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Advice for emerging professionals

  • 1.  Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-21-2020 13:13

    What advice would you give to someone starting out in materials?



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    Carrie Hawk
    ASM International
    Community Engagement Specialist

    440-338-5497
    carrieh@asminternational.org
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  • 2.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-22-2020 11:26
    That's a great question Carrie.
    There's such a wide variety of roles and potential careers within the Materials Science community that it's a great opportunity to find one that really excites you!
    I'd recommend joining in with ASM and affiliate events - local Chapter meetings and IMAT for instance.  Discover the variety of companies and subject areas, make contacts and talk to people!

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    Michael Keeble
    Buehler a Division of ITW
    Lake Bluff IL
    (847) 393-3645
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  • 3.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-22-2020 11:27
    I would work on getting some hands-on experience in a lab or industrial setting and make sure you like working with "materials" and if possible which materials are the most interesting to you, then focus you studies on those materials, and network at events related to those materials. Also, join a technical society, e.g., ASM, early in your career and commit to sticking with it, attending local and national events, and volunteering within the society. It's amazing how friendly people are when you volunteer to help out and you will make and develop some great networks and relationships.

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    Mark Harper
    Intellectual Property Attorney
    Burris Law, PPLC
    (313) 393-5400
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  • 4.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-23-2020 07:46
    Carrie,
    This is a question that all ASM International members should keep in their minds, whether it be members with established careers or emerging professionals.  Emerging professionals are the future of our organization and those who will continue our career's passion into the future.  There's a lot of room for growth in the field so I am excited to see the interest in developing our emerging members!

    Though I'm still in the process of emerging as a professional within the community I think I can offer a couple pieces of advice for those like me:
    1. Prioritize your development, both professional and personal!  Rarely will anyone else do that for you.
    2. Build and cultivate a strong network inside and outside your field of expertise.  Sometimes that's as simple as introducing yourself to someone you don't know and having a conversation - you never know when that simple contact might be useful down the road.
    These two are just a start, and I'm certain that other members will also provide great advice.

    As an aside, the ASM International Emerging Professionals Committee has been set up to help develop emerging professionals to be future leaders within ASM and to serve the emerging professionals community.  For the emerging professionals reading this, the committee is currently accepting applications (here) - we would love to have you apply!  Along with that, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments about how ASM or the Emerging Professionals Committee can better serve individuals like yourself.

    I look forward to seeing all the other great advice our members have for emerging professionals!

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    Andrew Frerichs
    Materials Scientist
    Co-Chair of ASMI Emerging Professionals Committee
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  • 5.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-27-2020 07:54
    Carrie,

    This is a timeless question and of course there are many great answers as evidenced in the replies above. I would add that an emerging professional must be aware of the vast amount of opportunities within the materials science field and beyond!

    Most in this community are certainly aware of more traditional paths such as working in an industrial plant on materials and processes or as a researcher in a government lab. However, there are a vast amount of other opportunities available outside fo these traditional paths.

    These paths may include opportunities such as:
    1. Consulting (i.e. Exponent on the more technical side or Deloitte on the more business side)
    2. Intellectual Property Attorney/Patent Agent
    3. Congressional fellow (check out the TMS/MRS Congressional Fellowship if you are finishing a PhD and interested here!)
    4. Professional Witness Work
    5. Many, many more...

    The point I would make in summary is that there are numerous opportunities in today's world. As an emerging professional, take the time to look forward 5-10 years to see what job you could see yourself in and do not limit yourself until you find yourself at a place where that vision can become a reality.

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    Jonathan Healy
    Materials Engineer
    Naval Surface Warfare Center - Carderock
    Washington DC
    (716) 487-6245
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  • 6.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-29-2020 07:53
    These are all great answers.  I will say that long ago (pre-Web) when I was starting out with degree in hand, I _still_ didn't know exactly what area I was going to work in as it depended on what jobs were available, who was interviewing at my college, etc.  I was fortunate enough to end up in a job that seemed to fit me very well.  Metallurgy/materials has only broadened since then of course!

    There are some other great comments in this document which is the middle school/high school directed interviews that ASMI is publishing for materials career seekers, of which I was fortunate enough to be selected as an interviewee.

    https://www.asminternational.org/documents/10180/26201529/Career+Discovery+Final.pdf/9b92b9e7-968f-359c-175d-61d0720c4a70  or search at
    https://www.asminternational.org/asm-middle/high-school-membership

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    Paul Tibbals
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  • 7.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-05-2021 10:59
    Here is my advice for someone starting out in materials.
    1. If possible, get a degree in materials engineering.  It will open up more doors and possibilities than a science degree.
    2. Look for a position that involves hands on laboratory or field work to start your career.  This experience will be of benefit throughout your career.
    3. Get involved with failure analysis.  It's an exciting and rewarding field that makes the world a better place.


