5 answers
Keilana
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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What chemistry field would be the best for someone who doesn't want to be stuck in a lab all day?
I want to go into a chemistry field but don't want to be stuck in a lab all day. I have looked into chemical engineering but I want to know what other fields I may like.
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5 answers
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
87
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
If you're interested in chemistry but prefer to avoid being confined to a lab environment, there are several fields you might consider:
Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemists study the impact of chemicals on the environment, including pollution, climate change, and sustainability. Fieldwork may involve sample collection outdoors and analysis in a lab, but it often includes a variety of settings such as field surveys, data analysis, and policy development.
Forensic Chemistry: Forensic chemists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes to help solve crimes. While some lab work is involved, forensic chemists may also work in the field, assisting with evidence collection or providing expert testimony in court.
Chemical Education: If you enjoy teaching and interacting with people, you might consider a career in chemical education. This could involve teaching chemistry at the high school or college level, developing educational materials, or working in outreach programs to promote scientific literacy.
Chemical Sales and Marketing: Chemical companies often employ individuals with a background in chemistry for sales and marketing roles. In these positions, you would use your technical knowledge to sell chemical products to customers, provide technical support, and develop marketing strategies.
Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that chemicals and pharmaceuticals comply with government regulations. This may involve reviewing and interpreting regulations, preparing regulatory submissions, and communicating with regulatory agencies.
Science Writing and Communication: If you have strong writing and communication skills, you could pursue a career in science writing or communication. This could involve writing articles, blogs, or educational materials about chemistry for a variety of audiences, or working as a science communicator for a museum, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
These are just a few examples of chemistry-related careers that offer opportunities to work outside the traditional laboratory setting. It's important to explore your interests and skills to find the best fit for you.
Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemists study the impact of chemicals on the environment, including pollution, climate change, and sustainability. Fieldwork may involve sample collection outdoors and analysis in a lab, but it often includes a variety of settings such as field surveys, data analysis, and policy development.
Forensic Chemistry: Forensic chemists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes to help solve crimes. While some lab work is involved, forensic chemists may also work in the field, assisting with evidence collection or providing expert testimony in court.
Chemical Education: If you enjoy teaching and interacting with people, you might consider a career in chemical education. This could involve teaching chemistry at the high school or college level, developing educational materials, or working in outreach programs to promote scientific literacy.
Chemical Sales and Marketing: Chemical companies often employ individuals with a background in chemistry for sales and marketing roles. In these positions, you would use your technical knowledge to sell chemical products to customers, provide technical support, and develop marketing strategies.
Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that chemicals and pharmaceuticals comply with government regulations. This may involve reviewing and interpreting regulations, preparing regulatory submissions, and communicating with regulatory agencies.
Science Writing and Communication: If you have strong writing and communication skills, you could pursue a career in science writing or communication. This could involve writing articles, blogs, or educational materials about chemistry for a variety of audiences, or working as a science communicator for a museum, nonprofit organization, or government agency.
These are just a few examples of chemistry-related careers that offer opportunities to work outside the traditional laboratory setting. It's important to explore your interests and skills to find the best fit for you.
Thank you!
Keilana
Valerie Mosher
Project Management
12
Answers
Kansas City, Kansas
Updated
Valerie’s Answer
Reflecting back to my high school days, I recall pondering over the same question. My passion lay in chemistry and mathematics, yet I yearned for a career that involved interacting with people, akin to a tech support or sales role. Ultimately, I pursued a degree in chemical engineering and sought out job opportunities unrelated to research.
During one job interview, I received a piece of advice that altered the trajectory of my career. I was suggested to gain experience in a manufacturing plant before venturing into tech support or sales. Looking back, I consider this the most valuable professional guidance I've ever received. I spent eight fruitful years in a chemical manufacturing plant, gaining an in-depth understanding of our business. This knowledge proved invaluable when I transitioned into a sales role.
My unique background set me apart from other salespeople. Not only could I elucidate our processes, but I also comprehended the technical language of our customers. This meant that when a customer encountered an issue with our product, I could grasp the problem and, if unable to resolve it myself, effectively communicate the customer's needs to our technical team. This was a capability my peers, lacking my experience and background, couldn't match in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Fast forward to over three decades later, I still utilize many of the concepts I learned in my chemical engineering studies. Now, I manage cross-functional projects for a multinational chemical distribution corporation. My role allows me to interact with every department within our company, including finance, IT, HR, Operations, and transportation. I find my work continually engaging and far from monotonous.
To sum it up - As you grow and mature, you'll find that you can steer your career in any direction you choose. Selecting one path doesn't confine you to it forever. Embrace all the opportunities that come your way and make the decisions that best suit you.
During one job interview, I received a piece of advice that altered the trajectory of my career. I was suggested to gain experience in a manufacturing plant before venturing into tech support or sales. Looking back, I consider this the most valuable professional guidance I've ever received. I spent eight fruitful years in a chemical manufacturing plant, gaining an in-depth understanding of our business. This knowledge proved invaluable when I transitioned into a sales role.
