Customer Reviews

Career Management for Scientists and Engineers (American Chemical Society Publication)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Obviously, the job market isn't what it once was, but even when the economy recovers, the days of getting hired out of college and being set for life are gone. And yet, people still cling to that idea. John Borchardt had great insight on the field, and he was very helpful when a scientist in my family was unemployed.

Scientists and engineers are indeed a breed apart, and not just in their own minds. They should at least try to find to find a career -- or careers -- and not just a job. In this book, John Borchardt, an experienced chemist and technical writer, describes career management for this breed of professionals. Not only are individual skills and values discussed, but interaction of the individual with the work team, the organization, and the profession are treated as well. Use of computer technology and Net/Web resources are stressed throughout the book in addition to more traditional basics of all of the topics.

The book is divided into 18 chapters in four sections: Professional Skills, Today's New Working World, Job Hunting, and Back to the Beginning. Each Chpater is well referenced including works by such authors as Peter Drucker and Tom Peters.

Times are changing and the author stresses the need for self-evaluation and adaptability. Job performance may not be the only reason for either career advancement or stagnation, but evaluation and improvement of one's performance sure beats the alternative. I recommned this book to all who are -- or want to be -- in a scientific or technical career.

-- Bob Buntrock