More Chemists Becoming Consultants, According To ACS Employment Survey
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More Chemists Becoming Consultants, According To ACS Employment Survey M | F J» hen Mary Funke, head of Wj^/ ACS Career Services, began Τ • looking at the numbers for the 1995 Salary & Employment Comprehen- sive Survey, she found something unex- pected. "Approximately 27,000 ACS members appear to be engaged in some kind of consulting work/ 7 she says, a number as large as the membership of some ACS divisions. The numbers aren't exact, Funke says. She and ACS members interested in the consulting phenomenon are working from data supplied by 53,000 ACS mem- bers—about one-third of the total regu- lar membership—who responded to the 1995 survey. Of that number, 9,174 members indicated that consulting work is at least part of their professional life. Estimating from the one-third total re- sponse, 27,000 members do some amount of consulting work. 'This is benchmark data/' Funke says of the survey results. "We want to ask more refined questions in future surveys. The point is, there is a large contingent out there doing consulting work." She says ACS wants to be re- sponsive to such shifts in workplace trends and member needs that result. In the Philadelphia Section, where the consulting contingent has grown suffi- ciently large, members have started the Chemical Consultants Network (CCN). As the name implies, the network pro- vides members with opportunities to find consulting work, says William C. Golton, one of the founders. Regular net- work meetings, he says, feature work- shops and lectures where members can learn more about operating a successful consulting business. The network ex- tends beyond the Philadelphia Section, drawing chemists and chemical engi- neers from as far north as Princeton, N.J., and as far south as Wilmington, Del. In one year, the membership has blos- somed from about 24 people to more than 100 and is still growing. Typical members, Golton says, are in- dustry retirees around 60 years of age, though he says more 40- to 50-year-old chemistry professionals are showing up in the network's membership ranks. Many members are people who lost jobs or who took some form of early retire- ment or buyout package during recent waves of industry downsizing. "Downsizing has had a huge impact, larger than I thought," says Golton. "Ten years ago, you didn't see [chemistry] professionals out looking for part-time or temporary work." The majority of network members don't earn full-time salaries from consulting work, he adds; they work to supplement other income. Questionnaires for the ACS annual salary and employment survey are not distributed to members who have re- tired. If retired members are factored into the data—something Funke hopes to do in the future—the number of ACS members engaged in consulting work is probably larger, she says. According to the survey, most chem- istry consultants are 40 to 50 years old, have Ph.D. degrees, and work full-time in academe. Industrial chemists make up the next largest group engaged in consulting. People from both groups who hold Ph.D. degrees command hourly fees of $100 or more, according to the survey data. Roger Uhler, a consultant who worked with Career Services staff to de- velop a new ACS publication about ca- reer alternatives for chemists, describes three types of consultants: independent, self-employed consultants; chemistry professionals who work for an estab- lished consulting company; and chem- ists who go to work as temporary hires, usually in research laboratories. Chemists and chemical engineers may become independent consultants at any stage of their careers, Uhler says, but they should be aware of the many de- mands that accompany independent work. Strong interpersonal relations and communications skills are essential, he says. Brevity and clarity in writing are valued by potential clients, along with strong analytical skills. Marketing and networking are also part of the job. Fi- nally, Uhler says, a high degree of self- confidence is required. And all of that may still not be enough, according to Donald J. Berets, a chemist who, after taking early retire- ment from American Cyanamid, helped found the Chemists Group, a private firm in Connecticut that matches chem- ist consultants with employers. Berets is skeptical about whether most chem- ists and chemical engineers—especially those facing unexpected early retire- ment—can earn a full-time living as consultants. "People think of [consulting] because there are low barriers to entry," he says. But it is hard work to run an indepen- dent business and tend to all of the nec- essary, time-consuming activities—such as marketing and accounting. "I think it's a tough way to go," he says, "but some of these fellows can't get full-time job offers at 50 or 60 [years of age]." Golton, Funke, and others are con- vinced that the employment survey and recent activity in local sections like Philadelphia's indicate a sizable popu- lation of chemistry consultants. Many ACS members likely view consulting as a viable career alternative or a source for at least some of their income. Golton says ACS should provide ser- vices and benefits tailored specifically FEBRUARY 26,1996 C&EN 43 ACS NEWS Consultants' rates depend on full-time employer
Transcript of More Chemists Becoming Consultants, According To ACS Employment Survey
More Chemists Becoming Consultants, According To ACS Employment Survey
M | F J» hen Mary Funke, head of W j ^ / ACS Career Services, began
Τ • looking at the numbers for the 1995 Salary & Employment Comprehensive Survey, she found something unexpected. "Approximately 27,000 ACS members appear to be engaged in some kind of consulting work/7 she says, a number as large as the membership of some ACS divisions.
