8
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Scientists and engineers trained at the doctorate level undertook a number of activities to further develop the skills they needed for their field, to enhance their work or research, and to interact with others with similar professional interests.
Professional Societies
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In 1995, 84 percent of all science and engineering Ph.D.s belonged to at least one professional society or association. By field, health and earth/atmospheric/marine sciences had the highest proportions (93 and 91 percent, respectively) and physics/astronomy had the lowest proportion (79 percent) (see Table 38 ).
Foreign Work or Research
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Since completing their doctorates, 38 percent of science and engineering Ph.D.s traveled outside the United States to work or conduct research. There was considerable variation by field. High percentages of Ph.D.s in earth/atmospheric/marine sciences (59 percent), social sciences (52 percent), and agricultural/environmental sciences (50 percent) had worked or done research outside the United States. Percentages were relatively low for health sciences (29 percent) and psychology (20 percent) (see Table 39 ).