Surviving and Thriving in Industry

Surviving and Thriving in Industry
Some Tips for Scientists and Engineers

River Rapids

Surviving and Thriving in Industry
Some Tips for Scientists and Engineers Forthcoming

Author: Richard Pollard, ChE-RP Consulting LLC, USA

ISBN: 9788743809982 (Paperback) e-ISBN: 9788743809975

Available: June 2026


In today’s volatile corporate world, layoffs of scientists and engineers are at an all-time high. Technical expertise alone is no longer enough—success depends on navigating organizational culture, building strong relationships, and making your contributions visible.

This book bridges the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the workplace. Drawing on real-world scenarios and practical exercises, it offers strategies for marketing your work, developing situational awareness, and thriving as part of a team in start-ups and multinational corporations alike.

Inside you’ll find:
  • 45 case studies of what can go wrong—and how to do better.
  • Skill-building exercises to chart your career path.
  • Scenarios and self-tests to reinforce learning.
  • Tables of workplace personalities and how to handle them.
  • Ten key attributes of effective team members.
  • Two essential rules for long-term success.

Packed with actionable advice and insights into both the written and unwritten rules of industry, this is essential reading for scientists and engineers who want not only to survive but to thrive in their careers.

Success; careers; scientists; engineers; situational awareness; workplace; real-world examples
  • Introduction
  • Rule #1
  • Management Styles
  • Some Characteristics of Good Co-workers
  • Some Characteristics of Less Than Exemplary Co-workers
  • Know Thyself
  • Establish Effective Working Relationships
  • Deliver Efficiently on Multiple Projects
  • Control your Career Trajectory
  • Closing Remarks and Rule #2