How to Find a Job with a Chemistry Degree
A chemistry degree is a preferred degree in scientific and medical fields. There are many levels and types of chemistry degree: a 4-year (or bachelor's) degree, a master's degree, requiring approximately 2 more years of study and a doctorate (Ph.D.), which may require still another 2 years. There are many job opportunities for those with a chemistry degree, depending on the type of degree and the chemistry specialty the student selects.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Resume
- Examples of academic papers and/or research projects (if applicable)
Instructions
-
-
1
Identify skills gained while you earned your degree, such as problem solving, teamwork, written and oral communications, planning, organizing, decision making and independent learning.
-
2
Make a list of accomplishments, such as chemistry projects and papers you have initiated and completed, along with the results; professional and/or academic memberships and honors; and jobs you have held, preferably those related to chemistry, but not necessarily. Update your resume with these items.
-
-
3
Find a list of occupations that match your skills and interests. For example, do you enjoy writing or teaching? Do you enjoy working in the lab? Are you interested in sales? Would you prefer working outdoors or at a desk?
Some possibilities include research, production chemistry, industrial chemicals. teaching, regulatory chemistry, forensic chemistry, biotechnology, toxicology, food chemistry, medicine and patents. Consider which of these and other specialties most attract you (as well as those that least attract you).
-
4
Consider chemistry specialties: Analytic, organic, inorganic, physical chemistry and biochemistry each address different topics. For example, organic chemistry is important in the petrochemical industry while inorganic chemistry is of interest in the nuclear energy industry. Which of these interest you most? Which is the least interesting to you? Find out about jobs related to the specialty that appeals most to you.
-
5
Establish and maintain relationships with your chemistry professors and members of chemistry associations. They may be able to steer you toward job openings. If your school has an internship or co-operative education program, consider using it, as these are often ways to "get your foot in the door."
-
6
Consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare the training requirements, earnings and outlook for the various specialties that most interest you.
-
7
Use Internet job boards, newspaper classified advertising, professional organization job banks and your college or university's placement office to find jobs that match your degree, interest and experience. Consider the qualifications and follow the directions to apply, if appropriate.
-
8
If there is a particular company or government agency that interests you, contact that company's or agency's human resources department directly to ask about opportunities.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Many people get chemistry degrees to apply for medical, nursing and/or law school.
While 2-year (associate's) degrees in chemistry exist, there are few job opportunities in chemistry for which those degrees qualify. Most often an associate's degree in chemistry is used to apply for a more advanced degree program at another college or university.
