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Student Career Panel and Networking Event: What To Do in a Poor Job Market

About this event

What to do in a Poor Job Market?

Most of the chemical and life sciences industry is in a slowdown and many firms have delayed hiring and in some cases are instituting job cuts. This landscape makes it especially difficult for job seekers breaking into the field or just staying in it. But even in a slow market, you can make smart moves. Join us for a powerful 45-minute webinar designed to help you navigate today’s job landscape.

Hear from industry insiders: Krystal Amaya of the American Chemical Society reveals opportunities in hidden sectors and strategies for remaining competitive. Neil Merchant of consultancy A.T. Kearney gives a bird’s eye view of the global economy and offers tips for forging connections that lead to real opportunities. And Bruce Orr from executive search firm Chemical Search International describes what jobs are in demand now and what’s likely to surge when the market rebounds.

After the webinar, step into our virtual reception space to meet the panelists, fellow job seekers, university students, Société members, and professionals from across the chemicals and life sciences community.

Marc Reisch, Société Education Committee Chair, will moderate the presentation.



Panelists:

 Amaya, K    Merchant, N    Orr, Bruce
Krystal Amaya
Audience Manager
American Chemical Society
  Neil Merchant
Principal
A.T. Kearney
  Bruce Orr
Director Americas
Chemical Search International 

 

About the Panelists:


Krystal Amaya is an Audience Manager at the American Chemical Society (ACS), where she leads efforts to connect chemical professionals with ACS’s robust suite of career development programs. She supports ACS's Virtual Career Services, which includes one-on-one career consulting, interactive workshops, and networking events designed to support chemists at all stages of their careers.


Krystal has over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, primarily within scientific organizations. Prior to joining ACS, she spent 10 years at the American Institute of Physics, where she led high-impact marketing initiatives and supported public engagement efforts featuring renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates and NASA researchers. Her work is rooted in a passion for helping scientific professionals access tools for growth, connection, and career advancement.



Neil Merchant is a Principal in Kearney's New York office and a member of the firm’s Energy & Process Industries practice. He advises leading companies in the chemicals and industrial sectors on strategic operations, growth, and go-to-market strategies, as well as mergers & acquisitions.


Beyond client work, Neil is actively involved in recruiting and mentoring both campus and experienced hires. He has also contributed to Société’s Education Committee, reviewing scholarship applications for summer research projects.


Through advising chemical clients across procurement, supply chain, sales, and marketing, Neil has developed a broad perspective on the diverse capabilities and skill sets needed to build a successful career, whether in consulting or along the chemicals value chain.



Bruce Orr brings to Chemical Search International over 35 years of experience in the chemicals, polymers, advanced materials and environmental service sectors. He began his career at Union Carbide Corporation in New York City and rapidly progressed into senior executive roles at Carbide and successor companies, including OSi Specialties, Witco Corporation and Crompton Corporation (now Lanxess).


Bruce has extensive international experience, having served clients in diverse markets on nearly every continent and lived and worked in Europe for several years. During his career, Bruce has held positions in both publicly traded corporations and privately held middle market companies as Vice President & General Manager, Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Managing Director, Europe, Africa & the Middle East and has served as a Principal at a global chemicals consultancy, serving the clients throughout the chemicals & plastics value chain, from petrochemicals to specialties and bio-renewables.


Bruce earned his B.A. in biological sciences from the University of Denver and is a graduate of Dartmouth College’s Amos Tuck School of Business Executive MBA program. He currently resides in Connecticut, USA.


Date and Time

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) (UTC-05:00)

Event Contact(s)

Sara North

Category

Virtual Event

Registration Info

Registration is required
This event is virtual. Unlimited slots available for virtual participation. The meeting link will be emailed to registrants the day prior to the event.

Number of People Who Will Attend

Guest - Virtual
(No Fee)
Student - Virtual
(No Fee)
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