What do you do if you want to transition careers in Materials Science?

1 Assess your skills and interests

The first step to transition careers in materials science is to assess your current skills and interests, and identify your strengths and gaps. You may want to consider the following questions: What are the core skills and knowledge that you have acquired in your previous or current role? What are the specific areas of materials science that you are passionate about or curious about? What are the skills and knowledge that you need to develop or update to pursue your desired career path? You may also want to conduct some research on the market demand, trends, and opportunities for different materials science domains and sectors, such as academia, industry, government, or non-profit.

2 Explore your options and network

The next step to transition careers in materials science is to explore your options and network with people who can offer you insights, advice, or referrals. You may want to consider the following sources: Online platforms and communities, such as LinkedIn, Reddit, Quora, or Stack Exchange, where you can follow, connect, and interact with other materials scientists and professionals in various fields and industries. Professional associations and societies, such as the Materials Research Society, the American Society for Materials, or the International Union of Materials Research Societies, where you can join, attend, or volunteer for events, webinars, workshops, or conferences, and network with peers, mentors, or potential employers. Alumni networks and career services, where you can reach out to former classmates, professors, or advisors who have transitioned careers in materials science, and ask for their tips, feedback, or recommendations.

3 Update your resume and portfolio

The third step to transition careers in materials science is to update your resume and portfolio to showcase your relevant skills, achievements, and projects. You may want to consider the following tips: Tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific position or industry that you are applying for, and highlight the skills and knowledge that match the job requirements and expectations. Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the materials science field or sector that you are targeting, and avoid jargon or acronyms that may not be familiar to the hiring manager or recruiter. Include examples and evidence of your work, such as publications, patents, presentations, reports, or samples, that demonstrate your expertise, creativity, and impact in materials science.

4 Learn new skills and tools

The fourth step to transition careers in materials science is to learn new skills and tools that can enhance your employability and competitiveness in the market. You may want to consider the following resources: Online courses and programs, such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, or MIT OpenCourseWare, where you can enroll in courses or certificates that cover topics such as materials characterization, materials design, materials modeling, materials processing, or materials innovation. Books and journals, such as Materials Today, Nature Materials, or Advanced Materials, where you can read and learn about the latest research, developments, and applications of materials science. Software and hardware, such as MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, or Arduino, where you can practice and develop your skills in data analysis, simulation, programming, or prototyping.

5 Seek feedback and guidance

The fifth step to transition careers in materials science is to seek feedback and guidance from experts, mentors, or coaches who can help you improve your performance, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals. You may want to consider the following options: Peer review and feedback, where you can ask for constructive criticism and suggestions from your colleagues, friends, or fellow learners who have experience or knowledge in materials science. Mentorship and coaching, where you can find and work with a mentor or coach who can offer you personalized support, advice, or direction in your career transition. Online or offline forums and groups, where you can join and participate in discussions, debates, or challenges related to materials science, and learn from the perspectives, experiences, or solutions of others.

6 Be flexible and adaptable

The sixth and final step to transition careers in materials science is to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs, demands, and opportunities of the field. You may want to consider the following strategies: Keep yourself updated and informed about the latest trends, innovations, and issues in materials science, and be ready to learn new skills, tools, or methods that can help you solve problems or create value. Be open and curious about different domains, sectors, or roles that involve materials science, and be willing to explore new possibilities, opportunities, or collaborations that can expand your horizons. Be resilient and persistent in pursuing your career goals, and be prepared to face and overcome challenges, setbacks, or failures that may arise along the way.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?