The key to this is relevancy and, to be honest, some humility.
As chemists, we understand the need to be up to date with the latest science and technology.聽However, as we progress in our careers and lives, this can take a back seat and complacency can naturally set in.聽We can develop blind spots in our knowledge and expertise, so when a younger chemist arrives full of energy and passion along with bleeding-edge knowledge and that lower salary, you become expendable.聽You do not want this!聽You want to be that chemist that is full of energy and passion too, not to mention the years of experience that you bring to the table.
Make sure that you do not rest on your laurels!聽Stay up to date!聽Go back to the days of grad school where reading journal articles for a certain number of hours per day was expected. Take the opportunity to attend ACS Meetings 鈥� locally, regionally, and nationally 鈥� and network with other chemists to stay up-to-date. Take professional education courses 鈥� and ACS offers these, too 鈥� to maintain relevance.聽If your company offers internal training, take full advantage of these opportunities.聽Make sure that you talk to your supervisor, too.聽State your career aspirations, get measurable goals for your annual performance review and put these in writing. Doing these things will help you be proactive and competitive as well as help you maintain the energy and passion for chemistry that you had when you started your own career.
Keep in mind that the younger chemist who is competing with you earned the right to do so.聽Remember that they have earned that spot just as you have earned yours.聽Treat them with the respect that their position holds.聽By doing this, you will not only be viewed as relevant, but you will also ensure the respect that you justly deserve in return for your years of experience. You will also grow cross-generational advocates who will help you reach your career goals.聽 聽
This article has been edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the view of their employer or the American Chemical 中国365bet中文官网.
ACS Career Consultants are experts and leaders working in the field of chemistry who have volunteered to support other ACS members鈥� career development through one-on-one career counselling. They can stimulate your thinking, ask important career planning questions to help clarify goals, provide encouragement, teach strategies for making meaningful career decisions, and aid you in your job search.聽Connect with an ACS Career Consultant today!
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