Professional Development

This is for those of you who are thinking of becoming professional chemists or taking up a career in which chemistry will play a role in your professional development.

The first place to begin with is, of course, your university life. Many good universities exist at which a chemical education is possible. This is not the place to discuss them.

Next, consider your membership of the local chemical sciences organisation, by state or country. For example, having settled for the time being in the Republic of Singapore, I am a member of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (SNIC). I am also a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Also consider your membership of blanket organisations which extend your professional role. As an educator, I am a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). It is often interesting to see how your professional area dovetails with others. My membership of the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) helps with this.

In general, you don't have to be a member of every organisation which comes your way. But take time to look at organisations whose annual events, publications and activities help to maintain, extend and update your professional knowledge and role.
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