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    Ronald Parrington
    Director of Industrial Services
    ESI
    MAPLE GROVE MN
    (607) 342-3103
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  • 8.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-06-2021 02:37
    My advice to anyone contemplating their future is always the same: find your passion and embrace every opportunity to learn.

    I am extremely biased because my passion has been in the world of materials, so I agree with Ron that pursuing an education in the field is a good move. So, if you are interested in the science of materials and have an aptitude in engineering, an MSE degree and work in failure analysis (where both Ron and I have our passion) is a good path. However, there are several other paths, both in and out of the MSE arena, that can be equally rewarding.

    The second bit of advice is to find a community in whatever field you pursue. ASM is a community in the materials field that has been invaluable to me. From the mentoring and networking at the local chapter meetings when I was young to the collaborations that I enjoy now (including with Ron Parrington on occasion).

    And finally, don't forget to give back to your to your community. Whether ASM or otherwise, I believe that you will get back more than you give. I know that I have.

    <signature>---
    Larry D. Hanke, P.E. FASM
    Materials Evaluation and Engineering, Inc.</signature>



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  • 9.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-10-2021 14:32

    My advice to someone starting out in the field:

    Maintain the contacts and connections you made up to this point in your career. The materials community is a small one and so you will often find times where you reconnect with someone you met at a past event or engagement. These past interactions can be the spark new collaborations, job opportunities or ideas.

    Periodically skim notable journals in your field for what topics are mentioned beyond those of which are directly in your field. This can lead you to see what topics are of emerging interest and give you ideas on where opportunities exist.

    Share what you are currently working on with other researchers as you will often find commonalities and overlaps with others as well as opportunities for support and input.



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    Abdallah Elsayed
    Assistant Professor
    University of Guelph
    (647) 896-0651
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  • 10.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 08-04-2021 14:58
    Don't be afraid to ask questions and………………… don't be afraid to make mistakes!

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    Stephen Kowalski
    Kowalski Heat Treating
    Cleveland OH
    (216) 631-4411
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  • 11.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 08-05-2021 14:40
    Don't be a jerk, and don't piss people off without a very good reason.   This is a small field and I can probably get a verbal assessment of you with two phone calls or emails to my ASM network if I'm considering interviewing you.    It took me a while as a young engineer to figure out that engineering is a team sport and you win bigger as part of the team.    



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  • 12.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 08-05-2021 09:32

    For the budding materials scientist... remember that every company needs to utilize materials. They are at the core of everything. Stay connected in the materials community and you will go far!



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    James Ritchey
    Innovation Director-Global Services
    Instron
    Norwood MA
    (781) 929-2866
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  • 13.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 08-05-2021 15:47
    I would recommend that as a high school or college student that you take as many laboratory, industrial, or factory tours as possible.  See what technologies excite you and see what manufacturing is all about. Media seems to think that manufacturing is a dirty word, and high school counselors think manufacturing is one step above hauling trash. 
    There are lots on new technologies in manufacturing that did not exist when I started out 35+ years ago.
    I would still recommend that any young materials engineering professionals taking as many plant tours as possible to under stand how things are machined, stamped, heat treated, etc. and manufactured and what types of things they have in the control plans to produce consistent parts and assemblies.  They may track variables that you or your company had not thought about.

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    Patrick Mizik
    ASM Chapter Council District 11 Rep
    Principal Metallurgical Engineer
    Haldex
    pat.mizik@haldex.com
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  • 14.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 08-17-2021 08:03

    My advice would likely be more useful to those considering graduate school. My experience has been focused on continuing my education through a 1-year acceleration program to receive a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering after my bachelors. Based on my experience, I decided that continuing for a Ph.D. was the best choice. The professional relationships that formed and grew during the years had proved to open doors that I never imagined to be possible. My mentors, my peers, the techs shared the weight to achieve our goals in producing quality work and I found that inspirational. I had doubts along the way, but I pushed them aside, and we continued to make progress. My advice is to continue with graduate school if you love research and love to pass the knowledge forward. Achieving a higher education affects more than only you; there's your mentor, the people at home, and undergraduates looking for experience. If you're not sure, then celebrate your accomplishments, move forward and if the "itch" is still there then you can come back.

    For either path you take, remember to be the person you would want to work with.



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    Faith Gantz
    University of North Texas
    Denton TX
    (208) 518-8336
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  • 15.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-02-2022 12:55

    The advise I would give to a materials scientist just starting out would be to join professional communities. To stay in touch with your class mates and don't be shy asking for their advice within their specific working areas. There is always someone in the network who has penetrated the subject and got some "trial and error" knowledge.



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    Niclas Bornegard
    Senior Innovation Enginner
    Swep International Ab
    Landskrona
    46709185572
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  • 16.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-03-2022 08:35
    Watch as many on-line webinars as you can.  Watch the virtual  ASM chapters meetings.  The Brandywine Valley, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toronto, and Detroit chapters have had many good speakers the last 2 years.  Watch your in-line members calendar on ASM Connect.

