Alternative Careers in Science: Leaving the Ivory Tower (Scientific Survival Skills)

Book Description

Many science students find themselves in the midst of graduate school or sitting at a lab bench, and realize that they hate lab work! Even worse is realizing that they may love science, but science (at least academic science) is not providing many job opportunities these days. What's a poor researcher to do !?
This book gives first-hand descriptions of the evolution of a band of hardy scientists out of the lab and into just about every career you can imagine. Researchers from every branch of science found their way into finance, public relations, consulting, business development, journalism, and more - and thrived there! Each author tells their personal story, including descriptions of their career path, a typical day, where to find information on their job, opportunities to career growth, and more. This is a must-read for every science major, and everyone who is looking for a way to break out of their career rut.

* An insider's look at the wide range of job opportunities for scientists yearning to leave the lab
* First-person stories from researchers who successfully made the leap from science into finance, journalism, law, public policy, and more.
* Tips on how to track down and get that job in a new industry
* Typical day scenarios for each career track
* List of resources (websites, associations, etc.) to help you in your search
* Completely revised, this latest edition includes six entirely new chapters

Customer Reviews:

Great reference book!.......2007-05-04

This book is a great source of information for graduate students and PhD's! I am currently a graduate student finishing up my thesis work in biomedical sciences. I decided that academia is not where I want to spend my future yet felt that I really did not know what other choices I had available that did not require yet another degree. There are far more career options available than I could have imagined on my own! I like that each career has a detailed description of a 'typical day' and what characteristics a person needs for each career. Also, each career alternative describes to varying degrees how we can start on those career paths. For the most part we can't expect to head our own venture capital firm or lead a business development team in a major pharmaceutical company after graduation. But we can certainly learn how best to go about getting to that stage at some point because the book describes what job skills are needed for each profession.

For those of us who like to do a little job searching in our spare time, a lot of chapters include websites where jobs are posted. This is a great source to find out what entry level positions are available for people looking to get out of the lab. Probably one of the most important things is I have learned from reading this book is that I have acquired a much bigger skill set than just how to do bench work. This book by no means informs us how to land the jobs we desire, but it is truely a great reference manual for those of us who are clueless about life outside of academia.

good overview.......2007-01-10

I am a postdoc searching for a new career to get into. Even though I love science I am tired about the politics and grant situations that get worse and worse. I bought this book and read it. Even though it of course does not cover all possibilities it gives you some good new ideas of what you could look into. It is written by people who actually did the step to leave science. Most of them describe you briefly what their way was like, give you some information on what their current job is like in comparison to their former science job (the pros and cons), describe an average workday and finally give you some information on how you could get there. Those chapters are great. But there are also some chapters in which the authors used the space to point out how great of a person they are and how they succeeded because of luck and courrage. Those chapters are less useful because they don't give you any information of how YOU could try to get to a similar position. However, they do show that life isn't over when you quit science. There are tons of possibilities out there waiting to be found by you. In summary: definetely a book to read if you are trying to decide if you want to stay in or leave science...

outdated already.......2006-05-31

The work environment for scientists changes quickly, and the path to changing careers changes as well. This book has been written by people who changed careers YEARS ago -- when minimal skill sets were sufficient to change careers. Learning how to use a word-processor in the 1980s was apparently enough to land you a job in writing or law. Knowing a bit of biology and how to use a computer was enough to get you into the field bioinformatics. Not anymore! This book offers little advice for what a competitive job market is like today, how and where to find employment, and what skills to acquire to take the plunge from lab to a different career.

