Early Phases in the Evolution of a Scientific Consultant

Abstract

This chapter continues our exploration of the early life histories of scientific consultants. We are now ready to move beyond the doubts and uncertainties of Chapter One and closer to some decision-making activities before and after full-time consulting has become a career choice. We will examine some aspects of the graduate training of consultants, and then tout part-time consulting as a favored entry to full-time practice. Once the part-timer has taken the bait and made a decision to go full time, we will follow him through that always difficult but sometimes rewarding first year, and then, with the new practitioner in mind, we will propose an early assessment of success or failure, and recommend timely responses to the results of that assessment in terms of subsequent career orientation.