Nontraditional careers for chemists : new formulas in chemistry / Lisa M. Balbes.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

List of profilees -- Introduction -- 1. Chemistry and communications -- 2. Chemistry and information science -- 3. Chemistry and patents -- 4. Chemistry and sales and marketing -- 5. Chemistry and business development -- 6. Chemistry and regulatory affairs -- 7. Chemistry and public policy -- 8. Chemistry and safety -- 9. Chemistry and people -- 10. Chemistry and computers -- 11. Chemistry and education -- 12. Chemistry and everything else -- Conclusions -- Index.

"Contrary to what some people think, an education and background in chemistry prepares you for much more than just a laboratory career. The broad science education, logical and analytical thinking, research methods, and other professional skills are of value to a wide variety of employers, and are essential for a plethora of positions. In addition, those who are interested in chemistry tend to have some similar personality characteristics, which lead to success in certain types of positions. Realizing these two things opens up a world of possibilities for the professional chemist, and allows the selection of a career path that truly is the best fit for your own personal skills, abilities, and interests.""Each chapter in this book provides background information on a nontraditional field and a variety of positions within that field, including typical tasks, education or training requirements, and personal characteristics that contribute to a successful career. Each chapter also contains detailed profiles of several chemists who have achieved success and personal satisfaction in various types of positions in that field. These interesting and varied career histories explain how these chemists got where they are, details what motivates them, and gives advice for others considering the same path, in both the short and long term.""Specific career fields profiled include communication, chemical information, patents, sales and marketing, business development, regulatory affairs, public policy, safety, human resources, and computers, among others. Along the way you will learn how to seek out and evaluate new career options, so even if none of the careers profiled is right for you, you can continue the exploration on your own until you find the one that is."--Back cover.