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Alternative Careers in Science
Editor(s):
- Christopher AverySenior Manager, National Climate AssessmentU.S. Global Change Research ProgramEmail: [email protected]More by Christopher Avery
- Brian J. WalkerTechnology Manager for Advanced LightingDepartment of Energy, US GovernmentEmail: [email protected]More by Brian J. Walker
Publication Date:
June 30, 2020
Copyright ©
2020 American Chemical Society
eISBN:
9780841299023
DOI:
10.1021/acs.infocus.7e4002
Read Time:
three to four hours
Collection:
Inaugural
Publisher:
American Chemical Society
This book emerged from shared interests and conversations over many years between former Ph.D. chemists, now leaders in science policy and industry who all share a commitment to public service.
While the training of Ph.D. chemists is generally targeted at a research career, the opportunities that lie beyond the degree are much more diverse. Nine Ph.D. chemists who chose careers outside of academia describe their career choices and reflect on advice they have looking back on their career path for those just starting theirs.
If the stories in these pages speak to you: Welcome to the family.
This book is coming soon. In the meantime, please contact your library or ACS sales representative for purchase options.
Detailed Table of Contents
About the Series
Preface
Part I:
Considering Your Options
1.
Managing Science
1.1
Introduction
1.2
Sound Familiar?
1.3
Soft Skills
1.3.1
Common Sense
1.3.2
Writing
1.3.3
Public Speaking
1.3.4
Flexibility
1.4
People Skills
1.4.1
Reading the Room
1.4.2
Subtext
1.4.3
Group Decision-Making
1.4.4
Conflict Resolution
1.5
Broad Views
1.5.1
Seeing the Whole Board
1.5.2
Thinking in Complex Systems
1.6
Conclusions
2.
Science and Other Languages: Inside and outside the Changes
2.1
Introduction
2.2
School: Learning Fundamentals and Belonging
2.3
Apprenticeship: Learning Languages in Conversation
2.4
In Practice: Putting It All Together
2.5
Conclusions
Insider Q&A
3.
Career Enhancement through Your Professional Society: Ventures outside Your Comfort Zone
3.1
Introduction
3.2
Where to Start
3.3
My ACS Growth Projects
3.4
Robust Networks Produce Robust Ideas
3.5
Advantages of Mentors and Mentoring outside Your Workplace
3.6
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Insider Q&A
Part II:
Careers in Industry
4.
From Laboratory Bench to General Manager
4.1
Introduction
4.2
What Is General Management?
4.3
My Path to General Manager
4.4
How Can You Pursue a Job as a General Manager?
4.4.1
Complete Business School Courses
4.4.2
Expand Your Reading
4.4.3
Consider a Business Internship
4.4.4
Network, Find Good Mentors, and Take Professional Risks
4.5
Closing Comments
5.
The Journey to Entrepreneur
5.1
Introduction
5.2
Business Wants YOU!
5.3
The Challenges: Being OK with Good Enough and Working with Others
5.4
Risk and Responsibility
6.
Roads Less Traveled: From R&D to Supply Chain
6.1
Introduction
6.2
Debunking the Traditional Chemist Trope
6.3
Maximizing Opportunity through Volunteerism and Networking
6.4
It’s the Journey, Not the Destination
Part III:
Careers in Policy
7.
This Was Not on My Bucket List
7.1
Introduction
7.2
View from Capitol Hill
7.3
Back to the Academy
7.4
Best Work Trip Ever
7.5
“A Nation Safe from Chemical Disasters”
Insider Q&A
8.
Science Diplomacy
8.1
Overview
8.2
What Is a Science Diplomat?
8.3
What Makes a Science Diplomat?
8.3.1
Widen Your Technical Expertise
8.3.2
Be Ready to Translate for the Everyday Reader
8.3.3
Listen with Empathy and Humility
8.3.4
Practice Internal Fortitude in the Face of Opposition
8.3.5
Develop Patience and Perseverance
8.3.6
Build Consensus
8.4
From a Farm in Mississippi to the World Economic Forum
8.5
From a Typical Suburban Life to the White House
9.
Science and Civics: Preparing Scientists for Public Engagement
9.1
Introduction
9.2
My Journey to Founding 314 Action
9.3
314 Action
9.4
Volunteering
9.5
Getting a Fellowship
9.6
Becoming a Congressional Staffer
9.7
Running for Office
Insider Q&A
Footnotes
Index
Reviewer quotes
21st century chemists
Alternative Careers in Science offers a sampling of personal narratives from chemistry leaders across a wide range of occupations. This work illustrates how a chemistry degree can be transformed into a multitude of career trajectories. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to know what a “chemist” can become in the 21st century.
Career options for postdocs
Alternative Careers in Science provides an assurance to the reader that it is OK to think differently. Not all postdocs have to end up in academic fields. I will positively recommend this book to my fellow postdocs both from chemistry and other backgrounds. Even if the researcher has a career plan towards academia, it is always better to know the alternative career options.
Dr. Chris Avery is the Manager for Global Climate Assessments at ICF, an international science consulting firm based in Fairfax, VA. Currently, Dr. Avery serves as the Chief of Staff for the National Climate Assessment at the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). He has previously served in various roles throughout the federal government and non-profit sectors. Dr. Avery was a 2011-2012 ACS Congressional Science Policy Fellow, working in the United States Senate, and a 2011 Mirzayan Fellow at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, & Medicine. He received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and a Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Brian J. Walker is a technology manager for the U.S. federal government, and he and his colleagues oversee investments in research and development toward clean energy technologies that benefit all Americans. During his service, Dr. Walker has worked with teams to understand supply chains and energy use, advise on factors driving international competitiveness, and develop research center policy for an organization with an annual budget of over $2 billion. Before government, Dr. Walker held a Herchel Smith fellowship at the University of Cambridge to study the fundamental properties of optical- and electronic materials, as well as their use in devices. He has a Ph.D. from MIT and a B.A. from Cornell University.
