Chemical Engineering Career Map

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical Engineering is the profession in which knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and the other natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind. Chemical Engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, pharmaceutical products, and electronic materials.

 

Awareness

Half lightbulb and half brain

First Year

  • Develop attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Develop good teamwork and communication skills.
  • Take CHE 203: Material and Energy Balances. Develops basic concepts and tools for understanding how mass and energy are described and conserved within chemical processes.

Middle Years

Last Year

  • Apply to graduate.
  • Apply for jobs.
  • Apply for graduate school (optional).
  • Apply for scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate school.

Exploration

Half lightbulb and half brain

First Year

Middle Years

  • Join professional associations such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) or Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
  • Apply for honor societies and explore their scholarship offerings.
  • Explore Study Abroad opportunities.

Last Year

  • Research medical or graduate programs

Preparation

Briefcase

First Year

  • Log into Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
  • Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization.

Middle Years

  • Prepare to apply for internships, Co-op, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
  • Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable of career opportunities available. 

Last Year

  • Decide between job search or graduate school before final semester.
  • Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and job search or graduate school planning.

 

What can I do with this major?

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Energy 
  • Food Processing
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Engineering Scientist
  • Process Control Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Refinery Process Engineer
  • Research Chemical Engineer

What skills will I earn?

  • Technical & Engineering Skills
  • Thermodynamics & Transport Phenomena
  • Reaction Engineering
  • Materials & Energy Balances
  • Separation Processes
  • Process Control & Instrumentation
  • Analytical & Problem Solving
  • Mathematics & Computing
  • Safety, Health, & Environmental Awareness
  • Laboratory & Research
  • Project Management & Teamwork
  • Communication

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