Q: Briefly describe your current position and responsibilities, including challenges/rewards. How did you go about your job search upon graduating -- what strategies were most successful and why do you think you were hired?
Involved in the commercialization of University-based research after 25 years in commercial R&D. While technical competence is important, getting ahead in all jobs relate to your interpersonal and communication skills.
Q: List the key positions you have held since graduation, and any post-graduate degrees/diplomas you earned after graduation. If applicable, list any other ways you are involved in your profession or in your community (member of a professional association, involved as a leadership volunteer, etc).
- 1986 PhD U of T Dept of Chemistry
- 86-87 Xerox Research Centre of Canada
- 87-90 Ecoplastics (small start-up)
- 90-99 Ortech
- 99-08 Bodycote - Vice President
- 09-11 MaRS Innovation - Senior Director
Q: What personal characteristics/skills are most important for success in your job/field?
- Technical Breadth
- Thinking on your Feet
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Q: What have been the keys to your success? What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue a similar career path? If you had the chance to plan your studies and your career path again, what would you do differently (if anything)?
Don't worry about a career path. Get a job and see where it takes you. Life is an adventure, you cannot plan it out. Good things happen if you work hard and are well-liked.