SECTION II 

 6. CAREERS IN RESEARCH 



By W. A. Gibbons 

 Director of General Development Division, United States Rubber Company, Passaic, N. J. 



ABSTRACT 



Success in industrial research depends primarily on 

 human effort, therefore, a discussion of the qualifica- 

 tions of industrial research workers is important. It is 

 believed that a discussion of this subject from the stand- 

 point of the individual will be of interest to the uni- 

 versities, to employers, and in particular to prospective 

 research workers. The report is intended to state some 

 of the results of experience, and in order to make it 

 representative it has been reviewed by a large number of 

 research directors, whose suggestions have, as far as 

 possible, been included. 



A number of qualifications are discussed, with ex- 

 planations as to why they are important. Some of 

 these qualifications are inherent; others may be acquired 

 by training. It is emphasized that no attempt is made 

 to state the degree to which these various qualifications 

 are necessarj'. The field of research is so broad that it 

 is not possible to draw specifications for any standard 

 type of individual. If it were possible, it would not be 

 desirable, because different types of work require 

 different types of ability. 



Formal training of one kind or another is practically 

 a mandatory requirement for one who hopes to become 

 proficient as a research worker. It is achieved usually 

 with the aid of a properly organized and equipped uni- 

 versity. Emphasis should be put on the broad funda- 

 mentals of the chosen field rather than on specialization. 



The importance of mathematics in connection with a 

 scientific training is discussed. 



Training in oral and written presentation of facts 

 is generally held to be of extreme importance to the 

 industrial research worker. 



As to duration of training, it is the consensus of 

 opinion that for a lifetime career in research, training 

 equivalent to that required for the degree of doctor of 

 piiilosophy is highly desirable. On the other hand, for 

 development work or for work which is regarded as a 

 training for some other field of industrial activit}^ a 

 shorter period of training may be adequate. Graduate 

 work should train a man in research methods. One of 

 the most valuable features of graduate training may be 

 108 



the close association of the graduate student with a 

 brilliant leader in science. 



The relation of academic standing to success in indus- 

 trial research is discussed, with the conclusion that 

 while success cannot be predicted on the basis of aca- 

 demic standing, it is generally believed that to succeed, a 

 student should be in the upper half or even in the upper 

 fourth of his class. It is also agreed that good academic 

 standing is no substitute for other qualities, and is in 

 itself no guarantee of success. 



In the selection of a position it is desirable for the 

 applicant to secure as much information as possible 

 regarding the requirements so that he may determine 

 whether his qualifications and aptitudes are suited. It 

 is pointed out that the research history of the company 

 is also a matter of interest. 



Management policies, organization, and procedures 

 are discussed, with particular reference to how these 

 relate to the individual. Specific topics discussed are 

 the acquisition of experience, evaluation and utilization 

 of ideas, leadership, ability to complete as well as start 

 work, planning, essentials and nonessentials, and execu- 

 tion. 



It is pointed out that work in a research laboratorj' 

 may provide training for positions in other parts of the 

 company. 



As to compensation, it is believed that the scientific 

 men in industry fare as well, on the average, as men of 

 comparable age, experience, and abilitj' in other in- 

 dustrial activities. In addition, there are a number of 

 other important compensations. A low-paid appren- 

 ticeship is ordinarily not required. A man who 

 possesses the qualifications of a scientist will probably 

 be happiest if he is doing this type of work, also, he will 

 derive satisfaction from the fact that his work may be 

 of great and lasting importance. Most mdustrial 

 Inboratories permit workers to publish the results of 

 tiieir work where such publication will not be prejudicial 

 to the interests of the company. 



It is generally agreed that industrial research in tiiis 

 country will experience a large growth. 



