How to Become a Biomechanical Engineer
Biochemical engineers play a key role in developing and producing many of the modern products we use, ranging from food and textiles to plastics and advanced pharmaceuticals. It’s a field that can be either a part of biological or chemical engineering—but is really a combination of the two. It is also a growing field with new opportunities opening up as biotechnology and genetic engineering become more important industries. If you have an analytical mind and an aptitude for science, you may want to consider becoming a biochemical engineer. Read on to learn how to become a biochemical engineer.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical engineering
- Masters or Ph.D. for managerial positions
- Professional engineer certification (P.Eng)
Instructions
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Prepare for a career in science or engineering while you are in high school. Most university programs require a strong background in mathematics and chemistry. In addition, if you choose to become a biochemical engineer, good writing and communication skills are essential since this field is also a “portal” into management and supervisory positions.
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Earn a Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical engineering. Biochemical engineering is usually taught as a specialty under one of these two programs in college.
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Take any opportunities to get some “hands-on” experience. If you become a biochemical engineer you will probably be working in a laboratory environment. Talk to professors about ways to get some work experience. This can be a student job as a lab assistant, a summer job or internship or participation in special seminars and workshops.
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Continue your education after you get your bachelors degree. There are plenty of entry level jobs for those with a Bachelor’s degree (and the starting salaries are good—averaging over $48,000 for entry level jobs). Career advancement depends on continuing to add to your professional credentials, especially in his rapidly changing field. To move up to a supervisory position, you will need at least a Masters degree. At many universities, you can get an advanced degree part-time while working at an entry-level job.
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Become a registered professional engineer (P.Eng). There are various versions of this in different countries. A registered or licensed engineer is one who has been certified as qualified by a national professional organization or government agency. You can find out more about how to become a biochemical engineer by using the link at the end of this article.
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