The numbers aren't exact, Funke says. She and ACS members interested in the consulting phenomenon are working from data supplied by 53,000 ACS members—about one-third of the total regular membership—who responded to the 1995 survey. Of that number, 9,174 members indicated that consulting work is at least part of their professional life. Estimating from the one-third total response, 27,000 members do some amount of consulting work.
'This is benchmark data/ ' Funke says of the survey results. "We want to ask more refined questions in future surveys. The point is, there is a large contingent out there doing consulting work." She says ACS wants to be responsive to such shifts in workplace trends and member needs that result.
In the Philadelphia Section, where the consulting contingent has grown sufficiently large, members have started the Chemical Consultants Network (CCN). As the name implies, the network provides members with opportunities to find consulting work, says William C. Golton, one of the founders. Regular network meetings, he says, feature workshops and lectures where members can learn more about operating a successful consulting business. The network extends beyond the Philadelphia Section, drawing chemists and chemical engineers from as far north as Princeton, N.J., and as far south as Wilmington, Del. In one year, the membership has blossomed from about 24 people to more than 100 and is still growing.
Typical members, Golton says, are industry retirees around 60 years of age,
though he says more 40- to 50-year-old chemistry professionals are showing up in the network's membership ranks. Many members are people who lost jobs or who took some form of early retirement or buyout package during recent waves of industry downsizing.
"Downsizing has had a huge impact, larger than I thought," says Golton. "Ten years ago, you didn't see [chemistry] professionals out looking for part-time or temporary work." The majority of network members don't earn full-time salaries from consulting work, he adds; they work to supplement other income.
Questionnaires for the ACS annual salary and employment survey are not distributed to members who have retired. If retired members are factored into the data—something Funke hopes to do in the future—the number of ACS members engaged in consulting work is probably larger, she says.
According to the survey, most chemistry consultants are 40 to 50 years old, have Ph.D. degrees, and work full-time in academe. Industrial chemists make up the next largest group engaged in consulting. People from both groups who hold Ph.D. degrees command hourly fees of $100 or more, according to the survey data.
Roger Uhler, a consultant who worked with Career Services staff to develop a new ACS publication about ca
reer alternatives for chemists, describes three types of consultants: independent, self-employed consultants; chemistry professionals who work for an established consulting company; and chemists who go to work as temporary hires, usually in research laboratories.
Chemists and chemical engineers may become independent consultants at any stage of their careers, Uhler says, but they should be aware of the many demands that accompany independent work. Strong interpersonal relations and communications skills are essential, he says. Brevity and clarity in writing are valued by potential clients, along with strong analytical skills. Marketing and networking are also part of the job. Finally, Uhler says, a high degree of self-confidence is required.
And all of that may still not be enough, according to Donald J. Berets, a chemist who, after taking early retirement from American Cyanamid, helped found the Chemists Group, a private firm in Connecticut that matches chemist consultants with employers. Berets is skeptical about whether most chemists and chemical engineers—especially those facing unexpected early retirement—can earn a full-time living as consultants.