    Other good technical sources are lab equipment suppliers such as Struers  and Leco.  These are not always pushing new lab equipment.
    The International steel organization, "Steel University" at steeluniversity.org has good general info as well as some pretty focused topics like liquid metal embrittlement (spot welded galvanized auto panels).

    As your technical expertise shifts to new technologies don't be hesitant to take 2-5 day classes at other organizations including AFS for castings, AESF for electroplating, NACE, API, etc.  I had a career shift 25 years ago from aerospace to heavy duty truck.  I went from a Materials Engineering group of 40+ engineers to the only person supporting plastics, elastomers, castings, stampings, coatings, plating, corrosion, and failure analysis. 

    Some of the university's also do some significant continuing education.  I used the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee back then.  These appear to have paused during covid.
     


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    Patrick Mizik
    ASM Chapter Council Secretary & District 11 Rep
    Principal Metallurgical Engineer
    Haldex
    pat.mizik@haldex.com
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  • 17.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-03-2022 18:48
    All the previous suggestions are good.
    I'll like to add, on two levels. First, to be successful (in any field) you need to be good in more than one field. Secondly, your family & social are as important. 


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    Ytzhack Heber
    California Brazing
    Newark CA
    (510) 790-2300
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  • 18.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-07-2022 12:53

    I think emerging professional should understand all aspects of a material and it’s uses before they suggest it to be used on a particular project.

    I have seen many times in my career, that materials people suggest something and find out that it can’t be processed, formed, machined, durable, or heat treated to meet the projects criteria. They need to discuss all of these aspects with various skilled people to make sure things will work the way the need them to.



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    David Carpenter
    President
    Southwest Specialty Heat Treat
    Wytheville VA
    (276) 228-7739
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  • 19.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-08-2022 17:24

    Take risks and be willing (or at least open) to relocate.



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    Josh Hale
    Managing Recruiter
    International Search Partners
    (619) 828-1040
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  • 20.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-13-2022 10:40

    Even though today’s work environment usually leads to assignment overload for people who stand out, look at that as an opportunity and not as a burden.  Getting involved in and experienced at things outside of what you think is your wheelhouse can make you even more valuable, and when you find something new that is of interest, can increase your own satisfaction.

    Case in point: as a new grad with a Metallurgical Engineering degree, I was handed a project to upgrade heat treating furnace control systems. I knew zero about electronics and controls, and struggled to learn on the job.  Forty years later the majority of my effort (and income!) involves the principles that I learned from that project.  If I had stuck with strictly austenite and martensite I would have missed all of that, and would have never known how interesting and enjoyable it would be.



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    Stephen Maus
    Partner
    MetalPro Resources LLC
    Greenwood IN
    3174057047
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  • 21.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-13-2022 16:36
    So true!

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    Josh Hale
    Managing Recruiter
    International Search Partners
    (619) 828-1040
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  • 22.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-14-2022 09:19
    I agree with you,
    I never had a similar type of job in my whole carrier, but wherever I went, I spent extra time in learning new things, specially processing side of it.  It also shows on the resume that you are open to learn new things and be expert at it.


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    Sanjay Kulkarni
    Materials Engineer
    MSSC
    Troy, MI
    248-840-1056
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  • 23.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-15-2022 12:30

    I would encourage Materials Engineers to think through the design aspect of things, as we solve or engineer solutions to materials problems. Embracing design-based thinking will not only help Materials Engineers get a 'bigger picture' of how their work fits into the puzzle but also increases their chances of success in integrating the 'right' materials solutions with practical, workable design.



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    Siva Kumar K G
    Engineer D
    Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technolog
    Trivandrum
    (973) 128-8033
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  • 24.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-15-2022 13:45
    Great advice!

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    Josh Hale
    Managing Recruiter
    International Search Partners
    (619) 828-1040
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  • 25.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-27-2023 08:30

    Be aware that your background will eventually allow you to do ANYTHING!  Be intentional about what you learn.  Don’t waste a minute.  Whether or not it is appreciated by your employer or coworkers, each task you complete can be an opportunity to learn and increase your capability.  Don’t waste it.  Spend a few years exploring the breadth of materials needs and find an area that excites you.  Become a world expert in some specific aspect of this area.

    @Zachary Birky



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    Zachary Birky
    Intellectual Property Transaction Manager
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  • 26.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 01-29-2023 09:34
    Stay with you first position whatever it is for a few years so you become acquainted with what needs to be done as an engineer and what disciplines suit you. At the same time, use any opportunities such as from ASM to get exposure to different disciplines. After that first job, you will naturally find the direction  you want to go in.

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    Aaron Tanzer
    Principal Research Engineer
    University of Dayton Research Institute
    Beavercreek OH
    (407) 247-9557
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  • 27.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-02-2023 15:22

    Always try to understand the context of what you are working on and the system it is used in, and if you don't get the information you need keep asking. Irritation may be negative but the information you get outweighs that.



