Pathways in Spectroscopy: Tips for Pursuing a Career in Industry and Scientific Instrumentation

“Pathways in Spectroscopy” is an ongoing vertical video series that highlights emerging leaders in spectroscopy and the various career paths spectroscopists can take.¹ In the first episode, John Margeson, who is a Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific in their Tewkesbury headquarters, discussed the skills and qualifications necessary in order to be a successful product manager for an instrument manufacturer.² In the second part of our conversation with John, he offers advice to young graduates who want to pursue careers in industry and scientific instrumentation.

John Margeson: In a more general sense, I would advise them to be open to new technologies. There are countless courses you can take online, even if what you studied in school was really focused, or maybe a different focus of what you now have an interest in. You don't have to necessarily go back and get a full degree to learn whatever that new interest is. Go find some courses online that you can use to back up your skills. I would say everyone's looking at artificial intelligence (AI) these days. I constantly have to use that as a tool, but there's enough knowledge out there that we should use, but verify AI, and then just being open to new technologies, new possibilities. In my experience of product management, I’ve not only worked and handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Before this, I worked with hyperspectral imaging, and this technology is something I knew nothing about until the opportunity arose, and it was a fantastic experience. So, for those graduates who are looking to get into the instrumentation, I would say, perhaps don't worry specifically about one type of application or technology. Be open to it and then see where those opportunities take you.

You can watch the first part of our conversation with John at the following link.

References

1. Wetzel, W. Pathways in Spectroscopy, Episode 1: Sarah Theiner on Transitioning from Research to Sales. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pathways-in-spectroscopy-episode-1-sarah-theiner-on-transitioning-from-research-to-sales (accessed 2026-03-03).
2. Wetzel, W. Pathways in Spectroscopy: How to Be A Successful Product Manager. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pathways-in-spectroscopy-how-to-be-a-successful-product-manager (accessed 2026-03-04).