What do you think of when you hear the term “scientist”? Chances are that unless you know a scientist or two, your first thoughts center around lab coats, beakers of hot bubbling potions, eyeglasses and nerd-speak. But of course the reality is both more fascinating AND a bit boring. I know this well because I have met and worked for and with hundreds of scientists.
Scientists are in general very passionate and focused people. The best scientists combine their passion and dedication with a gift for communication and – business. You see, the engine of science needs money to keep cranking. Money for equipment, materials, payroll, postage- just like any other business. The best laboratories and companies require a lot of administration- financial oversight, personnel issues, facilities and operations. The best scientists have to balance their work and management tasks. They also have to find money, which means grant-writing or other forms of fundraising (some political, for example when raising money from state funds, or advocating for internal funding in a university situation).
I have fifteen years of experience helping scientists with their business needs. I’m a trained scientist myself, PhD, post-doc and all. But I have done more for science by helping other scientists than I ever could as a scientist myself. Because I love working to advance the work of scientists, engineers and other technical people, I’m sketching out plans for my own consulting business. It’s got a name: Raven Science Services. Stay tuned!
