Re: Moving into analytical chem

From: Dr Steve (drsteve1971_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 01/30/05 

Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 16:51:41 -0500

Thanks Marvin. I appreciate your advice.

"Marvin" <physchemNOSPAM@cloud9.net> wrote in message
news:10vqci5b87a1n17@corp.supernews.com...
> Dr Steve wrote:
>> I'm curious if anyone else has made this move and what your thoughts
>> were? The environment is great, the potential boss is great, the lab is
>> great, it's just the day-to-day thing which makes me question this
>> position. There would be the possibility of moving within the company
>> either to a group leader position (within 2-3 years - something I want)
>> or moving to another site after 1 year.
>>
>> My background is in surface science with a heavy emphasis on polymers. I
>> am currently workin in product development.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
> Many people in analytical chemistry have degrees in other fields. When I
> was in the Analytical Chemistry Division of the National Bureau of
> Standards (1957-1969), I noticed that about half of the Division staff had
> degrees in physics. My Ph.D. is in physical chemistry.
>
> What I enjoyed most in analytical chemistry was that it is about problem
> solving. And the problems may have large financial consequences; for
> example when the production process has stopped giving the usual quality
> of product. To do the job well, you should have a diversity of interests,
> a willingness to learn new things, and the ability to apply your knowledge
> in new situations. It was my practice, when someone brought in a sample
> to be analyzed, to ask some questions about the reason he wanted the
> analysis done. I remember a couple of times when I was able to solve a
> problem without having to do an analysis, by applying my knowledge of a
> related topic.
>
> If that kind of challenge appeals to you, take the opportunity.