Turning Science into Things People Need: Voices of Scientists Working in Industry

by David Giltner

Can a scientist find a rewarding career in industry? When considering an opportunity to pursue a career in industry, many scientists face real challenges. Here are a few difficult questions they may • What skills do I have that are useful in industry? • How is work in industry different than academia? • Will I enjoy working at a company instead of a research lab? • What do I need to learn in order to be successful in this new environment? • What kind of jobs do scientists hold in the private sector? • Can a scientist become a successful entrepreneur? In this book, ten respected scientists who have built successful careers in industry reveal new insights into how they made the transition from research scientist to industrial scientist or successful entrepreneur, serving as a guide to other scientists seeking to pursue a similar path. From the student preparing to transition into work in industry, to the scientist who is already working for a company, this book will show you how to sell your strengths and lead confidently.

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2010

About the author

David Giltner has spent more than twenty years developing cutting-edge photonics technologies into commercial products in the fields of optical communications, remote sensing, directed energy, and scientific instrumentation. His experience has spanned the corporate spectrum with roles including technical contributor, R&D management, product management, and business development. This broad experience has taught him to function well in both highly technical and business circles where he often plays the role of interpreter between the scientists and the executives. In 2017 he started TurningScience to provide support for scientists of all disciplines seeking to work in the private sector as employees, collaborators, or entrepreneurs.

David is the author of the books Turning Science into Things People Need and It’s a Game, not a Formula and is an internationally recognized speaker and mentor on the topics of technology commercialization, product development, and career design. David has a BS in physics from Truman State University and a PhD in physics from Colorado State University. David holds seven patents in the fields of laser spectroscopy and optical communications.

Reviews

[Hong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a 5th year PhD student in science currently looking for a science / engineering job in industry. It is the relevance that makes me start reading this book.

Despite my intense interest, this book isn't exactly what I am looking for. Roughly speaking, this is a collection of scientists' response to a set of standard questions. No digestion / elaboration / attempt to reach conclusions.

The interviews are too short to allow in-depth discussions. For example, "communication skill" was mentioned multiple times, but what does that exactly entails in the context of scientist' job? Did anyone deliberately sharpen the skill? What about the organization structure of various companies? What about the big trends in industrial R&D?

I do find some nice quotes / book recommendations. I would describe my experience as "a quick read that is not a waste of time".

[Karin Bodewits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you an engineer or physicist and not sure if you want to transition from academia to industry (or become an entrepreneur)? The 10 expert interviews in this book will give you a glimpse into the 'real world'.
This book is not a career guide, but it does give you an idea about transferable skills you might need to transition.
I personally like the interviews with the entrepreneurs. And though this book has been written a while ago (2010), and undergrad curricula (read: the importance of soft skills) is better recognised today in the ivory tower, I do not think the content of the book is outdated.

[Miroslav Purkrábek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short read but not really worth the time. it will just show you that yes, with scientific background you can work in industry. No tips, no details, very perfunctory. I guess people interested in this book already know everything that is said in the book and if not, they will after the first interview or even intro.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A set of mostly PhDs talking about their transitions into industry. Insightful short read.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for my work "book group". Although I am not a scientist or an engineer, I found many of the interviews insightful, especially with regard to career choices, personal drivers, successes and lessons learned by those interviewed.

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspectives from Ph.D. scientists who didn't take the traditional academic path!