Success in chemistry extends beyond mastering the science. It is about discerning and navigating the broader forces that mold our industry. Observe and adapt to macro trends shaping the intricate evolution of our field and the workplaces that run them.
Consider significant trends such as advancements in sustainability, regulatory shifts, and the growing inclination towards consuming less. Grasping these trends strategically positions you as a forward-thinker, and puts you in roles that align your skills with the future demands of the industry. Recognizing universal values that transcend borders and disciplines fosters a career that is not only skill-driven but also empathetic and fulfilling.
Macro trends resonate in the workplace and influence your workday. Assess the prevailing culture and demographics in your organization and envisage its future trajectory. Here are some examples: Tailor your communication and collaboration styles to resonate with the diverse workforce. Learn from seasoned colleagues, absorbing their nuanced insights and then understand what needs to be carried forward to solve problems in the future state. Cultivate a network spanning various industry segments and roles. You never know where good ideas come from.
Embrace but also know the limitations of transformative tools like CRISPR and artificial intelligence. Stay attuned to technological innovations to acquire skills to effectively leverage these tools. Enhance your problem-solving capabilities to ensure relevance in an ever-evolving field.
Work with macro trends to shape a resilient career that not only aligns with the industry's trajectory but also contributes significantly to the advancement of the chemical enterprise. Stay curious, adaptive, and stretch beyond your known capacities, and discover muscles you never knew existed. Forge a path that mirrors the progressive trajectory of our dynamic field.
About the Contributor
Solito Sumulong brings more than 25 years of experience in ag tech regulatory, product development, improvement and commercialization to his role as Product Development and Regulatory Director at AgriThority in Kansas City. In his previous roles at Provivi, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Winfield United and DuPont Crop Protection, he developed and improved products for enhanced quality, successful commercial development and freedom to operate.
He is also on the board of the ISAA Agrochemical Network, which organizes the preeminent global symposium on agrochemical formulations, and is both the Lunch and Learn Webinar chair and on the Strategic Planning Committee of the ACS AGRO division.
He received his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the Johns Hopkins University, and MBA from the University of Wisconsin Consortium. Passionate about public service, he received President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award in 2012 and 2013 and was recognized in the 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Award in 2013 for leadership and commitment in advancing the cause to double food production by 2050.
This article has been edited for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the view of their employer or the American Chemical Society.
;void(0);){kind=link}