Preliminary results are presented from an ongoing study that is investigating both academic and industrial career paths in optics and photonics. By grounding the discussion of workforce development in education research, it will be possible to have more productive discussions and a more accurate understanding of contentious topics such as skills gaps, shortages of skilled STEM workers, and similarities and differences between academic and industrial careers.  The study is clarifying how specific math, physics, and communication skills are utilized in academic and industrial labs. Initial results indicate significant use of computational mathematics in the workplace and communication modes that extend beyond technical writing, including group work, critiquing, one-on-one training, documenting, and more. Physics departments trying to link their curriculum with students' future careers will likely benefit from these findings, which also serve as a case study for directly linking physics education research with national priorities in workforce development.