Ted Lougheed
PhD in Cognitive Science (2014)
- What field of work are you in, and what duties are required in your position?
I work as an Application Specialist for Futurescape, a reseller of 3D modeling (CAD) and analysis software, specializing in the Design and Manufacturing sectors. My roles lie primarily in software demonstration, training, and support, but being part of a small business means that I take on many other duties as needs arise, such as invoicing and other administrative tasks. I also manage the company’s IT infrastructure and function as lead developer on in-house software projects. The position requires a great degree of flexibility in my daily routine, and is a lot of hard work, but is highly rewarding.
- What challenges did you face when looking for work after graduating?
After graduation, my greatest challenge was translating the skills I acquired in an academic setting to non-academic roles. Many employers will not understand the value of your education if it is not directly related to the position being applied for, so it is essential to learn how to market your skills and experience. Completing a graduate degree requires a great deal of dedication, clear thinking, and good time management—qualities that are highly valuable outside the academic world.
- How did you arrive at your current position?
I arrived at my current position through my interactions with local businesses at community meetups. I met the owner of Futurescape through mutual interest in software development, which eventually led to a conversation about an opportunity at the company.
- What advice would you give to a graduate student looking to follow a career path similar to yours?
Attend community events and strike up conversations with local business owners and peers. If you are a visible member of the community and have a genuine interest in the field in question, people will recognize your passion and opportunities will arise, sometimes when you least expect it. Be prepared to put in the work to prove yourself—your degree won’t sell itself, and you will need to demonstrate your value to potential employers.