Industrial acceptance of California Polytechnic State University engineering technology graduates

This descriptive survey research was designed to secure employer follow-up information relative to acceptance and overall competency of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology graduates from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. Two survey instruments were designed, one for the graduate and one for the employer. Each of the questionnaires was coded numerically and mailed to 325 graduates from the engineering technology program. An overall response rate of 57 percent was achieved.;From the 187 responses from graduates, 193 employers were identified, and each was sent a questionnaire asking many of the same questions which were asked of the graduate. One hundred sixty four, or 84.9 percent responded by completing the questionnaire.;The research indicates that the majority of the graduates have the job title "engineer," most of the graduates are well prepared for the jobs held, and 96 percent of the graduates are rated by their employers as more than adequate or adequate in their knowledge and theory required for the job. Every employer surveyed indicated that they would, in fact, employ additional engineering technology graduates from California Polytechnic State University if a position were available.;Based upon the results of this research, the engineering technology department curriculum should be revised to incorporate additional course work in written communication and interpersonal relationship skills.;Graduates were asked to answer questions pertaining to themselves and their work environment, and to provide the name, title and address of their immediate supervisor. They were notified in this document that a similar questionnaire would be mailed to their employer in an effort to obtain information to be used in making curriculum decisions concerning current students, and future applicants to the engineering technology department.