Career Services

The Division of Membership & Scientific Advancement created a ground-breaking new learning system for industry professionals called SciMind™. The system contains the world’s first “Labinar,” a real lab exercise in a virtual environment. Focused initially on separations science and toxicology, the new product has drawn very positive feedback from instructors and learners to date. In addition, the overall Professional Education website was redesigned in 2012.

To enhance chemistry-related training, innovation, and job creation, ACS developed and launched a new Entrepreneurship Initiative (EI) in 2012, the outgrowth of a 2011 Presidential Task Force. The program received the highest award given by the American Society for Association Executives for programs that make a difference in the world. The EI’s two components—an intensive training program for budding entrepreneurs and a resource center for established entrepreneurs—were both test marketed and fully operational in 2012.

ACS offered a record number of Leadership Development System (LDS) courses in 2012, which attracted nearly 900 participants. The LDS provides online and in-person workshops that assist volunteers in their ACS activities as well as in their workplace. In addition, strategic planning retreats were held for several ACS committees, divisions, and local sections through a new initiative that makes this available to various ACS units.

An Online Jobs Club program was established to help displaced workers – especially the long-term unemployed – gain tools, leads, and insights from colleagues on job search and employment issues. The club meets weekly through web-based communications to discuss common challenges and facilitate training and networking.