This book changed my working life for the better........2003-02-08

As a recent Biology Ph.D. graduate, I am fortunate to have found this book about 1 year before graduation. I have always enjoyed biology, but my heart was just not in research, poring over the same project and data, day in and day out, 50 hours a week. Biology Ph.D.'s are, unfortunately, trained with tunnel vision in terms of career development. You are lead down a research path, and graduation represents a fork in the road: You can choose a life of academia following your mandatory postdocs, or you can immediately enter industry, following your mandatory postdocs.
For those who don't know, a postdoc is a type of internship following your graduation. You are the personal Igor for the head of the lab (usually a professor at a university or medical school). Hours are typically 6 days a week, 60 hours minimum, and earns about $35,000. You work on at lest 2-3 projects for the lab, and are expected to assist in training the new graduate students as well. In addition, you are expected to find your own grant money.
After the extreme stress of graduate work had been completed, call me crazy, but I decided an increase in stress was not what I wanted. Don't get me wrong; for those who love research, this is heaven, but not for me.
A year prior to graduation, I found this book. In my multiple years of study, no one had ever mentioned a sentence about any of the career options mentioned here, ALL of which were accessible to a Ph.D. student. About two dozen career options are mentioned here, from clinical research, to broadcast journalism, to sales...lots. Every career is discussed in detail from a personal account of someone who actually works in the field. Everything is discussed, from salary, hours, a typical day, to extra training and advancement opportunities.
This book did nothing short of change my career outlook from a pessimistic view of my science career to a wonderful new career in medical writing...earning twice as much as the postdoc I quit after one week. (If this doesn't appeal to you, there are plenty of other choices in this book.)
The book does not discuss EVERY option. The job I have now was not mentioned initially in the book. However, it opened my eyes, and got me started in this path. Spend the cash and buy it. Consider it a cheaper version of going to a great career counselor....or a psychiatrist.

All in all, a good reference.......2001-06-19

All in all, this book is a valuable reference for those pursuing biology and NOT intending to get an MD or to slave away for minimal pay at an academic lab bench. The 23 stories presented in this book are clear, concise, and candid. It's very refreshing to know that there really is an answer to the question, "If you're not pre-med, what are you going to do with a biology degree?" My only complaint is that all of the people who discuss their careers in the book already have advanced degrees (such as PhDs or MDs). I am still pursuing my undergraduate biology degree and have no desire to obtain advanced degrees that I won't really need! If the book were perfect, it would offer more direction to undergraduates on how to go about getting into these "alternative" career fields.

Alternative Careers in Science : Leaving the Ivory Tower

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Alternative Careers in Science : Leaving the Ivory Tower
Cynthia (EDT) Robbins-Roth
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHRCMI

Book Description

Work-related illness and injury is costing organisations in the UK up to £18 billion per year. As employers have statutory duties under both the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 with regard to occupational health, it is essential that they are aware of their duties and the legal requirements.

Tolleys Guide to Managing Employee Health is designed for all those responsible for managing the health of employees and gives comprehensive guidance on how to set up and manage an employee health strategy. It clarifies the duties outlined by law so the employer can feel confident they are complying with the latest legislation.

It includes comprehensive guidance on how to manage the risk to employee health in your organization and, more specifically, how to conduct risk assessments.

Also covered are topical issues such as:
* Sick Building Syndrome
* Alcohol and Drugs
* Asbestos
* Stress
* Violence in the Workplace
* RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
* Legionellosis

Guidance on sensitive issues such as long-term sickness and unauthorized workplace absence are also addressed, enabling the manager to act with confidence.

Each chapter includes a full discussion on the subject matter in hand, complete with relevant checklists so you can ensure that your own employee health strategy is being monitored and managed in the most effective way, whilst always complying with the law.

* Provides guidance on sensitive issues such as long-term sickness and unauthorized workplace absence

* Each chapter includes checklists to ensure compliance with the law.

Tolley's Guide to Managing Employee Health 2002

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Tolley's Guide to Managing Employee Health 2002

Manufacturer: Tolley Publishing Co Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Non-US Legal Systems | Perspectives on Law | Law | Subjects | Books

Safety & Health | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0754512495

Book Description

The potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change is one factor driving agricultural policy development of programs that might pay farmers for practices with a high potential to sequester carbon. With chapters by economists, policy makers, farmers, land managers, energy company representatives, and soil scientists, Agricultural Practices and Policies for Carbon Sequestration in Soil explores a broad range of topics. It examines topics such as the effects of soil tillage and mulch rate, soil monitoring and assessment, soil fertility management, policy options, and the economic issues associated with carbon sequestration. This volume caps a "series" of books from leading researchers on carbon sequestration in soils by integrating the science with the economic and policy issues surrounding it. It provides agricultural scientists, farmers, and policy makers with innovative and environmentally friendly practices for improved land management and crop production. Agricultural Practices and Policies for Carbon Sequestration in Soil helps to identify strategies that can lead to widespread adoption of management practices that will enhance productivity, the soil carbon pool, and the overall environment.

