<p>I am interested in becoming a ChemE, but i just have a few questions about the actual career. First, about how many hours a week is it. Is it like the standard 40-45 or am I looking at something more like 60+. Also, I have heard about some crazy jobs in places like Alaska or foreign countries. How does one go about getting one of those jobs? Are they like super competitive to get into.</p>
<p>you could also potentially live in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Then it's like 24/7 working hours.</p>
<p>I'm wondering why OP wants to goto Alaska... I'm sure he'll get well compensated but I don't think that should be the main reason.</p>
<p>And no, it is not very competitive to get into isolated drilling type petroleum jobs assuming you have the appropriate engineering background.</p>
<p>All the ChemE's I've known (a whopping 2-3 personally) have gotten jobs with oil companies, which I guess explains why you are seeing jobs in Alaska/the Gulf. If you land a job in Houston or something working with Exxon (for example) you'd probably just be expected to do the usual engineering 8-5 job.</p>
<p>Maybe he's looking for an interesting job, that's not 9-5 behind the desk all day long. I've known a couple of people who have went to or want to go to Alaska for vacation or research, though I understand that's different. Being there for a few weeks is different than living there for years.</p>
<p>Alaska is a great place, and 60 hr/week builds character (and prematurely ages you, but I digress).</p>
<p>yea, it is not about the $$$. I just do not want a boring 9-5 desk job, a house in the suburbs, wife, 2 kids and 2 cars. That is not appealing to me. Are there any other adventurous opprotunities for ChemEs, specifically international work.</p>
<p>Tom,</p>
<p>Work for an Oil/Gas company and they will typically send you international or to do field work.</p>
<p>I think oil companies have tremendous amount of work in an international arena. However, I think you have to actually work domestic before they send you off for international assignments. Chevron has a lot of operations in Asia but doesn't really provide these opportunities to new employees.</p>
<p>so would that be petroleum engineering, or chemical engineering, or are both applicable?</p>
<p>Both.</p>
<p>Big Oil will hire any engineer (ChemE, EE, MechE) but the PetroEs just get a nicer salary.</p>