Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the structure and composition of substances and the way they can be changed and transformed. There are almost 100,000 chemists in America and still the need for such individuals is on the rise. More than 75% of the chemists are employed by the private sector and some chemists work as professors in colleges.
Related Skills
- Strong science and math background
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to use scientific formulas
- Oral and written communication skills
- Work as an individual or in a team environment
- Data processing and good computer skills
- Ability to use the practical knowledge learned in chemistry labs
- Ability to use scientific components
- Remain objective and attention to detail
- Analysis and interpretation of scientific data
Being Successful in the Field
- Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
- Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
- Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
- Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
- Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
- Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
- Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
- Complete an undergraduate research project.
- Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
- Join related student professional organizations.
Related Fields
Analytical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Environmental
- Forensics
Employers
- Federal, state, and local government
- Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Environmental protection organizations
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
- Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
- Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
- Take electives in your area of interest.
Biochemical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Quality Control
- Medical
- Environmental
- Industrial Health & Safety
- Hospital Administration
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
- Biotechnology firms
- Plant and animal breeders and growers
- Food processors
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Environmental protection organizations
- Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
- Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
- Join related professional organizations.
- Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Name
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food
- Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
- Research organizations
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
Geochemistry
- Environmental Remediation
- Research & Development
- Analysis & Testing
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Take geology and environmental science electives.
Inorganic
- Research
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Environmental organizations\
- Water processing plants
- Natural resources organizations
Strategies
- Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
- Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
Polymer Chemistry
- Analysis & Testing
- Research & Development
Employers
Industries involving textiles and plastics
Strategies
Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.
Physical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
- Federal government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Develop strong mathematical background.
Education
- Teaching
- Research
- Administration
Employers
- Private and public secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master's degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
Take courses in public speaking.
Business
- Technical Sales/Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Management
- Consulting
- Industrial Quality Control
- Research & Development
Employers
- Manufacturing firms
- Drug stores
- Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
- Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
- Agricultural product companies
- Environmental management organizations
- Waste management firms
Strategies
- Obtain a minor in business.
- Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
- Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.
Other Professions
- Agricultural Scientist
- Anesthesiologist
- Application Chemist
- Biochemist/Molecular Biologist
- Ceramic Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemist
- Clinical Specialist
- Computational Chemist
- Color Development Chemist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Dentist
- Entomologist
- Environmental Engineer
- EPA Inspector
- FDA Inspector
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Food Scientist/Technologist
- Forensic Chemist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Glass Chemist
- Hydro Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Microbiologist
- Oceanographer
- Optometrist
- Patent Agent
- Perfumer
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physician
- Plastic Engineer
- Product Development Manager
- Product Tester
- Quality Controller
- Radiologist
- Research Analytical Chemist
- Research Associate
- Science Laboratory Technician'
- Soil Scientist, Agriculture
- Technical Journalist
- Textile Engineer
- Toxicologist
- Veterinarian
- Water Purification Chemist
- Water/Wastewater Plant Operator
