Kenneth
When studying Chemical Engineering in a university, do you have to choose the type of job you want to have?
I was told that you can go into many different jobs, such as one that focuses on petrochemicals, or even one that focusing on testing soda products. I do not understand if you are taught how to work with all lines of work involving chemical engineering, or if you have to choose between them. #engineering #chemical-engineering #chemical-engineer
3 answers
Estelle Archer
Estelle’s Answer
Adrian Connell
Adrian’s Answer
As a Chemical Engineer, you have a vast range of fields where you can find employment, including traditional engineering sectors like Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Renewables, and Safety, as well as other areas like Computing, Finance, Management, and Teaching.
During your degree, you'll likely encounter a combination of mandatory courses and optional ones that you can select. In my experience, I was more attracted to Chemistry and the Pharmaceutical Industry, so I chose those elective courses instead of those focused on Petrochemicals. If you follow your passions and choose the classes that genuinely interest you, you'll not only enjoy your studies more but also perform better, ultimately helping you determine the type of job you'd like to pursue after university.
On a side note, after working in Pharmaceutical Chemical Engineering for a decade, I transitioned to the business side of manufacturing and spent the next ten years doing entirely different tasks, such as managing business improvement projects and engaging in marketing activities like pricing and demand management.
Chemical Engineering is an incredibly versatile degree!
Wishing you the best of luck for your future.
Gordon Hopkins
Gordon’s Answer
No, you do not have to chose a job, but get a degree which is flexible for what you like to do, in my case mechanical engineering, and production. My life long hobby (even today at 65) is building model airplanes (static and dynamic), model flying rockets. With a chemical engineering degree start in basic like testing soda, then as you gain experience, move onto something more interesting, even in the new green technology:)