"People think of [consulting] because there are low barriers to entry," he says. But it is hard work to run an independent business and tend to all of the necessary, time-consuming activities—such as marketing and accounting. "I think it's a tough way to go," he says, "but some of these fellows can't get full-time job offers at 50 or 60 [years of age]."
Golton, Funke, and others are convinced that the employment survey and recent activity in local sections like Philadelphia's indicate a sizable population of chemistry consultants. Many ACS members likely view consulting as a viable career alternative or a source for at least some of their income.
Golton says ACS should provide services and benefits tailored specifically
FEBRUARY 26,1996 C&EN 43
ACS NEWS
Consultants' rates depend on full-time employer
ACS NEWS
to members in the consulting business. For example, he would like ACS to offer group liability insurance for consultants—something the society did offer recently but dropped because of a lack of interest.
Funke agrees that ACS should provide career services tailored to consultants. In fact, she says, the society already does so through a variety of programs. But Funke says she also wants
more refined data and information about members in the consulting business to guide her efforts.
Meanwhile, she points out that ACS offers a professional employment data bank in which individuals can flag their résumés for companies searching for consultants. And members who are unemployed and looking for work— including consulting work—may place "situations wanted" ads in C&EN.
As for the rigors of running an independent consulting business, Career Services has created a career-transition workshop tailored for consultants to be premiered at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting in May. Videotapes available from Career Services also provide the kind of instruction and advice Golton describes as the "whole bunch of skills most of us never acquired."
William Schulz
Guide to March local section meetings featuring ACS tour speakers As a service to society members and the public, C&EN pub- persons, consult the alphabetical listing of cities and their lishes from fall to spring monthly guides to ACS tour speak- corresponding local sections along with the topic/speaker er appearances at upcoming meetings. For general informa- key. For additional information, contact the local section, or tion about these events, which are open to all interested the ACS Speaker Service at (202) 872-4613.
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Akron, Ohio 20/TBA Akron Section J. Hermiller, (216) 796-3786
Amarillo, Texas 5/R Panhandle Plains B. Moddeman, (806) 477-4208
Ashland, Ohio Wooster R. Kriens, (419) 289-5268
18/Z
Athens, Ga. 14/E Northeast Georgia R. Phillips, (706) 542-1996
Atlanta 13/CC Georgia R. Mullins, (404) 712-5977
Auburn, Ala. 16/CC Auburn P. Melius, (344) 844-6965
Austin 7/S Central Texas B. Struesand, (512) 339-1462
Belton, Texas Heart O' Texas K. Pinney, (817)755-3311
6/L
Beaumont, Texas 14/TBA Sabine-Neches P. Kuehn, (409) 723-4034
Birmingham, Ala. Alabama J. Mays, (205) 934-4747
13/E
Carbondale, III. 6/DD Southern Illinois C. Hinckley, (618)453-6428
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Charlotte, N.C. 13/C Carolina Piedmont T. Freeman, (704) 364-7458
Chattanooga Chattanooga S. Fant, (423) 870-5775
18/H
Cleveland 19/AA Northeastern Ohio S. Lawate, (216)943-1200
