Silicon Valley. This is an embedded spring course with travel over spring break to network with employers and Purdue alumni in Silicon Valley. Students complete assignments to enhance professional skills and have the benefit of hearing from several industry speakers to develop an understanding of how to successful compete for opportunities in the tech industry. This course has an additional fee of roughly $2,600 for costs associated with the trip with approximately $1,000 in expenses for other expenses including airfare, personal travel and some meals.

This course, offered in the spring, serves to enhance career development in the pharmaceutical industry. Speakers regularly share topics to inform and prepare students for internships, co-op positions and jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. The course is geared toward first-year engineering students and sophomore engineering students, in addition to Pharmaceutical Sciences students, as well as other majors from the College of Science and College of Engineering.

There is a great need for technical know-how within local government, federal government and government agencies. This course, offered in the spring, introduces a wide range of career opportunities for engineers within the public sector, while engaging with guest speakers on interesting topics. Students build their network and learn about opportunities to develop skills for successful careers impacting U.S. policy. The course is a gateway for the Innovation and Public Service certificate program, and students earn credit toward the certificate.

This course is open to all students in the College of Engineering. 

The United States Departments of Energy, Defense and Homeland Security play important roles in ensuring the security of our nation. These agencies ensure safety in transportation security environments; organize, deploy and supply our military; maintain stewardship of our nuclear arsenal; and develop and deploy our cybersecurity strategies, among setting the vision for advancing state-of-the-art solutions for pandemics, computing, energy, climate and other advanced engineering challenges.

There is an impending shortage of domestic U.S. talent and future workforce for addressing critical skills in these areas. As result, there are new opportunities for Purdue students to learn more and establish exciting and fulfilling careers in this sector. As part of Purdue’s national security priority, we are deepening our relationships with all of these agencies. This seminar course offered in the fall features presentations by Purdue faculty and invited world-class researchers who work for government agencies. Presentations introduce topics related to the complex intersection of engineering, policy and government research and demonstrate the many exciting opportunities Boilermakers have to work on these topics. The course is taught in synchronous, online mode, which means online discussions will be led by researchers from the Army Research Lab, Sandia National Labs and the Department of Homeland Security.

This course, offered in the fall, introduces students to the technology and innovation that impacts the future of our communities. Topics include space habitats, electrification of roadways, the design and inspection of infrastructure (using AI, VR, machine learning, etc.), environmental disasters and public health, automation systems for buildings, and more. Speakers from companies such as Johnson Controls, Collins Engineers, Thornton Tomasetti and others will guest-lecture on how technology and innovation will impact the way we live. Students in the course develop personal networks while being presented with resources and opportunities to prepare for exciting careers.

The Office of Professional Practice is excited to offer a 1-credit professional development course specifically for the inaugural class of Lilly Scholars during the Fall 2023 semester. All Lilly Scholars are encouraged to enroll to engage in weekly seminars led by industry partners and professional staff designed to introduce a variety of career readiness tools for Lilly Scholars at Purdue. Offered in the Fall.