The choices that scientists make early in their careers will impact them for a lifetime. I will use the experiences of scientists who have had great careers to identify universal distinguishing traits of good career choices that can guild decisions in education, choice of profession, and job opportunities to increase your chances of having a great career with long-term sustained accomplishments.

I ran a student internship program in Los Alamos National for over 20 years. For the last couple of years I have been tracking the careers past students and realized that the scientists with great careers weren't necessarily the top students, and that some of the most brilliant students now had some of the most oh-hum careers.

I will describe how the choices made by the scientists with great careers were based on following their passion, building their talents into a strength supporting their profession, and how they identified a supportive engaging work environment. I will provide some simple guidelines that can help guide your choices, in school and in picking the right job that can lead to a rewarding career and more meaningful life.

The topic is important because, so far as I can tell, life is not a trial run - we have one shot to get it right. The choices you are making right now will impact you for a lifetime.

Please join us for an engaging discussion on how to make choices that will help lead you to a great career.