Columbia, S.C. 15/F South Carolina T. Stokes, (803) 776-0295
Decatur, III. 7/DD Decatur-Sphngfield D. Harris, (217)421-2285
Duluth, Minn. 14/K Lake Superior J. Nichol, (218)726-6297
Erie, Pa. 22/0 Erie R. Gallivan, (814)454-6770
Eugene, Ore. 8/B Oregon J. Long, (503) 346-2924
Florence, Ala. 19/H Wilson Dam E. Zarate, (205) 386-2540
Grand Forks, N.D. 12/V Red River Valley R. Vanderpool, (701) 795-8416
Green Bay, Wis. 11/A Northeast Wisconsin M. Robinson, (414) 432-4893
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Greenville, S.C. Western Carolinas D. Kahl, (704) 298-3325
14/F
Hastings, Neb. 16/BB Nebraska F. Mattes, (402)461-7466
Hermitage, Pa. 21/AA Penn-Ohio Border D. B. Armitage, (412) 589-2112
High Point, N.C. 20/I Central North Carolina W. Painter, (910)841-9254
Joplin, Mo. 14/TBA Mo-Kan-Ok A. Bednekoff, (316) 235-4750
Kansas City, Mo. 19/TBA Kansas City E. Parente, (816)966-7138
Kingsport, Tenn. 12/F Northeast Tennessee J. Sanders, (423) 229-8372
Knoxville East Tennessee A. Hazari, (423)974-1065
11/F
Lake Charles, La. 13/M Southwest Louisiana W. Orloski, (318)491-4697
Lakeland, Fia. 12/N Lakeland Subsection T. Montanari, (941)956-1151
Long view, Texas 11/U East Texas J. Archer, (903)572-1911
Meeting city Date (March) Local section Topic code
Lubbock, Texas South Plains D. Birney, (806) 742-3063
4/S
McKenzie, Tenn. 20/H Kentucky Lake M. Applequist, (901) 597-7456
Manhattan, Kan. 18/T Kansas State University L. Seitz, (913)776-2735
Memphis Memphis D.Miller, (901)448-7529
21/H
Mobile, Ala. 12/E Mobile D. Gaudin, (601)475-6197
Nashville 18/W Nashville W. Talion, (615)269-1000
Northfield, Vt. 21/X Green Mountain L. Butler, (802) 485-2351
Norfolk, Va. 18/1 Hampton Roads G. Grant, (804) 427-7279
Omaha 15/BB Omaha C. Stock, (402) 334-7770
Orono, Maine 22/X Maine A. McDaniel, (207) 778-7368
Pasco, Wash. Richland T. Hubler, (509) 373-0249
7/B
44 FEBRUARY 26,1996 C&EN
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Pensacola, Fia. 11/E Pensacola S. Joardar, (904) 968-8549
Ponça City, Okla. 19/Q North Central Oklahoma W. Sonnichsen, (405) 767-4991
Pullman, Wash. 6/B Washington-Idaho Border N. Natlae, (208) 885-6778
Quincy, III. 8/G Mark Twain S. Lauders, (217)228-5557
Roanoke, Va. 21/1 Virginia Blue Ridge D. Derringer, (540) 362-7433
Rolla, Mo. 5/DD South Central Missouri M. Van de Mark, (314) 341-4419
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
San Diego San Diego S. White, (619)550-7662
6/Y
San Juan, P.R. 11/J Puerto Rico C. Cabrera, (809) 764-0000
Santa Fe, N.M. 8/Y Central New Mexico M. Coumoyer, (505) 665-5825
Seattle 4/D Puget Sound T. Griffith, (206) 527-3747
Shreveport, La. 12/P Northwest Louisiana A.Abbott, (318)797-5227
Sioux Falls, S.D. 14/V Sioux Valley J. Elbert, (605) 688-6274
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Springfield, Mo. 4/G Ozark A. Gordon, (417) 836-5826
Spokane, Wash. 5/B Inland Northwest J. Rahn, (509) 359-6069
St. Petersburg, Fia. 14/J Tampa S. Miller, (813)572-4000
Stevens Point, Wis. 12/EE Central Wisconsin D. Schowalter, (715) 346-3708
Tampa, Fia. 13/J Tampa S. Miller, (813)572-4000
Tempe, Ariz. 7/Y Central Arizona O. Yaghi, (602) 965-0057
Meeting city Local section
Date (March) Topic code
Tulsa 20/Q Tulsa M. Sukkar, (918) 749-6146
Weatherford, Okla. 21/Q Oklahoma S. Burchett, (405) 774-3120
Wichita, Kan. 19/TBA Wichita M. Zandler, (316)689-3120
Wilson, N.C. 18/1 Eastern North Carolina T. Dean, (929)237-4175
Winona, Minn. 13/A LaCrosse-Winona J. Allen, (507) 895-2520
