Each of these careers involves a product-customer relationship. From such analyses, the marketing individual must predict future trends and sales, determine market needs, and develop advertising strategies. Interpersonal skills are highly valued in this function, and the work schedule is very self-structured. A chemical career where laboratory work and customer interactions are intertwined is Technical Service . A background in business is required to a varying extent for each of these careers.
Success depends upon effective communication with the customer.
The four types of academic occupations in chemistry are described as follows. A Secondary School Science Teacher may teach other sciences as well as chemistry and have the potential of sparking a student's interest in the chemical sciences. A Lab Technologist or Instrumentation Specialist at a research university would be responsible for care, maintenance, and operation of highly sophisticated instrumentation. As Lecturer or Professor in a department without a Ph.D. granting program, one would be expected to excel at lecturing, oversee laboratory classes, and perhaps maintain an independent research program. Professors at major research universities are expected to develop vigorous research programs at the cutting edge of science as well as teach and solicit funding.