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    Jeffrey Jones
    Principal engineer
    DNV
    London
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  • 28.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-03-2023 09:57
    In materials, and especially metallurgy, you must look closely at all details. The majority of data found currently on the internet is woefully lacking in detail to be truly useful. Become well founded in all the basic principals and be sure to check all sources of data for bias. The beauty of studying materials is that what you learn today will still be useful many years from now. The fundamentals of materials do not change. Knowledge of materials carries through for your entire career. Always push to learn as much as you can with each project you undertake.

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    David Jones
    Senior Principal Materials Engineer
    Stryker Orthopeadics
    Mahwah NJ
    (914) 469-2958
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  • 29.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-03-2023 16:24

    If I would be in a room of materials professionals I would like to ask the following questions:

     

    -What is the best way to begin to get involved in materials related communities?

    -What is the best way to grow in this amazing materials career?

    -What can we do to support the engaging of new engineers and future engineers

     

     

    I have seen that the materials community needs to grow, I think at least in Mexico we are lack of materials opportunities and knowledge about all the materials universe.

     

    Would be nice to have mentors and more exposure in the world to get engagement from future engineers.



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    Edgar Alonso Herrera Magallanes
    Advanced Engineering Support Specialist
    HONEYWELL INGENIERIA Y TECNOLOGIA AEROESPACIAL
    Chihuahua CHH
    +526144057143
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  • 30.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-06-2023 15:04

    Based on the business I’m in, I would advise all newcomers to open their minds to new technologies and solutions, and to reach out to equipment and solutions providers every couple of years to understand what the new advances are. 

     

    I would also recommend that individuals attend industry tradeshows whenever possible, engage with the solution providers who will help you identify the best solution, and in the long run save you money and time.

     

    Always ask for a demonstration of the solution with your specific specimens and get proof of concept.



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    Neal Bouthot
    Executive Vice President
    Excel Technologies, Inc.
    Enfield CT
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  • 31.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-07-2023 09:05

    Try to find a route via education and experience that allows you to get a good grounding and see different aspects of the professions before deciding to focus in a single area.

     

    Do you want cutting edge focussed research or the continuous change of a production environment?



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    Martin Reeves
    Owner
    fontec-global LLC
    Holland MI
    (616) 635-4283
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  • 32.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-08-2023 09:09

    Be honest, tell the truth.  If you don’t know, say, “I don’t know”. 

     

    At times on the telephone, when I would be trying to help a customer with a problem and found myself talking myself into a corner, I would find a way to extricate myself gracefully from the discussion and say that I’ll try to find an answer in the books on the shelf behind me, and get back to you.



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    Ron Zakrzewski
    Laboratory Manager
    Custom Alloy Sales
    CITY OF INDUSTRY CA
    18189133587
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  • 33.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-09-2023 11:08

    Never work alone, in the beginning of your work in the field always pair yourself with a more experienced colleague.



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    Donato Firrao FASM
    Professor
    Politecnico di Torino
    TORINO
    +393351494032
    Italy
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  • 34.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-10-2023 15:12

    My advice: Be a “sponge” and soak-in all the knowledge, especially pertaining to non-materials-science topics, that you encounter.  I.e. broaden your knowledge base while developing your own specialization.



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    Aashish Rohatgi
    Senior Scientist
    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
    Richland WA
    5093082077
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  • 35.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-15-2023 16:56

    As an experienced professional My sincere advice to all young Material Scientists should not create boundaries. Especially in the field of failure analysis, quite often I have experienced most of the Material Scientists Involve in the analysis only up to their subject stop further investigation. This will not help in an Industrial Metallurgy application. Learning deeply on other related topics will increase knowledge on a particular application this will help you to understand better about the complete parameters. For example, I have a failed Gear which can be a Mechanical failure, Design failure, Application failure, etc. We cannot relate all types of failures to a Metallurgical failure. Further once we Identify as a Metallurgical failure, we have to go deep to understand process failures, process design failures, Material grade failure, etc. which will pin pointedly identify the exact reason for the failure. 

    So Methodical and Deep study ensure that we reach the right point. 



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    SESHUPRASAD RAO
    DIRECTOR
    METEXPERT METALURGICAL CONSULTANCY PVT LTD
    Milpitas CA
    +917829721305
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  • 36.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-17-2023 08:52

    I would recommend mirroring someone for the first couple of year to gain experience.  There are many aspects that are just not covered in textbooks but in the practical experience of materials science.



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    Brian Gbur
    Metallurgist
    AJAX TOCCO Magnethermic
    Warren OH
    (330) 934-0339
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  • 37.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-17-2023 14:29
    1. Make and keep as many professional friends, colleagues and contacts as you can.  The most complicated technical problems require networking and collaboration across many disciplines.
    2. Continuously study and learn or you will become insignificant over time
    3. Get to know products and applications from a design and consumer use perspective.  It's really about the Applications of Materials and not the materials themselves.
    4. Protect the public safety in everything that you do
    5.  Share what you know with others.