My unique background set me apart from other salespeople. Not only could I elucidate our processes, but I also comprehended the technical language of our customers. This meant that when a customer encountered an issue with our product, I could grasp the problem and, if unable to resolve it myself, effectively communicate the customer's needs to our technical team. This was a capability my peers, lacking my experience and background, couldn't match in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
Fast forward to over three decades later, I still utilize many of the concepts I learned in my chemical engineering studies. Now, I manage cross-functional projects for a multinational chemical distribution corporation. My role allows me to interact with every department within our company, including finance, IT, HR, Operations, and transportation. I find my work continually engaging and far from monotonous.
To sum it up - As you grow and mature, you'll find that you can steer your career in any direction you choose. Selecting one path doesn't confine you to it forever. Embrace all the opportunities that come your way and make the decisions that best suit you.
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
61
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
Every other suggestion provided was excellent, and it's possible that your college's chemistry department offers some of these specialties. If that's the case, choose the specialty that intrigues you the most. Remember, once you've started down a particular career path, it can be challenging to switch directions later on.
Madi Martinez
Technology Manager
16
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Keilana -
If you're interested in chemistry but prefer to have a career that involves less time in a traditional laboratory setting, there are several chemistry-related fields that you can explore. Here are a few options:
Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemists study the impact of chemicals on the environment and work on developing solutions to environmental issues. This field often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and research in various outdoor settings.
Forensic Chemistry: Forensic chemists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes and assist in criminal investigations. While some laboratory work is involved, forensic chemists may also visit crime scenes, testify in court, and work closely with law enforcement agencies.
Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing: If you enjoy chemistry and have good communication skills, a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing might be a good fit. In this role, you would work with pharmaceutical companies to promote and sell their products to healthcare professionals.
Science Writing and Communication: If you have a passion for writing and enjoy explaining scientific concepts to a broader audience, science writing and communication could be a great option. You can work as a science journalist, technical writer, or science communicator, translating complex scientific information into accessible content for the public.
Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that products, such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals, comply with government regulations and safety standards. This field involves reviewing and interpreting regulations, preparing documentation, and working with regulatory agencies.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Quality assurance and quality control professionals ensure that products and processes meet quality standards. This can involve monitoring and testing products, developing quality control protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Research and Development (R&D): While R&D often involves laboratory work, there are roles within R&D that focus more on project management, data analysis, and innovation. These positions may involve less hands-on lab work and more strategic planning and collaboration.
It's important to note that while these fields may involve less time in a traditional laboratory setting, they still require a strong foundation in chemistry and may involve some level of laboratory work or interaction with laboratory professionals. Exploring internships, job shadowing, or informational interviews in these fields can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day activities and help you determine which path aligns best with your interests and goals.
Access Your Potential provides group/semester or one-time mentoring with PwC professionals focused on fostering connection, community, accountability and learning as you work toward your career goals. Find out more on http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
If you're interested in chemistry but prefer to have a career that involves less time in a traditional laboratory setting, there are several chemistry-related fields that you can explore. Here are a few options:
Environmental Chemistry: Environmental chemists study the impact of chemicals on the environment and work on developing solutions to environmental issues. This field often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and research in various outdoor settings.
Forensic Chemistry: Forensic chemists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes and assist in criminal investigations. While some laboratory work is involved, forensic chemists may also visit crime scenes, testify in court, and work closely with law enforcement agencies.
Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing: If you enjoy chemistry and have good communication skills, a career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing might be a good fit. In this role, you would work with pharmaceutical companies to promote and sell their products to healthcare professionals.
Science Writing and Communication: If you have a passion for writing and enjoy explaining scientific concepts to a broader audience, science writing and communication could be a great option. You can work as a science journalist, technical writer, or science communicator, translating complex scientific information into accessible content for the public.
Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory affairs professionals ensure that products, such as pharmaceuticals or chemicals, comply with government regulations and safety standards. This field involves reviewing and interpreting regulations, preparing documentation, and working with regulatory agencies.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Quality assurance and quality control professionals ensure that products and processes meet quality standards. This can involve monitoring and testing products, developing quality control protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Research and Development (R&D): While R&D often involves laboratory work, there are roles within R&D that focus more on project management, data analysis, and innovation. These positions may involve less hands-on lab work and more strategic planning and collaboration.
It's important to note that while these fields may involve less time in a traditional laboratory setting, they still require a strong foundation in chemistry and may involve some level of laboratory work or interaction with laboratory professionals. Exploring internships, job shadowing, or informational interviews in these fields can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day activities and help you determine which path aligns best with your interests and goals.
Access Your Potential provides group/semester or one-time mentoring with PwC professionals focused on fostering connection, community, accountability and learning as you work toward your career goals. Find out more on http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/.
Thank you so much, Madi!
Keilana
bill Bill Latter
chiropractor
61
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
bill’s Answer
Absolutely, I'm aligned with the rest of the group, but I believe your query is more about the type of chemistry rather than the specific field to apply it in. So, my suggestion would be to focus on general chemistry and physical chemistry. Incorporating physics would be advantageous too, as it could be applied across various fields that others have recommended. Moreover, having a solid grasp of computer skills is crucial in this digital age, as it's the primary method for collecting and sharing information.
Your advice was so helpful!
Keilana