Working and Consulting Remotely: The Future Is Here

• Activity Number: 148
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, July 30, 2012 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Consulting
• Author(s): Christy Chuang-Stein*+
• Companies: Pfizer Inc.
• Keywords: Telecommuter ; Career growth

Abstract

I began my industry career in the 80's in the traditional way. I worked onsite, first as a project statistician and later as a statistical manager. I enjoyed the camaraderie formed from daily contacts and learned regularly from my teammates. Things began to change with mergers and acquisitions in the late 90's. After two site closures, I began working from home as the Head of the Statistical Research and Consulting Center (SRCC) at Pfizer in 2007. At present, every team I lead is a global team with members located at multiple sites. Teleconferences have replaced face-to-face meetings. As business model becomes more fluid and global, I anticipate more statisticians will work from home (or remotely), enjoying the benefit of flexibility and agonizing over the lack of regular contacts with peers and the impact of telecommuting on career growth. In this talk, I will share my personal experience and what a telecommuter could do to maintain a healthy connection with their professional colleagues. I will also discuss what we can all do to create a professional environment that makes remote working or consulting a professionally rewarding experience for those who choose this pathway.