With the dual ladder, at some point you are faced with a decision that will dramatically affect your career success and job satisfaction. The rewards can look great from a distance, yet you might be disappointed if you find management less satisfying than doing good science. Although many Human Resources departments offer guidance and outside consultants offer help, there is no sure-fire recipe for success. There are, however, methods that will aid you in making a more informed decision. Stan Sewitch, a human resources consultant in San Diego, disputes a common belief.
Management is an entirely different career from that of the individual contributor in science.
They find out too late that this isn't the case. The critical factors involved in making this important career decision must be seriously considered, and it is wise to use personal assessment and professional planning methods specific to the industrial life sciences. Make an informed decision. Luckily, we're in an industry in which many employers offer the scientist a chance to remain at the bench and still progress upwards. By To refuse a good opportunity, any opportunity, simply because it doesn't earn you an immediate payback, is a serious career mistake.