6 answers
Alice
Student
Salt Lake City, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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What sort of careers are there related to Chemistry?
I'm really loving the book 'Napolean's Buttons', and I adore my Chemistry class that I'm taking in high school this year and I loved high school Biology last year. I have never considered Chemistry in any sort of career ideation, because I assumed it was all about numbers and bad smells and lab coats, but I am really loving learning how atoms work and about all of the ways chemistry interacts with humanity. How many Chemistry related jobs are there that are either part time or hands on (preferably both), and what education/prerequisites would I need to explore them? College or otherwise.
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6 answers
Anna Casto
Chemist
27
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Chemistry can indeed be very hands on and very rewarding! I chose a career in chemistry because I wanted to be hands on, but also had some concerns about chemical safety and smells. The specific chemicals you will work with and how flexible the hours are really depend on the exact job/company/manager you work for. These are good questions to ask at the end of an interview if you feel the rest of the interview has gone well. You may also want to consider working in a lab full-time to start, and then transitioning to part time later as you have more skills and experience with the company.
Thank you, Anna! :D You are very clear in your words.
Alice
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Alice,
It's great that you're enjoying Chemistry and Biology! Chemistry has a wide range of career paths, some of which are hands-on and can be part-time. Here are some career options related to Chemistry that you might find interesting:
1. Laboratory Technician
- What they do: Work in labs assisting chemists or biologists with experiments, preparing samples, and collecting data.
- Hands-on: Very hands-on work with lab equipment and chemical processes.
- Part-time options: Some lab tech positions are part-time, especially in research institutions or industries.
- Education: A chemistry associate's degree or a similar degree is usually adequate. Many positions require lab experience, which you can gain through internships or community college programs.
2. Chemical Sales Representative
- What they do: Sell chemical products and solutions to businesses in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, or agriculture.
- Hands-on: Less hands-on in a lab sense, but you'll be interacting with clients and using your chemistry knowledge to explain products.
- Part-time options: Some sales roles are flexible with part-time or commission-based work.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related fields is helpful, along with communication and sales skills.
3. Environmental Science Technician
- What they do: Test air, water, soil, and other environmental samples to monitor pollution and environmental impact.
- Hands-on: This job involves fieldwork, collecting samples, and working with lab equipment to analyze data.
- Part-time options: Some organizations or agencies may offer part-time positions, particularly in field sampling.
- Education: An associate degree in chemistry, environmental science, or biology is typically required.
4. Pharmacy Technician
- What they do: Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, often requiring a strong knowledge of chemistry and biology.
- Hands-on: You’ll be handling medications, which involves chemistry, especially when compounding drugs.
- Part-time options: Pharmacy techs often have the option of part-time work in hospitals or retail pharmacies.
- Education: A certification program or an associate degree is often needed, and most states require certification.
5. Forensic Science Technician
- What they do: Analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, including blood, drugs, and other chemical substances.
- Hands-on: A very hands-on role, combining chemistry with biology and criminal investigation techniques.
- Part-time options: Full-time is more common, but part-time or on-call work may be possible in some jurisdictions.
- Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.
6. Water Treatment Plant Operator
- What they do: Use chemical and mechanical processes to treat water and ensure it's safe for consumption.
- Hands-on: Yes, working with various chemicals and equipment daily.
- Part-time options: Many facilities offer part-time or shift work.
- Education: Usually requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some positions may require a certification or an associate degree in chemistry or environmental science.
7. Cosmetic Chemist
- What they do: Develop and test beauty and skincare products, including working with various chemicals to create formulations.
- Hands-on: Involves a lot of lab work and experimentation with different ingredients.
- Part-time options: Full-time is more common, but there could be freelance or part-time opportunities in small companies or startups.
- Education: A bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is usually required.
8. Food Scientist/Technologist
- What they do: Study the chemical properties of food to improve quality, safety, and nutrition.
- Hands-on: Involves testing food products, developing new ones, and ensuring safety standards are met.
- Part-time options: Some part-time roles may exist, especially in testing labs or smaller companies.
- Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field.
Educational Pathways:
- Associate Degrees: Many entry-level technician roles only require an associate degree or specific certifications.
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Most scientific roles, especially ones involving research, development, or analysis, will require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
- Certifications: Depending on the career (e.g., pharmacy technician, water treatment plant operator), certification programs may be quicker to complete and provide you with the necessary skills.
If you enjoy biology and chemistry, careers that intersect the two (like forensic science or environmental science) might particularly appeal to you. Many of these roles allow flexibility and part-time options while keeping things hands-on.
Best wishes!
It's great that you're enjoying Chemistry and Biology! Chemistry has a wide range of career paths, some of which are hands-on and can be part-time. Here are some career options related to Chemistry that you might find interesting:
1. Laboratory Technician
- What they do: Work in labs assisting chemists or biologists with experiments, preparing samples, and collecting data.
- Hands-on: Very hands-on work with lab equipment and chemical processes.
- Part-time options: Some lab tech positions are part-time, especially in research institutions or industries.
