Career Development for Scientists

Relocation Tool

Lisa Balbes — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:51:35 +0000

A new web tool was just released for those thinking about relocating. Upwardly Mobile will suggest other cities that are similar to the one in which you currently live. If you want or need to relocate, this might help you figure out where else to start looking.

ACS Career Blog

Lisa Balbes — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:55:55 +0000

If you’re looking for my more recent articles, check out the ACS Careers Blog. I post about twice a month there, and that’s taking most of my blogging times these days.

All Quiet on the Blog Front

Lisa Balbes — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:04:20 +0000

You’ve probably noticed I haven’t posted here in awhile. I do still write and lecture on career development for scientists, but most of my postings now are on twitter - http://twitter.com/balbes/ . Follow me there for links to interesting articles, as we all navigate the ever-changing landscape of scientific employment.

Contracting vs “Permanent” Positions

Lisa Balbes — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:09:06 +0000

There’s a great blog article on one person’s experience of the difference between working as a chemical contractor and working in a “permanent” job. Check it out - Life as a chemical contractor.

You Have to Earn the Liz

Lisa Balbes — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:45:28 +0000

Another blog post over on the ACS Careers Blog (seems that’s all I have time to write for these days!). This one has my favorite title ever – You Have to Earn the Liz.

Tips for Telephone Interviews

Lisa Balbes — Fri, 13 May 2011 22:19:26 +0000

In some ways, telephone interviews are harder than in-person interviews, because you have to both read the interviewer, and shine yourself, without visual cues. A few of my tips for telephone interviews are now online on the ACS Careers blog.

Project Management

Lisa Balbes — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:33:22 +0000

Another nontraditional career that I see many scientists moving into is project management. After all, anyone who made it through graduate school managed at least their own reasearch project – time, materials, and people needed to get the job done. Just Another Electron Pusher has a great article on one chemist’s journey from the bench to project management. Check it out!

Project management as a bridge between roles in science and business

Profile of a Medical Writer

Lisa Balbes — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:27:45 +0000

There’s a great professional profile of a medical writer Kelly Keating, writting by Just Another Electron Pusher that just appeared online - A chemist’s journey through academia, government, industry, and into medical writing .

Another great example of someone who wasn’t afraid to learn new things, take advantage of opportunities, and ended up somplace completely unexpected, but wonderful.

Interview Process for Apple Stores

Lisa Balbes — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:58:11 +0000

There’s a great article over at Cult of Mac that describes, in detail, the interview process is like for a job at an Apple Store. It’s a great inside look at how the interview process works, and what it takes to make it past each stage.

Check it out!

Mickey Mouse Chemistry

Lisa Balbes — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:47:48 +0000

There’s a great post over at Just Another Electron Pusher about a chemist who took a different path, and is now working (or playing) every day at Disney. Read all about hos how his chemisry background got him in the door, and has sustained him through a fabulous career as an Imagineer. Check it out!

Profile: Alfredo M. Ayala Jr., Disney Imagineer