Success as a chemical consultant begins with expert skills that someone is willing to purchase at a high cost for a limited time. Potential clients must of course know of your availability and skills in order for you to begin this new career.
Your chemical work in academia will almost always be published, but if you come from industry you have a different problem. Publications are often restricted. However, patents, technical talks, trade publication articles, etc. will sometimes be allowed. Even without any of these important credentials, you have the key assets of your personal network of family, coworkers, superiors, and professional society contacts.
Consulting organizations can be a great help in getting started. The Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers (ACC&CE) is a not for profit group that has helped many consultants since it first organized in 1928. Another valuable organization is the Chemical Consultants Group (CCG) that is associated with the ACS. The structure, costs and benefits of various consulting groups will be reviewed.
Starting a consulting business involves many details. What is needed to set up an office, write various business and legal contracts, setting and collecting fees, advertising, finding clients, etc. will be included.
Back to Symposia: Chemical Consulting
Back to The 33rd Northeast Regional Meeting (July 14-17, 2005)