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    Rowdy Joseph
    Urbana OH
    937-707-8116
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  • 38.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-19-2023 13:36

    A materials scientist has to primarily look around himself/herself to understand which are the materials around himself and exercise his/her mind in determining how the particular object he/she is looking at was fabricated and if that material the object was made from is the best solution for durability. He/she has to consider the new approach to end-of-life disposal, so that low fabrication costs are not always the best overall solution.

     

    If the young individual rears himself in doing this type of mental exercise, he will gradually acquire a mental agility to tackle difficult problems.

     

    When I was teaching, I always gave real examples to enlighten a Theory. Examples of failures were always the most appreciated.



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    Donato Firrao FASM
    Professor
    Politecnico di Torino
    TORINO
    +393351494032
    Italy
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  • 39.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-21-2023 13:40

    Regarding what advice I would give to a materials scientist just starting out, I would advise them to develop relationships with other materials professionals.  One person can't know everything, so knowing who to talk to when a question comes up that is not in your area of specialization, or who to bounce an idea off of, can be quite helpful. 



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    Roger Turcotte
    Scarborough ME
    (207) 303-0016
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  • 40.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-23-2023 15:15

    Keep updated with emerging materials and processes.

     

    There will be moments where you feel bored in your job (some jobs are like that and you realize it after a few weeks of employment), keeping up with new trends helps to change the jobs in Materials Science field. After all Materials Science is more than a few commercial alloys and materials.

     

    Lately there are more new developments in material processes and materials. It is a continuous on-going process of adding more knowledge to what you have learned in your academic carrier.  

     

    Finally, choose a place where you are good fit, try not to make it fit because an entire process of make your-self fit will ruin your natural talent.



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    Sanjay Kulkarni
    Materials Engineer
    MSSC
    2040 Crooks RD, Suite A
    Troy, MI 48084
    sanjay.kulkarni@msscna.com
    Cell: 248-840-1056
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  • 41.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-24-2023 09:59

    I would advise MatSci newbies to always examine/characterize the microstructure of whatever material they are working with.  The MatSci ‘mantra’ if you will, ‘is the structure determines the properties’, and I can point to numerous examples (particularly in additive manufacturing) where very little, if any, attention is paid to the microstructure that’s present.  Putting it simply, materials ‘remember’ everything that was done during the processing (and that applies to wrought and doubly for AM-processed alloys) and every material is different as a result.  So, not knowing exactly what one has is a recipe for disaster (or worse-- catastrophic failure).  I was taught a long time ago that the first question that should be asked in any failure analysis is, ‘was the material that I’m holding in my hand specified in the original design?’ The answer was that over 90% of the time the answer is ‘no’.  Hence the failure….



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    Mark R. Stoudt, FASM
    Staff Scientist
    National Institute Standards & Technology
    Germantown MD
    (301) 975-6025
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  • 42.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-27-2023 07:49
    Edited by Carrie Hawk 02-27-2023 07:54

    Keep your eyes on the next big technology revolution for which materials will be a/the driver.



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    Hanchen Huang
    Provost
    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
    Dartmouth MA
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  • 43.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 02-27-2023 14:00
    • Create a network of colleagues for bouncing ideas or obtaining information, guidance and help in a variety of subjects or areas.
    • Find a mentor.
    • Never stop studying and learning.
    • Never decide the outcome of an investigation before all the data (or, at least, the most important data) are in.


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    Nassos Lazaridis
    Owner
    NAL Consulting, retired
    Granger IN
    (574) 273-1979
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  • 44.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-02-2023 11:30

    Look for a career not a job. Careers you enjoy. A job you just do.

    When you join a company, look for the area where they spend the most money. That is the area you should strive to work in.

    Tackle large projects in small pieces and with possibility thinking.

    Rely on facts not folklore.

    Change the change that is occurring around you to a positive direction.



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    John Marcin
    Technical Fellow & Associate Director, Global Supply Chain Technical Optimization
    Raytheon Technologies Corp.
    Marlborough CT
    (860) 759-5271
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 45.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-03-2023 08:05

    This comes from very personal experience and is something that I tell my students quite often. THINK OUT OF THE BOX. Your degree just granted you the opportunity to explore other fields to enrich and broaden your own field. If you have to learn a bit about other fields to get some doors open, DO SO. You will never imagine how expansive and how fulfilling your career can become. 



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    Oscar Suarez
    Professor
    UNIVERSITY 0F PUERTO RICO-MAYAGUEZ
    Mayaguez PR
    (787) 464-6739
    ------------------------------
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  • 46.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-06-2023 16:15

    The advice that I give new engineers is to read-read-read to keep current and find an experienced engineer to mentor their career.



