How to Become a Textiles Chemist
Textile chemistry is divided into three major fields: dyeing and finishing, fiber and polymer and the blending of textile materials. Textile chemists work in research and development, process development, process modification, technical services, environmental testing, dyeing and finishing. As a textile chemist, you may find yourself working for a chemical company that manufactures synthetic fibers, or you may work as part of an independent research team.
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Instructions
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Study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Chemistry. To prepare yourself to become a textiles chemist, your coursework should include classes in polymer and color chemistry, the technology of dyeing and finishing, color science, textile dyeing and printing, fiber forming polymers, polymer chemistry lab and the chemistry of synthetic and natural bipolymers.
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Prepare to attend graduate school. Textiles chemistry is a highly competitive field. An M.S.or Ph.D. degree in textiles chemistry can put you on the fast track in your field. With this knowledge, you can become a better researcher and increase your value as a potential employee.
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Be prepared and ready to travel. Now that you have become a textiles chemist, you will likely become a seasoned globe trotter, since many of the textiles of the world come from countries like Turkey, China, India and Pakistan.
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Think about looking for a job overseas when you are ready to enter the job market. Employment opportunities for textiles chemists in the United States are not as robust as they once were due to the thousands of textile jobs that moved overseas in the 1980s in the search for cheap labor.
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Consider joining the the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, which provides opportunities for networking, education and career development (see Resources below).
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Review the information, journals and databases designed for textiles chemists on the Textile Chemistry website (see Resources below). Here, you will find a list of textile companies and their products, industry news and a section with job listings.
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Tips & Warnings
In order to get a leg up on your competition, seek out summer employment in the textile field while you are studying for your degree.
