Student Career and Professional Development Day is Monday, September 9. HFES holds a full day of program dedicated to the professional development of student members during the annual meeting. Interactive panels and presentations focus on job search, transition and early career success, diversity, mentorship, and networking.
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am
Title: Job Interview Prep: Usability Methods Planning Competition
Abstract: During a high-profile job interview, the interviewee is often asked a hypothetical question about how they would approach a product design activity. This competition gives students hands-on experience with answering this type of question as part of a small team, which they will be assigned to either before or when entering the session. The session will begin with a short presentation that reviews how to approach usability methods planning and methods selection for product design activities; the presentation will also include information on the competition's scoring rubric. Student teams will then choose among three prompts that present gaps in the product strategy where more information about human factors is needed and be given the session time to complete their methods planning and documentation. Each student team's submission will be scored by judges using the scoring rubric; the top team will present their methods plan during a short wrap-up session at the end of the day and be presented with a small prize for each team member. Sign up here to participate!
Time: 10:45am – 12:00pm
Title: Accessibility – Across Roles in Industry and Academia
Abstract: Our panelists will discuss how they advocate for accessibility within their role at work and school. Our panelists come from a variety of backgrounds, including defense, software, academia, parenthood, and personal experience. Just like how accessibility will involve different characteristics for each person, advocating for accessibility will also look different for each person. Advocacy for accessibility varies widely depending on roles, industries, and personal characteristics. Our hope is that students will gain new perspectives on accessibility and apply these insights to effectively advocate in their current role, and future post-graduation endeavors.
Time: 1:30pm - 2:45pm
Title: Understanding U.S. Navy Human Factors Career Opportunities
Abstract: The United States Navy workforce is comprised of active duty and civilian personnel that aim to build, train, and maintain combat-ready naval forces that preserve security and peace across the globe. To help achieve this goal, the Navy employs human factors professionals. This session will feature a panel of human factors experts who have worked or are currently working for the U.S. Navy. Panelist backgrounds will include active duty, civilian, and contractor employees whose experience levels range from early-career to senior leadership. Each panelist will describe their job responsibilities, their pathway to Navy employment, and how others can pursue Navy human factors careers. Panelists will also be prepared to discuss internships, scholarships, and full-time job opportunities.
Time: 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Title: Feedback and Awards for the Usability Methods Planning Competition
Abstract: The top team from the Job Interview Prep: Usability Methods Planning Competition will present their methods plan during a short wrap-up session at the end of the day and be presented with a small prize for each team member.
Time: 3:45pm - 5:00pm
Title: Meet and Greet with Human Factors Professionals
Abstract: This session provides an opportunity to network with academic, government, and industry professionals, and offers students dedicated time to meet with a rotating group of human factors professionals in a speed-dating style event. Students will have the opportunity to connect with successful human factors professionals to discuss the topics that interest them. These topics could include professional advice, valuable experience, and tips on how to excel in a human factors career. Students will leave this session with a better understanding of what to expect in a human factors career after graduation and how to set themselves up for success.