Book Description

In this volume, the state of the art in geodesy is presented with special emphasis on the challenges of the next decade. It is subdivided into six parts. The first five parts discuss the challenges of providing a stable global reference at the parts per billion level by space methods, the impact of recently approved dedicated satellite missions on the determination of a high resolution global gravity field and its refinements by airborne gravity, advances in geodynamics and their impact on the monitoring of seismic hazards and earthquake prediction, the increasing use of GPS and INS in kinematic mode for mapping the Earth's surface and monitoring the behaviour of large man-made structures, and the related advances in mathematical theory and numerical techniques. The last part is dedicated to the discussion of a new structure for IAG to meet these challenges.

Average customer rating:

good theory and practice book

Great book for Iaido beginner students

Important classic

Still the best book for ZNKR Iaido kata .

Not practical

Japanese Swordsmanship: Technique And Practice
Donn F. Draeger
Manufacturer: Weatherhill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Practice Drills for Japanese Swordsmanship

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Bokken (Literary Links to the Orient)

ASIN: 0834802368
Release Date: 1982-05-01

Book Description

This book offers a wonderful introduction to the martial artist who has been exposed to limited swordplay in a martial arts class and wants to continue learning separately. Illustrations and explanations of the moves and forms help readers fully learn each lesson.

Customer Reviews:

good theory and practice book.......2005-09-02

This book gives a nice overview. It has history and practice.
Is all illustraded with good pictures. The techniques and the katas are good to follow. This is a real must for everybody who practice and want to practice Iado.

Great book for Iaido beginner students.......2005-06-14

Hello, I enjoyed the book very much and I been practicing Iaido at my dojo for 3 months and I think it is a great Art. I agree with most of the reviews below and I would like to know if any of you iaido students would recomend any good tapes/dvd on the subject (being able to see in detail how is done would be a grat help) as Magellan mentioned in his review but unfortunately there was no link or name of any tapes. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. thanks neokanobiATyahooDOTcom

Important classic.......2003-06-16

Although a little outdated as the book now has only 10 of the 12 new Setei kata, which were added after the book was published, this is still an essential classic on the history and practice of Iaido. If you need info on the katas and practical techniques, however, there are better sources these days than a book--such as the many videos that are often available used for less than the price of this book new--so if it's that's what you're interested in, I would refer you to those. However, for an in-depth study of the history of the Japanese sword, the different styles and periods of craftsmanship and how they differ, the practical aspects of sword making, and many of the other cultural aspects surrounding the practice of the Japanese sword, and so on, Draeger's book is still the best one I know out there.

I did have one other comment to make. Draeger comments that, especially since WWII, as a result of various changes in the teaching curriculum of Iaido it has become a more formalized, aesthetic art and has lost touch with the original combative, samurai aspect of the art. While I certainly respect Draeger, and his redoubtable skill, knowledge, and opinions in many arts, I would point out that this problem isn't unique to Iaido. It's a problem with all the martial and combative arts of both the east and west.

For example, students of karate have the same problem. A student, even a skilled black belt, can do all the point sparring he wants, but unless he actually puts on the full-contact gear and risks getting his head bashed in, he isn't subjecting himself to the ultimate combative aspect of his art, either. So the problem isn't unique to Iaido. So although I respect Draeger and understand that his concern is genuine and arises from that fact that he's a sincere, hard-nosed traditionalist on this issue, I would point out that it's not really practical to do this anymore.

The samurai of old practiced and trained in the discipline of Iaido in the dojo because their lives depended on it, and then their skills were ultimately tested and forged on the crucible of the battlefield and in individual duels and combat. As I said, this is no longer the case and is no longer practical, either. So although I might agree with Draeger that perhaps something has been lost, nevertheless, unless one is proposing to recreate much more realistic but impractical sparring practices I don't see any remedy for the situation.

So overall, a fine book on learning about this fascinating art.

Still the best book for ZNKR Iaido kata ........2002-10-04

My Sensei recommended this book and the recommendation holds true 20 years after it was published. It is now outdated as it only has the first 10 of the now 12 Seite kata of the ZNKR(All Japan Kendo Federation). These kata are used around the world as a standard for grading no matter what ryu (school) you study. But the rest of the book is timeless!

This book is for the study of Iaido. If you want to learn what that is, buy this book. It includes chapters on tradation and history vital for an understanding of the practice of Iaido. It should be used as a supplement to study with a qualified Sensei.

