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The System Design & Management (SDM) program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities. Our graduates are shaped by the program’s academic rigor, as well as the diversity of thought and professional experience shared among SDM fellows, faculty, and staff. Employers recognize that SDM graduates are equipped to lead across disciplines and to solve complex problems throughout organizations. 

SDM graduates contribute their expertise in many industries including software/tech, energy, automotive, aerospace, finance, medical device, government, and more. SDM graduates are hired into a wide range of functions including:

  • Product or program management
  • Engineering management
  • Product development
  • Business advisory/strategy
  • Operations
  • Project management
  • Data/analytics
  • General management

The program provides avenues for SDM fellows to explore new careers as well as to strengthen and enhance their technical and leadership skills for renewed effectiveness in their current positions.

Our Graduates 

SDM takes pride in educating leaders who will work in a variety of technical and business functions.

Titles held by our graduates in industry include:

  • Senior product manager
  • Systems architect
  • Director of hardware engineering
  • Vice president of engineering and technology
  • Software engineering manager
  • Senior technical program manager
  • Analytics engagement lead
  • Head of commercialization

In addition, SDM graduates have gone on to entrepreneurial endeavors.

Employment Report 

SDM publishes an annual report summarizing the hiring and employment details of self-sponsored students who have graduated in the previous calendar year. The report profiles our graduating cohort, as well as providing a selected list of employers, average salaries, and sample job titles.

For previous years’ employment reports, or to inquire about recruiting current SDM students for internships or full-time opportunities, contact:

Julie Papp
Manager, SDM Career Development 
sdmcareers@mit.edu