Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2020 -

This book presents revealing first-person accounts of successful STEM careers, based on transcribed interviews conducted with the 36 subjects of Goodman's study. The chapters are organized into three groups: "The Entrepreneurs" (careers in industry), "The Academics" (academia or nongovernmental research labs), and "The Public Servants" (subjects working for the US government, whether civilian or military). Several interviewees in the industry group have started companies, and all have acted as entrepreneurs, establishing growth and value within established concerns. Some subjects have worked in more than one sector. The book is probably best approached by reading the concluding section, "Summary," first. Goodman details unique aspects of each group and explains topics addressed across all the interviews: the latter include career path decisions, selection of mentors, gender bias and discrimination, challenges for those of color, organizational barriers, work/family balance, and balancing work with outside interests. Within selected monologues, the need for advanced degrees, the timing/combining of technical and military obligations, and funding issues are also discussed. Lending further interest, photos accompany the accounts. Though the book is not indexed, both "Summary" and "How to Read This Book" (p. xv) provide navigation. Anyone contemplating a STEM career should read this book.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.