Not practical.......2002-05-02

The book title and description imply that the text contains mostly actual techniques used by Japanese swordsmen. In reality, the book is 70% about the history of Japanese swords, 20% about the customs relating to swords, and 10% technique and practice. It's interesting if you're a museum curator or historian, but for the person looking for an introduction to the art of sword handling, it's really not useful.

Book Description

Originally intended by Professor Frederic M. Wheelock as a sequel to Wheelock's Latin, his classic introductory Latin textbook, Wheelock's Latin Reader, newly revised and updated by Richard A. LaFleur, is the ideal text for any intermediate-level Latin course. You'll find a rich selection of of prose and poetry from a wide range of classical authors, as well as briefer passages from medieval and Late Latin writers, each presented in the Latin in which it was originally written. Useful features include extensive notes; a complete Latin-English vocabulary; maps of ancient Italy, Greece, and the Roman Empire; and numerous photographs illustrating aspects of classical culture, mythology, and history featured in the readings.

Customer Reviews:

A Bit flawed.......2007-06-23

This is a genuine Latin reader. However, it is extremely difficult to use. After completing the Wheelock course, you cannot read Latin. You can translate it. Plunging yourself into Cicero's Varrine Orations is not a good way to make the transition to real Latin. There is too much of a gap here. Furthermore, the side notes, which include some vocabulry, omit macrons for NO REASON. I understand why the actual text does, but the fact that the side notes omit vocabulary makes absolutely NO SENSE. Instead, you have to look it up at the book's end, which is annoying.

This is for use AFTER Wheelock's Latin.......2007-03-11

I will revise this review after I read the book, but please note that this is meant to be used AFTER Wheelock's Latin, not simultaneously with it. For simultaneous use, see 38 Latin Stories Designed to Accompany Frederic M. Wheelock's Latin.

Great Book.......2007-01-13

Excellent for those of you hoping to be able to read the Latin Classics. My son is using this as an optional reader, but there is a whole curriculum with Wheelock.

A terrific Latin reader.......2007-01-09

A great way to get a sampler of Latin literature throughout time, from Ciceron, to the Vulgata all the way up to medieval Latin and the Carmina Burana. Good to learn vocabulary, even for a beginner.

Excellent.......2004-06-23

This is an excellent intermediate reader. The selections (From Cicero, Livy, Ovid, Pliny and various Medieval sources, including the Vulgate) are quite long, so one gets a feel for the style of each author. The readings are all engaging, the four selections from Ovid in particular.
There is a complete vocabulary list in the back, and there are facing-page notes that gloss less common words or forms or provide grammatical or historical information. The level of help feels just about right--sufficient, but hands-off enough to allow the student to take the initiative.
Incidentally, some of the reviewers here seem to have the original Wheelock's Latin in mind. This book, again, is a reader, suited to those who have completed that beginning Latin book or its equivalent.

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Shadow Across the Sun
Betty Swinford
Manufacturer: Moody
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000E4UUY8

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Shadow Across the Sun
Margaret Campbell
Manufacturer: Lothian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0734402627

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Shadows Across the Sun
Albert Anatolevich Likhanov
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0060238690

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Shadows Across the Sun
Josephine Chia
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1413763952

Book Description

Shadows Across the Sun explores the concept of mothering and what it means to be a mother. It also looks at relationships and the validity of past memories. Kim Hiok, formerly a Singaporean, lives in England and is middle-aged. In the opening chapter, her son, Peter, whom she abandoned in her native country, comes to take her back home. He has arrived at an opportune moment when Robert, her English husband, has died suddenly. A mystery is created around the circumstances of Robert's death. The latter is one of the shadows suggested in the title. Other shadows concern Kim Hiok's relationship with her son and her own father. Written in the first-person, Shadows Across the Sun uses emotional and physical distance to trace the path that Kim Hiok takes. This is a bid to suggest the possibility of repeated patterns occurring in one's life illustrated in the novel by repetitive situations that occur.

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Shadows Across the Sun

Manufacturer: Harper & Row, 1977, FIRST ed.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GA71ME

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Shadows Across the Sun
Albert Anatolevich Likhanov
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OA8YHC

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Shadows Across the Sun
Al'bert Anatol'evich Likhanov Albert Anatolevich Likhanov
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OA5MJA

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