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I'm Interested in becoming a physical chemist, or something to do with chemistry.?

I value a creative and fun job that keeps my mind going by learning new things, will this career path align with what I value?

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Robert’s Answer

Like medicine and law (and many other fields), chemistry is composed of many sub-fields. Physical chemistry is one of these, and perhaps the most mathematical; it is certainly the most closely related to physics. Other chemistry sub-fields include organic and inorganic chemistry, which are focused on how to actually make chemicals; biochemistry, which is focused on the role that chemistry plays a role in biology; and analytical chemistry, which focuses on measuring how much of something is present (and employs statistics quite a bit). Physical chemistry focuses on why chemicals behave the way they do, their properties, and how they change (especially in phase changes, like crystallization). It is heavy on instrumentation and advanced math, and includes things like high-speed laser studies of chemical kinetics, atmospheric chemistry, and chemical remediation. If you like working with instruments and advanced math, you will probably enjoy physical chemistry. It WILL keep your mind going and tax your creativity, but whether you will find it fun is harder to say. It is often challenging work in which you will sometimes put in a lot of time and effort for no encouraging result; you have to be OK with frustration for most physical chemistry jobs. But physical chemistry is certainly my favorite chemistry sub-field!
p.s. Another respondent suggests you try chemical engineering; I have a degree in this, and will caution you that it is very different from physical chemistry! While chemical engineering is also very math intensive, it is focused on mass-producing all sorts of stuff (despite "chemistry" being in the name). Chemical engineers design (and sometimes help build) mass production systems, sizing pumps and heat exchangers. As a chemistry (science) student I was constantly asking "what is this good for?" and getting scowled at: scientists want to discover new stuff and figure out how things work; their joy is in discovery. As a chemical engineering (engineering) student I was constantly asking "why is that?" and getting scowled at: engineers want to use what someone else has discovered to accomplish something; they want to know what will happen, and if they know that then the way isn't so important; their joy lies in designing, building, and operating. These are two very different outlooks!

Robert recommends the following next steps:

For information about chemistry sub-fields, see https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/areas.html and https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields.html
Consider taking an aptitude test...but keep in mind that it will tell you what you are good at, not what you enjoy!!! I was a superb chemical engineer, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoy chemistry.
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Anna’s Answer

If you like to be hands-on, a career in chemistry is very likely to have you doing lab work. If you want to be more creative mentally, chemical engineering is a good way to go. Chemical Engineers tend to do less hands-on work than other engineering disciplines, but need just as much creativity. When you get to job interviews, you can ask how much lab or hands-on work there is.
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James’s Answer

I've always loved chemistry and pursued it in college. My nephew recently got a degree in it at Davis in California. While he liked the subject matter, he found out that jobs as chemists were very poorly paid. Perhaps the best way to start, which you would have to do anyway, is begin a pre-med program when you get to college. That will expose you to other options and may, if you're interested, present opportunities in the medical profession. Organic chemistry (second year) is difficult and the class they use to filter out the less effective students, so be prepared.
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Mariana’s Answer

If you have a passion for chemistry, and a natural curiosity that drives you to explore and continuously learn, you might want to consider becoming a chemical engineer! Take it from my relative who is a chemical engineer himself. He's had the opportunity to work with major corporations such as Dow Chemicals, contributing to the development of various compounds that are now used in numerous products, from eye drops and cleaning supplies, to auto parts. He absolutely adores his job! This could be an exciting and rewarding career path for you!
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