How to Choose a Career in Chemical Engineering
If you've ever thought about a career in chemical engineering, there are many resources that will help you decide whether this career is right for you. By visiting websites that explain what a career as a chemical engineer is like and talking to current chemical engineers, you'll be on your way to finding out if the career is right for you. Read on to learn how to choose a career in chemical engineering.
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Instructions
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How to Choose a Career in Chemical Engineering
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Determine if you have an interest in chemical engineering. Chemical engineers apply the principles of engineering and chemistry to develop solutions for manufacturing, biotechnology, and health care industries. They must have an aptitude for math and sciences and the ability to communicate their ideas. Read more about what a chemical engineer does on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website (see Resources below). The website also contains detailed information about engineering salaries, educational requirements and career demand.
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Speak with a chemical engineer who is employed at a company that interests you. For example, if you are interested in manufacturing, arrange an interview with a chemical engineer at 3M. If you're interested in the biomedical industry, interview a chemical engineer at Medtronic. If possible, arrange to shadow a chemical engineer for a day to see how he spends a typical workday.
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Arrange a visit to the chemical engineering department of a college or university. Most major universities will arrange for prospective students to sit in on an engineering class to get a better sense of what the coursework is like. Speak with faculty members and current students about the coursework needed to get a degree in chemical engineering. Look into possible internship, research and scholarship opportunities for students.
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Once you have decided to pursue a career in chemical engineering, prepare for coursework that involves advanced math, chemistry, physics and engineering. If you're still in high school, take as much advanced placement math courses as you can before entering college.
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Tips & Warnings
Completing a college internship will help you better understand what the field of chemical engineering is all about. It will also help your chances of landing a job after graduation.