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    Larry Hanke
    Principal Engineer
    Materials Evaluation And Engineering Inc
    Maple Plain MN
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 47.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-08-2023 15:23

    I would advise a materials scientist just entering the field to explore what are you like most and seek to do this. It could be R&D, failure analysis, customer support, supplier support, etc



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    Zayna Connor
    ZMC Consulting, Inc.
    Trivoli IL
    (309) 229-6328
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 48.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-10-2023 09:48

    Join ASM and list out the benefits they accrue in terms of professional networking and the digital database that they can use in their assignment. 



    ------------------------------
    Pradeep Goyal
    Chairman & Managing Director
    Pradeep Metals Limited
    Rabale
    91(969) 983-7777
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 49.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-13-2023 08:41

    Never turn down opportunity to learn more on job/new job duties, and participate in ASM chapter activities to build up one/s network and contacts. 



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    Al Singmaster
    owner
    A.L. Singmaster Personnel Services
    King of Prussia PA
    (610) 687-4970
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 50.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 03-14-2023 17:53

    My single advise for young colleagues is to be open to new ideas and thoughts, to offer and contribute as members of a global community and to adopt  change as consistent to the Universal power.



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    George Pantazopoulos
    ELKEME Hellenic Research Centre for Metals S.A.
    Oinofyta Viotias
    +306974400137
    ------------------------------
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  • 51.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-04-2023 12:25

    My advice for new materials engineers / scientists is to be insatiably curious.  I have found this to be (and continues to be) a great asset throughout my career and life.  As engineers, I believe this to be a very valuable tool for us to continue to be our best.



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    John Helm
    Vice President
    Sinto America, Inc.
    COVENTRY CT
    8608848740
    ------------------------------
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  • 52.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-05-2023 18:40
    Well said. That is very true. Innovation does come from a curious mind.

    Pradeep Goyal


    Education courses


  • 53.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-10-2023 15:26

    For new Material Science students: Basic science on physics and chemistry are very helpful in learning material science subjects.



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    Anqi Wang
    Lab Assist
    University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh PA
    (412) 652-8566
    ------------------------------
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  • 54.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-12-2023 09:20

    Watch, listen, adsorb as much as you can.  There are a lot of seasoned professionals in industry with gobs of technical and career insight who are willing and passionate about sharing that information. 



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    Chadwick Johnson
    Oshkosh Corporation
    Oshkosh WI
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  • 55.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-12-2023 10:35

    There are so many learned materials science and engineering professional members of ASM. It will be great to interact with them as members and at events organised by ASM. That learning is immeasurable and not taught in Universities. It is their vast experience that you will gain. 



    ------------------------------
    Pradeep Goyal
    Chairman & Managing Director
    Pradeep Metals Limited
    Rabale
    91(969) 983-7777
    ------------------------------

    Education courses


  • 56.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-14-2023 08:46

    I'd say working before coming to graduate school or attending internships as an undergrad/grad student, if you like industry, try to connect with research labs that work with industry (there is not a lot of them which I hope changes in the near future). Also try to attend seminars to understand where a career in materials science can take you, especially for Ph.D. students, there are so many unconventional paths that are available to take depending on interests/skills!



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    Hasti Vahidi
    University of California Irvine
    Irvine CA
    (949) 870-5322
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 57.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-18-2023 13:35

    Here is my advice to new materials scientists:

    1. Read the literature, thoroughly.  Given the rate of advancement over the last 60 years, the odds become greater that someone else may have performed your experiments, thus avoiding a rejected paper or a retraction.

    2. Writing is critical.  I have reviewed over 200 peer reviewed journal articles and the composition quality has steadily declined over the years.  Don’t write a paper to impress the audience; rather, write a paper to “tell a story” for your audience.

    3. Data and in particular, mean values, still require a statistical analysis to determine significant trends.  I still see peer-reviewed articles presenting graphs without error bars or tables without an error annotation.

    4. Become a peer-reviewer for any one of the materials science and engineering journals.  Peer-review is like being a teacher.  A teacher learns more about his/her subject by teaching it; the same advantage comes with peer-reviewing.   

    Also, when reviewing an article, your objective should be to help the author improve the paper to get it into print, not to only identify faults and errors with the goal of getting it rejected.  If your ego is really that big, you should not be peer-reviewing articles.



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    Paul Vianco
    Retired
    Enfield NH
    (505) 288-7980
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    Education courses


  • 58.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-19-2023 00:01
    Good advice my friend. 
    Peer review is a learning experience. 

    Pradeep Goyal



    Education courses


  • 59.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-06-2023 13:11

    Paul,

    concise and clear, thank you.

    Randy a. Johr,



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    Randy Johr
    N. Olmsted OH
    3304953810
    ------------------------------

    Education courses


  • 60.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-19-2023 12:28

    Interestingly I am a Welding Engineer by degree and that degree has a backbone of material science courses.  Given that I will tell you of the advice I always give young Welding Engineers.   My advice is you know more than you think you do.   Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and take on areas that may not fit perfectly in the material science role.  

     

    Sometimes these type of folks pigeon hole themselves so getting them to work across the board provides the industry with better resources and help them in their career.  



