Industry Experts Discuss Starting a Career in Commercial Science
The LPA, or Laboratory Products Association, was founded in 1918 under the name the “Association of Scientific Apparatus Makers of the United States,” in the newly created industry of laboratory products that emerged during and after World War I. For over one hundred years, the LPA has worked to nurture and support the laboratory products industry by providing its members with exclusive market data and information on the laboratory market worldwide. It also provides resources for students, or those looking to enter into the world of laboratory equipment manufacturing, distribution, or sales.
As a part of this endeavor, the LPA runs a YouTube channel that offers insight into beginning a career in the laboratory products industry, as well as showcasing some of the LPA’s support of the scientific community. Recently, Organomation’s General Manager David Oliva appeared alongside other industry experts on the LPA’s discussion panel on starting a career in laboratory products. The panel was moderated by Kelly Williams from Thermo Fisher Scientific and attended by David, Stephen Brinkman from BrandTech Scientific, and Bill Halsey from MettlerToledo.
David got his start in the industry by going for his MBA immediately following undergrad, an act he described as “doing what you’re not supposed to do.” Before joining Organomation as a Sales and Marketing Manager, David worked in software marketing. Seeking a shorter commute, he joined Organomation over a decade ago and has grown with the company ever since. His advice for students looking to use their scientific background without working in a laboratory daily is to apply that background knowledge to commercial endeavors. He also suggests joining societies, such as the LPA or American Chemical Society. Stephen Brinkman described his transition from a career in financial services, working on Wall Street with a degree in Political Science, to joining his family’s business in a field sales position. This allowed him to develop a greater understanding of their products, customers, and problems. Bill Halsey also started untraditionally, using his degree in Industrial Engineering and history as a chemical sales associate to transition to the laboratory equipment industry.
The commercial side of the industry can be an appealing choice for students who are passionate about science but do not want to work full-time in a laboratory. When asked what advice he would give to students who want to pursue the commercial side of science, David said “I would look at some of the societies you can join. As a manufacturer of equipment, I display products at a lot of shows and one of those that’s very popular in academia is the American Chemical Society and their fall and spring show. I love talking with current students who come up with their resumes, and I’m able to have a very good conversation with them about internships or other job opportunities we might have.”
Stephen finds that customer service is a good starting point for those who love science but are looking to expand their career opportunities, further science and product capabilities, and interact with a variety of people. He also recommends looking at the LPA’s website to see which member companies may be nearby, or using the job function to see who is hiring. Bill described his company’s Early Career Program that offers twelve to eighteen months of a variety of training across the scope of the company. This is a great way to learn some more about what the company offers as well as how each position aligns with your own personal interests. Moderator Kelly Williams described how working in the laboratory seemed isolating to her, and how joining the commercial side of the industry allowed her to foster her love for science while still working in a career that was more personally attuned to her.
Follow this link to watch the full video.