- Education: A chemistry associate's degree or a similar degree is usually adequate. Many positions require lab experience, which you can gain through internships or community college programs.
2. Chemical Sales Representative
- What they do: Sell chemical products and solutions to businesses in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, or agriculture.
- Hands-on: Less hands-on in a lab sense, but you'll be interacting with clients and using your chemistry knowledge to explain products.
- Part-time options: Some sales roles are flexible with part-time or commission-based work.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related fields is helpful, along with communication and sales skills.
3. Environmental Science Technician
- What they do: Test air, water, soil, and other environmental samples to monitor pollution and environmental impact.
- Hands-on: This job involves fieldwork, collecting samples, and working with lab equipment to analyze data.
- Part-time options: Some organizations or agencies may offer part-time positions, particularly in field sampling.
- Education: An associate degree in chemistry, environmental science, or biology is typically required.
4. Pharmacy Technician
- What they do: Assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, often requiring a strong knowledge of chemistry and biology.
- Hands-on: You’ll be handling medications, which involves chemistry, especially when compounding drugs.
- Part-time options: Pharmacy techs often have the option of part-time work in hospitals or retail pharmacies.
- Education: A certification program or an associate degree is often needed, and most states require certification.
5. Forensic Science Technician
- What they do: Analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, including blood, drugs, and other chemical substances.
- Hands-on: A very hands-on role, combining chemistry with biology and criminal investigation techniques.
- Part-time options: Full-time is more common, but part-time or on-call work may be possible in some jurisdictions.
- Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.
6. Water Treatment Plant Operator
- What they do: Use chemical and mechanical processes to treat water and ensure it's safe for consumption.
- Hands-on: Yes, working with various chemicals and equipment daily.
- Part-time options: Many facilities offer part-time or shift work.
- Education: Usually requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some positions may require a certification or an associate degree in chemistry or environmental science.
7. Cosmetic Chemist
- What they do: Develop and test beauty and skincare products, including working with various chemicals to create formulations.
- Hands-on: Involves a lot of lab work and experimentation with different ingredients.
- Part-time options: Full-time is more common, but there could be freelance or part-time opportunities in small companies or startups.
- Education: A bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is usually required.
8. Food Scientist/Technologist
- What they do: Study the chemical properties of food to improve quality, safety, and nutrition.
- Hands-on: Involves testing food products, developing new ones, and ensuring safety standards are met.
- Part-time options: Some part-time roles may exist, especially in testing labs or smaller companies.
- Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, or a related field.
Educational Pathways:
- Associate Degrees: Many entry-level technician roles only require an associate degree or specific certifications.
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Most scientific roles, especially ones involving research, development, or analysis, will require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field.
- Certifications: Depending on the career (e.g., pharmacy technician, water treatment plant operator), certification programs may be quicker to complete and provide you with the necessary skills.
If you enjoy biology and chemistry, careers that intersect the two (like forensic science or environmental science) might particularly appeal to you. Many of these roles allow flexibility and part-time options while keeping things hands-on.
Best wishes!
Wow, Chinyere! Thank you so much! I am amazed. You have given me so much to start with, and I am very grateful to you for taking the time to write this 😊 Thank you greatly!
Alice
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Doc Raymond
songwriter
9
Answers
Hiawassee, Georgia
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Well, Alice, I am about to rock your world! With your love of the sciences there is a field where you can utilize all you will learn and even more daily, Forensic Science. An area where your skills can help solve crimes, put bad people away, and get paid to do it. I suggest you contact your local police department to see if they have a Forensics department sometimes referred to as Criminal Investigators, like you have maybe seen as CSI or NCIS, you could be the next "Abby". But above all, if this is your dream, pursue it to the fullest. At the end of the day the best supporter you have is yourself! Go for it!
Thank you, Doc! You're very positive 😊
Alice
Modesto Tala
Chemical Engineer
3
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Modesto’s Answer
I'm Chemical Engineer. I studied Chemical Engineering at University. You need mathematics skills.
Thanks, Modesto! I hadn't considered that, but it makes sense.
Alice
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have interest in chemistry. There are many chemistry related careers, you can explore more.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many chemistry related careers, eg, chemist, biochemical engineer, pharmacist, laboratory technician, chemistry teacher, etc You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many chemistry related careers, eg, chemist, biochemical engineer, pharmacist, laboratory technician, chemistry teacher, etc You can find out more online
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much, Rebecca! I will make a document for career ideas and shortlist at the top, thank you for your ideas that you gave me 😊 I am very grateful.
Alice
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
49
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hi Alice!
"Napoleon's Buttons" is an excellent book! It's great that you're enjoying chemistry and biology. Chemistry-related careers are diverse, and many involve hands-on work. Here are some part-time and hands-on opportunities:
*Hands-on Careers:*
1. *Research Chemist*: Conduct experiments, collect data, and analyze results in various industries (pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental).
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, analytical skills
2. *Quality Control (QC) Chemist*: Test and analyze products for quality and purity.
- Education: Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, attention to detail
3. *Environmental Scientist*: Monitor and mitigate environmental pollution.
- Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Fieldwork experience, analytical skills
4. *Forensic Scientist*: Analyze evidence for law enforcement agencies.
- Education: Bachelor's in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, analytical skills
5. *Materials Scientist*: Develop new materials and products.
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, materials synthesis
*Part-time Careers:*
1. *Lab Assistant*: Assist researchers, prepare samples, and conduct experiments.
- Education: Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, basic analytical skills
2. *Chemistry Tutor*: Teach chemistry concepts to students.
- Education: Bachelor's in Chemistry or related field
- Prerequisites: Teaching experience, communication skills
3. *Science Writer*: Write articles and content on chemistry-related topics.
- Education: Bachelor's in Chemistry, Journalism, or related field
- Prerequisites: Writing experience, communication skills
4. *Conservation Specialist*: Work with organizations to preserve natural resources.
- Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Fieldwork experience, analytical skills
*Other Careers:*
1. *Pharmaceutical Scientist*: Develop new medications.
2. *Food Scientist*: Ensure food safety and quality.
3. *Cosmetics Chemist*: Develop personal care products.
4. *Energy Specialist*: Work on sustainable energy solutions.
5. *Toxicologist*: Study the effects of chemicals on living organisms.
*Education and Prerequisites:*
1. *Associate's Degree*: 2-year degree for lab assistants, QC chemists, or environmental technicians.
2. *Bachelor's Degree*: 4-year degree for research chemists, materials scientists, or forensic scientists.
3. *Master's Degree*: 2-3 year degree for advanced research or industry positions.
4. *Certifications*: Consider certifications like the Certified Chemistry Technician (CCT) or Certified Environmental Scientist (CES).
*Utah-Specific Resources:*
1. University of Utah's Department of Chemistry
2. Utah State University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
3. Salt Lake Community College's Chemistry Program
4. Utah Department of Environmental Quality
*Online Resources:*
1. American Chemical Society (ACS)
2. Chemical and Engineering News (C&EN)
3. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Explore these resources, and consider shadowing professionals or interning in chemistry-related fields to gain hands-on experience.
Keep loving chemistry, Alice!
"Napoleon's Buttons" is an excellent book! It's great that you're enjoying chemistry and biology. Chemistry-related careers are diverse, and many involve hands-on work. Here are some part-time and hands-on opportunities:
*Hands-on Careers:*
1. *Research Chemist*: Conduct experiments, collect data, and analyze results in various industries (pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental).
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, analytical skills
2. *Quality Control (QC) Chemist*: Test and analyze products for quality and purity.
- Education: Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, attention to detail
3. *Environmental Scientist*: Monitor and mitigate environmental pollution.
- Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Fieldwork experience, analytical skills
4. *Forensic Scientist*: Analyze evidence for law enforcement agencies.
- Education: Bachelor's in Forensic Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, analytical skills
5. *Materials Scientist*: Develop new materials and products.
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, materials synthesis
*Part-time Careers:*
1. *Lab Assistant*: Assist researchers, prepare samples, and conduct experiments.
- Education: Associate's or Bachelor's in Chemistry
- Prerequisites: Lab experience, basic analytical skills
2. *Chemistry Tutor*: Teach chemistry concepts to students.
- Education: Bachelor's in Chemistry or related field
- Prerequisites: Teaching experience, communication skills
3. *Science Writer*: Write articles and content on chemistry-related topics.
- Education: Bachelor's in Chemistry, Journalism, or related field
- Prerequisites: Writing experience, communication skills
4. *Conservation Specialist*: Work with organizations to preserve natural resources.
- Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Prerequisites: Fieldwork experience, analytical skills
*Other Careers:*
1. *Pharmaceutical Scientist*: Develop new medications.
2. *Food Scientist*: Ensure food safety and quality.
3. *Cosmetics Chemist*: Develop personal care products.
4. *Energy Specialist*: Work on sustainable energy solutions.
5. *Toxicologist*: Study the effects of chemicals on living organisms.
*Education and Prerequisites:*
1. *Associate's Degree*: 2-year degree for lab assistants, QC chemists, or environmental technicians.
2. *Bachelor's Degree*: 4-year degree for research chemists, materials scientists, or forensic scientists.
3. *Master's Degree*: 2-3 year degree for advanced research or industry positions.
4. *Certifications*: Consider certifications like the Certified Chemistry Technician (CCT) or Certified Environmental Scientist (CES).
*Utah-Specific Resources:*
1. University of Utah's Department of Chemistry
2. Utah State University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
3. Salt Lake Community College's Chemistry Program
4. Utah Department of Environmental Quality
*Online Resources:*
1. American Chemical Society (ACS)
2. Chemical and Engineering News (C&EN)
3. National Science Foundation (NSF)
Explore these resources, and consider shadowing professionals or interning in chemistry-related fields to gain hands-on experience.
Keep loving chemistry, Alice!
Thank you, Mbah Wai-Tanyi! I will keep loving chemistry, and I am very grateful to you for your list of suggestions for me.
Alice