    ------------------------------
    Scott Maitland
    UTAS - GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Broadview Heights OH
    440-623-6849
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 61.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-20-2023 09:47

    Scott is right.  Engineers who understand materials (especially metallurgy) always get opportunities to learn more when questions come up, so don't be afraid to dig in, do some research, touch bases with other materials experts (I cannot overemphasize the importance of developing professional contacts - their niches of knowledge are where you find answers to questions.  I have never had a materials person be unwilling to share their knowledge. . . )  The other thing is to expose yourself to the rest of the engineering community especially early in your career.  Work with the civils, mechanicals, electricals and develop a basic understanding of what they do so that you can provide meaningful materials advice because they typically will not be interested in understanding material science, basic metallurgy or welding technology.  If you do encounter one who is interested in understanding materials issues, take the time to pass on what you can.



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    Walter Sperko
    President
    Sperko Engineering Services Incorporated
    Greensboro NC
    (336) 674-0600
    ------------------------------

    Education courses


  • 62.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-21-2023 08:18
    Edited by Ho Lun Chan 04-21-2023 08:18

    Its really great to see many responses and advice here! Benefiting a lot as a grad student close to graduation! 

    I personally think that apart from ensuring an foundational education, networking coupled with soft and hard skills, I think it is very necessary to be aware and experienced with ICME, AI and informatics technologies that fairly recent in the field. 

    For example, knowing how to perform construct CAD-based models for FEM analysis (Couple years ago Dave Furrer show examples of Jet weight optimization using this line of method), be aware of platforms (such as Aflow, Materials Project, OQMD) span off from the Materials Genome Initiative, softwares like ThermoCal, JMatPro, QuantumExpresso for first-principle calculation, ASM database ecosystem (as much as I love the concept, ASM does not give trail access to student to learn),  ChatGPT/Bing/Bard/Teachable Machine - these AI platforms or derivatives that target materials application may not give the best/most accurate result are amazing pointers. There are many, many more.

    One observation I have (may not be universally true) is that school programs are old, and those who manage these programs struggle with administrative barrier in incorporating new elements (as simple as learning a new software); The reality is that the world is accelerating and educational programs may be too late to catch up. Its logical to state that job requirements may also soon be changing. While its hard to master all these new stuffs, its good to be aware of resources present.



    ------------------------------
    Ho Lun Chan
    PhD Candidate in Materials and Corrosion Engineering
    Charlottesville VA
    (323) 688-7872
    hc4ry@virginia.edu
    ------------------------------

    Education courses


  • 63.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 04-22-2023 00:02
    I think this is a great suggestion. The education systems need an overhaul as the tech area is changing exponentially. 
    Students will feel left behind in the race. Relevant Software applications should be made an essential part of education in every department. 

    Pradeep Goyal



    Education courses


  • 64.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-04-2023 12:56

    Get involved in professional societies, like ASM, that offer the chance to meet and mingle with others in your field, gain knowledge through their experiences & be open to learning about unique problems/solutions. You will find many times in your career it helps “who you know”….so get out and expand/grow your contact list!    



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    Roberta Mullins
    Met/Chem/Applied Mechanics Lab Manager
    Cummins Incorporated
    Columbus IN
    (812) 350-5079
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 65.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-18-2023 15:03

    Read a lot; talk a lot regularly with experienced professionals; work hard, intelligently, and strategically with a realistic and changeable long-range plan in mind.



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    Ronald Gibala
    University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor MI
    (734) 846-8023
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    Education courses


  • 66.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 05-26-2023 09:36

    Advice to an early career materials engineer: I'd urge them to be flexible. Materials remains a rapidly evolving discipline. Young engineers would benefit if they develop 'transferable skills"; that is, skills they develop that can be applied to new challenges posed to them. 



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    Paul Follansbee
    Professor Emeritus
    Greensburg PA
    (724) 834-1860
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 67.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-05-2023 13:31

    I will assume for simplicity's sake this is advice for undergraduate students or incoming undergraduate students in MSE.

     

    In essence, I would begin with finishing prereqs OUTSIDE of a classical 4 yr university in places such as a community college while doing high school in the for of dual credit (or whatever other name is used in their home state). This, in turn, would mean that 1) you pay less for credits that transfer towards your degree (make sure to check for a WRITTEN document on the matter), 2) opens up time slots to either change majors later if needed, or finishing earlier if so desired.

     

    Additionally, I would recommend the student seek PAID positions in their professor's labs throughout their stay in college. Which allows for them to accrue paid experience, which in turn, helps them in their quest for internships (which translates to a better chance of employment after graduation). Moreover, I would also instruct the student to seek to do any homework they have IN ADVANCE if a syllabus is given of their entire semester's HW requirements. That way, you can turn around and teach the procrastinating students (for a fee, favors or food) what you learned well in advance so that you yourself become more proficient at the topic as well (you retain 90% of the material you teach whereas you only retain about 30% when you learn it from someone else). This allows you to retain topics a lot more permanently which will serve you if you take something like the Fundamentals in Engineering (FE, previously known as the Engineering in Training exam) if you decide to prepare for the Professional Engineering Exam (PE Exam). 