Worcester, Mass. 19/X Central Massachusetts D. Mierke, (508) 793-7220
Topic/Speaker Key
A. Alternative Approach to General Chemistry: Teaching It Inside-Out, Upside-Down, and Backward. J. Fortman, Wright State U
B. Amber: Real and Fake. A. Shedrinsky, Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts
C. Application of Capillary Electrophoresis to Proteins. E. Blossey, Rollins C
D. Application of Pyrolysis Gas Chromotography to the Materials of Art and Archaeology. A. Shedrinksy
E. Applications of Biopolymers. J. BeMiller, Purdue U
F. Applications of Polymeric Reagents and Reactions. E. Blossey
G. An Approach to Anti-Alzheimer's Therapeutics: Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase. N. Heindel, Lehigh U
H. Caves and Caving: Speleology, An Introduction. J. Mar-quart, Eastern Illinois U
I. Chemical Magic from the Grocery Store—Dispel Chemopho-bia. A. Sae, Eastern New Mexico U
J. Chemistry of Wine. J. E. Simpson, California State Polytechnic U
K. College Chemistry Course Looking at the World About Us. J. Fortman
L. The Constructionist: Theory of Knowledge. G. Bodner, Purdue U
M. Contamination of an Aquifer by Hazardous Waste: A Case Study. T. Spittler, Environmental Protection Agency
N. Cooperative Education and Industrial Chemistry. J. E. Simpson
O. Corrosion and Its Control. N. Hackerman, Welch Foundation
P. Creative Problem Solving in Research. T. Spittler
Q. Discovery of the Elements. J. Marshall, U of North Texas
R. Eternal Verities: How Research in Learning Can Improve the Way We Teach. G. Bodner
S. Ethics in Science. G. Bodner
T. Is Genetic Engineering a Fit Topic for Real Chemists and Engineers? P. Reilly, Iowa State U
U. Groundwater Protection—A Problem Whose Time Has Come. T. Spittler
V. Making Organic Magnets: Design Themes and Schemes. C. Trindle, U of Virginia
W. Money Motivates. C. Schrader, Summit County Schools
X. Phenolics in Spices: Flavorants and Anticarcinogens. C. Fisher
Y. Renaissance Chemistry and Violin Making in Cremora, Italy. J. Nagyvary, Texas A&M U
Z. Science Education—What Is It? Who Needs It? N. Hackerman
AA. Science in the Service of Society. N. Hackerman
BB. Symmetry in Science and Art. C. Trindle
CC. Those Wonderful, Useful Carbohydrates. J. BeMiller
DD. Tinctures, Tonics, and Patent Medicines: A History of Commercialized Quackery. N. Heindel
EE. Why and How to do Fires, Explosions, and Other Pyrotechnic Demonstrations. J. Fortman
TBA.To Be Announced.
FEBRUARY 26,1996 C&EN 45
ACS NEWS
Other local section meetings in March For further information about any of the following events, call the local section contacts at the telephone numbers given.
Meeting city Local section
Meeting site Date/time Topic/spea/cetfaffiliation
Contact Telephone No.
Philadelphia Philadelphia
Chicago Chicago
U of Pennsylvania 14/6 PM
Holiday Inn—Evanston 15/7:30 PM
Biomolecular Dynamics Explored by Nuclear L. Harper Magnetic Resonance, Richard R. Ernst, Eid- (215)382-1589 genossische Technical University, Zurich
Halocarbons and Stratospheric Ozone Deple- R. Sykstus tion, F. Sherwood Rowland, U of California, Irvine (847) 647-8405
Changes in analytical reagents specifications At its last meeting, the American Chemical Society Committee on Analytical Reagents approved the following changes for the 8th edition of "Reagent Chemicals: ACS Specifications":
For Ammonium Thiocyanate (page 154), in the assay, drop the statement that begins on line seven "and chill in an ice bath approximately 10 °C or lower."
