“Anyone can think of a hundred reasons why something will fail. I want that rare individual who can think of the creative one way in which it will succeed,” --Leo Kim

The preparation may be facilitated by a book, magazine article, or online career advice column, but the response itself isn't programmed. It is the result of a serious self-assessment and the advance knowledge of what typically happens in an interview.

Despite a smattering of specialized coursework, company and university officials admit that the traditional science degree isn't focused on the skills that employers really look for.