     

    Next, the student will have to decide if they are interested in research as a career long term, or private industry after college. In my experience, no employer wants to take on a newly minted engineer, so you have to look for any job (yes, pay will be low) that ACTUALLY accepts new engineers and trains them (so long as it is a genuine engineering position). However, more likely than not, the student in either scenario will probably need to get their Masters at least. 

     

    I could probably go on longer about steps afterwards, but once the student gets to the point described, they probably have a good enough idea as to what they plan on doing and why.



    ------------------------------
    Hugh Shortt
    University of Tennessee Knoxville
    Knoxville TN
    (832) 350-2577
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 68.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-05-2023 22:37
    Very apt suggestions Hugh
    I am sure students will benefit



    Education courses


  • 69.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-06-2023 12:37

    As a disclaimer, this is from my experience obtained as a researcher with over a decade of experience across three degrees, and at my current company, Sepro. 

     

    1. It’s all about the fundamentals. Without a strong background in the fundamentals, sooner or later you will come across a challenge that requires extensive knowledge in a particular area to solve a problem, or a set of problems. One example is the structures of different minerals, where the chemical composition may be the same (e.g. pyrite and marcasite) but because the structure is different, these minerals behave differently. 

     

    2.  Networking is imperative. In this day and age with the advances in numerical modelling, machine learning, and global competition, it is difficult to make progress by yourself. Most successful companies nowadays are multidisciplinary, and often involve collaboration with experts in other fields. Therefore, to gain this expertise and solve problems to advance society, attending conferences, connecting on LinkenIn, and meeting with like-minded professionals in your field allow you to grow your business (or research team, in my case).

     

    3. Don’t feel defeated when it doesn’t work out. Things break, processes fail when scaling up, and the science changes as new knowledge is published. If it isn’t hard then there will be little room to make a meaningful contribution for society. Keep reading, thinking and ask for help when you get stuck. 



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    John Forster
    PhD Candidate
    University Of Toronto
    Surrey BC
    (647) 926-0066
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  • 70.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-06-2023 13:20

    John,

    Great advice for anyone in there fields of endeavor. 

    Randy,



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    Randy Johr
    N. Olmsted OH
    3304953810
    ------------------------------

    Education courses


  • 71.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-07-2023 12:46

    The advice I would to a materials scientist who is just starting out in the field would be to get established in their local ASM Chapter and attend as many meetings as possible.   



    ------------------------------
    John Hauerwas
    Global Director of Heating & Heat Treating Products
    Radyne Corporation
    Greendale WI
    (414) 882-5106
    ------------------------------
    Education courses


  • 72.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-17-2023 15:24

    The career paths for young professionals is much different than it was 20 or even 10 years ago.  Individuals can expect to change career paths and 

    company positions multiple times during their career.  This makes it even more important to establish a network of colleagues with

    similar interests as early as possible and to continue to nurture and develop those relationships.  You never know when you might need to reach out to someone for help down the road.  Social media is great BUT staying active in your professional trade societies (and the relationships you build in those societies ) is even more important in today's ever changing job market. 



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    Stephen LeBeau
    President
    Nanomag LLC
    Northville MI
    (734) 718-0556
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    Education courses


  • 73.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-18-2023 15:36

    My main recommendations I give to say students during or after the typical Student night meetings in different colleges and universities are:

    1. Get involved in ASM, ideally not only as a member which is great in itself, but also as a director in you own local Chapter. This gives you :
    1. Visibility in the field = opens up opportunities during job search (80% of jobs offers are NOT found in ads and the likes but via contacts, relationships)
    2. Helps you get more comfortable dealing with people (technical people tend to have an introvert personality (I know, I used to be like that)). And success in life, in general is the ability to communicate, in fact to connect with people (John C Maxwell, a leadership guru known around the world wrote an excellent book on this subject : Everyone communicates, few connect.)
    1. Lastly I would strongly recommend any scientist, new or not new to read: yes in the field of material science, but also in management, sales, also in self development (I read one book on self development per month – I can give a lot of key references)


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    Daniel Bertrand
    Technical Sales Representative
    Opti-Tech Scientific Ltd,Buehler
    Chateauguay QC
    514-625-2112
    ------------------------------
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  • 74.  RE: Advice for emerging professionals

    Posted 07-20-2023 10:23

    Networking and hard work are two keys to success early on! If you find a job that you are interested in trying out through networking, don’t be afraid to ask if the team is hiring. Pass your resume on for them to have a look. Hard work and asking for more assignments in your current roles will make a good resume!



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    Madilyn Fesenmaier
    South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
    Rapid City SD
    (320) 345-1164
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    Education courses