For Magnesium Sulfate (page 447), in the table, correct the flame type for Na to A/A. Also, change the sample weight for Sr to 2 g and the "Standard Added (mg)" to .10 and .20.
For N-(l-Naphthyl) ethylenedia-mine Dihydrochloride (page 487), drop the assay.
For Picric Acid (page 530), change
the water requirement to >30%. For Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate
(page 569), for the Iron test, use Method 2. Also, use 2 g, dissolve in 30 mL of water, and dilute to 50 mL.
For Potassium Phosphate. Monobasic (pages 597-598), change the "Loss on drying over sulfuric acid" requirement and test to "Loss on drying at 105 °C." Change the procedure to "Weigh accurately about 2 g and dry for 2 hours at 105 °C" Π
MEETINGS
Papers for 28th Central Regional Meeting The'28th ACS Central Regional Meeting will be hosted by the Dayton Section on June 9-12, Dayton, Ohio, at the Dayton Convention Center and the Stouffer Center Plaza Hotel.
Education, undergraduate research, and all areas of chemistry will be represented in the general sessions. Speakers are invited to participate in the following symposia: 200 Years of Chemistry in Dayton; Chemistry in Solution; Electronic and Optical Polymers; Halon Thermochemistry and Kinetics; Industrial Chemistry; interfacing Chemistry and Toxicology; Materials by Design: Nano-hybrids, Self-Assembled Films, and Liquid Crystal Polymers; Materials for Aerospace; Metal-Hydrogen Systems; Modeling of Charge Carriers and Transport in Organic Materials; Molecular Modeling of Polymers; Modern Methodologies in Organic Chemistry; Photochemistry and Photophysics; Pre-College Chemical Education; Structure and Dynamics at Fluid Interfaces; a symposium honoring D. H. Busch; Technol
ogy Transfer in Small Business; and an undergraduate symposium.
The abstract deadline for this meeting was Jan. 31, but space may still be available in some of the symposia. To submit an abstract, contact David Johnson; phone (513) 229-2947, or e-mail: [email protected]; or Ruth Patcher; phone (513) 255-6671, ext. 3158, or e-mail: [email protected]. af.mil.
Special events during the meeting will
include a scientific and technical exposition of equipment, instruments, and publications.
For further information, exhibitors should contact Tom Cooper, WL/ MLPJ, Bldg. 651; 3005 Ρ St., Ste. 1; WPAFB, Ohio 45433-7702; phone (513) 255-6671, ext. 3155, e-mail: coopertm@ ml.wpafb.af.mil. For general meeting information contact Sam Sinha, P. O. Box 292405, Dayton, Ohio 45429-2405; phone (513) 435-7632. Π
32nd Western Regional Meeting call for papers The ACS Santa Clara Valley Section and the Northern California Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy will host the 32nd ACS Western Regional Meeting, Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in San Francisco at the Cathedral Hotel. The meeting will focus on applied spectroscopy .
Papers are being solicited for general and specific topic sessions covering most areas of chemistry and spectroscopy. The deadline to submit a 150-200 word abstract is May 1. Poster sessions will also be available. Papers with an emphasis on applied problems will be given special consideration. Abstracts may be submitted by
mail, fax, e-mail, or 3^-inch computer disk. Disk and e-mail submissions must be ASCII text, Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect formats. Submissions should be sent to David Nehrkorn, Surface Science Laboratories, 1206 Charleston Rd., Mountain View, Calif. 94043; fax (415) 343-0870, e-mail: [email protected]; or Silvio Rodriguez, Chemistry Department, University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif. 95211; fax (209) 946-2607, e-mail: [email protected]. Forms are available on the ACS Web site http://www.acs. org/ and hard copies are available from the program chairmen. •
46 FEBRUARY 26,1996 C&EN
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