High demand for ESM graduates
Dr. Hsueh-Ming Steve Wang is the Chair of University of Alaska Anchorage’s Engineering and Science Management (ESM) Department. Recently, Dr. Wang was interviewed by Tony Nakazawa of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service about where the jobs are for today’s University of Alaska graduates?
Question: Just as now our everyday language – whether you are in the Sears Mall or standing in line at the Kuskokwim Campus cafeteria for lunch – common conversation might include smart phones and new green technologies or GPS applications that just five years ago would be not a part of the everyday vocabulary. The application of new technolgy for today’s marketplace has evolved growing interest in a field at UAA called Engineering and Science Management (ESM).
Wang: Yes, and more specifically, Engineering and Science Management is an interdisciplinary program that is concerned with the application of engineering and science principles to business practice. Engineering and Science Management is a career that brings together the technological problem-solving ability of engineering and the organizational, administrative, and planning abilities of management in order to oversee complex enterprises from conception to completion. Engineering management programs typically include instruction in accounting, economics, finance, project management, systems engineering, mathematical modeling and optimization, management information systems, quality control and Six Sigma, operations research, human resources management, industrial psychology, safety and health. Application of the knowledge of Engineering and Science Management includes construction, systems engineering, technology management, production, product development, manufacturing, design engineering, and any other field that employs personnel who perform an Engineering and Science Management function.
Q: Why is the selection of Engineering and Science Management for advanced study at UAA a right move in one’s career development? I understand that ESM at UAA has been around since 1961. Is this correct?
Wang: UAA has the oldest ESM graduate program in Alaska since 1961. More than 400 alumni have graduated from this program. Some of them have very successful careers at the executive level in both profit and nonprofit organizations. Successful engineering and science managers typically require training and experience in business and engineering. Technically inept managers tend to be deprived of support by their technical teams, and non-commercial managers often lack commercial acumen to deliver in a market economy. Largely, engineering managers manage engineers who are driven by non-entrepreneurial thinking; thus they require the necessary people skills to coach, mentor and motivate technical professionals. Engineering professionals joining companies sometimes become engineering managers by default after a period of time. They are required to learn how to manage once they are on the job though this is usually an ineffective way to develop managerial abilities.
Q: What are the most recent changes in the job market of Engineering Science Management?
Wang: Because of the high demand of the job market for Engineering and Science Managers who own the leadership and communication capabilities within business, engineering and science teams, the average salary of Engineering Managers has jumped from $80,000 to $110,000 nationwide since last year.
Q: What is the uniqueness of UAA ESM program in terms of your curriculum development?
Wang: Most of the instructors in ESM have long-term working experience in the industry. The ESM teaching team links with UAF ESM faculty members, offering the best ESM program in Alaska. The courses taken from both campuses are mutually recognized. We also are planning to offer wireless (distance) learning for rural areas in Alaska. Due to strong cooperation with the Alaskan Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) at UAA, some Alaska Native students have obtained full scholarships and graduated from the ESM program. ESM also has some courses linking with the Project Management and MBA programs at UAA, offering a flexible learning environment.
Anyone interested in the program can contact Dr. Steve Wang at the Website, afhsw1.uaa.alaska.edu or email him at afhsw1@uaa.alaska.edu, or call 907-786-1914.