Lab physicist writes the book on how to put your science to work
Graduate students and recent Ph.D.s in a wide range of sciences recently
crowded into a large lecture room at the American Geophysical Union’s
meeting in San Francisco to get some advice on a topic of increasing concern:
What are my career options? The person they had come to hear was Peter
Fiske, author of the just-published "Put Your Science to Work: The
Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists" (2001 AGU).
"Career development remains a primary issue for young scientists,"
said Fiske. "In one survey we conducted of young AGU members, we
found that concern about the job market was the number one most cited
reason why some students had considered leaving graduate school. It’s
an important issue not only for young scientists, but for the health of
the discipline as a whole."
Fiske, a physicist working in the Physics and Advanced Technologies Directorate,
is something of a guru for young science graduates seeking interesting
careers, thanks to a previous career guide, "To Boldly Go" (1996
AGU).
"This book is unusual in that it’s written by a scientist, for
scientists. I’ve revised just about the whole thing," he commented.
"The situation is vastly better than it was just five years ago.
The economic boom has been largely technology driven," he continued.
"This technology-based economy has opened doors every where. Scientists
are now highly sought after, whereas before we were sort of the Quasimodos
of the employment scene."
But, he adds, "universities and Ph.D. programs are still not providing
the sort of information and guidance newly minted Ph.D.s need to hit the
ground running. I want to point out all the options and get scientists
thinking more broadly about their own futures."
Science graduates are now in demand in a variety of fields, including
business, industry, journalism, government, and congressional staffs,
Fiske notes in his new book. But many students believe that their advisers
consider inquiries in such directions as tantamount to treason.
"I respond that students need to understand that they are in charge
of their training and their professional development" said Fiske.
"While an adviser can provide a stimulating and nurturing environment
in which to do research, the student ultimately must chart his or her
own direction. Most often, students are overly nervous about discussing
career issues with their adviser. Just because advisers are unfamiliar
with other career paths does not mean that they are hostile."
In Fiske’s view, the best approach for a young scientist is to explore
all career options by devoting a small portion of every work week to exploring
new areas and by building an active professional network. That is what
"Put Your Science to Work" is intended to facilitate. It provides
advice from potential role models in a variety of scientific fields and
professions, along with suggestions for learning about good job openings
in unexpected places, writing winning resumes, successful interview techniques,
and many other elements of the job search.
"I’ve gotten some great feedback. There’s been interesting
discussion and the book is selling briskly," Fiske said.
For more information on the book, see the AGU Website,
http://www.agu.org/careerguide
,
or e-mail Fiske at
%20fiske1 [at] llnl.gov (
fiske1[at]llnl[dot]gov
)
.