Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators

摘要

I was recently invited to give a talk to a group of chemistry graduate students at a major southern university about developing a career in industry. They were extremely attentive and asked a lot of questions. I was amazed to realize they had very little exposure to industry and did not quite understand what it takes to work in a business environment. Most were being encouraged by their major professors to continue their career in academia. But several of them approached me later about pursuing jobs where they could contribute to product commercialization. Herein lies the opportunity for universities and businesses to work together and help each other grow the next generation of innovators.