Careers in Industrial Toxicology

by Mika Pringle Tolson

"If you are interested in a career in industry, it will be there. There are still regulatory requirements to be met and new opportunities in emerging markets." - Zach Wong

"There's nothing to fear from working in industry," exclaimed Zach Wong, a retired toxicologist who spent 30 years working at Chevron.

In this economic downturn, companies are consolidating and hiring less. Wong urged students to have confidence and patience. "If you are interested in a career in industry, it will be there. Why? Because the work doesn't go away. There are still regulatory requirements to be met. There are still new opportunities in emerging markets."

Wong talked about the types of positions available in industry and about the need for toxicologists to identify health hazards, assess risks, ensure regulatory compliance and engage in risk management and communication.

He also stressed the importance of the non technical skills, such as the ability to work in teams and manage projects. "All the jobs in industry are team-based. You work as virtual teams in global companies. You have to show good communication and team skills to operate in this environment. No one goes it alone. You need project management skills. This is always overlooked."

Wong said industry needs the people coming out of academia to get more balance in the science. "We need new leadership; we need good communicators; we need new technology and we need scientific research."

The top things students can do to build their resume for industry? Take industrial toxicology courses, diversify knowledge by doing a postdoc in a different area, get an industry mentor, gain work experience through internships and summer work, and be visible by publishing, giving presentations, and attending conferences.

Wong said he hopes that future toxicologists can switch from wearing the black hat of doom to the white hat of safety. "It can be illuminating to study toxicity. But the real fight and need is getting better at doing safety assessments. You are the bright minds who can address this and change the momentum from a toxic hazard to a safety mindset. This is forward looking and what industry needs."

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