<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>I have recently changed my major from Biology to Chemical Engineering. I have completed 4 semesters of college at a large state school, and I've been able to maintain a 4.0 to this point. However, I know that my courses are going to become more difficult with my new major. I've completed the general chemistry series, organic chemistry series, calculus series and the first two engineering physics, along with some upper level biology courses, statistics, and my humanity, art, and English requirements.</p>
<p>How difficult does it get? I'm not that genius in your class that just "gets it". But I do have an aptitude for chemistry and math, and I've worked hard enough to maintain A's in all of my courses thus far.</p>
<p>How difficult is it to get an internship with zero engineering experience? I am taking a heavy course load next fall and spring to catch up with the chemical engineering requirements, so I'll have taken a few ChE classes and some upper level chemistries by next summer. I have experience volunteering and in health care, but nothing relating to my new major. I'm afraid that if I don't get an internship a summer from now my resume will suffer. I have a good deal of leadership experience on my resume as of now, but will this and my GPA be enough to land an internship?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>Black Lake</p>
<p>This is just an assumption but from I’ve heard most companies who offer internship will not have expected you to have an internship beforehand so if I were you, I would join activities related to your major so that you can network to get internships</p>
<p>Wow, BlackLake you have a very impressive record so far. May I ask you how many AP classes did you bring to college to complete all the biology, statistics, humanity, art, and English requirements. The general chemistry (8-10 hrs), organic (10 hrs), calc series (16 hrs), and physics (8-10 hrs) plus the some upper level biology (~ 8hrs) would be very challeging in themselves. Congrats. Lydia is correct. Most companies realize that most kids will have 0-1 internships at the beginning. With your 4.0 average – no problem. May I ask which college/university you attend?</p>
<p>You can’t do better academically than you’re doing now, therefore work on networking, volunteering, getting involved with something relevant, anything and everything else until you land a job.</p>
<p>Thanks Peter, and I came in with hours in English and History. I’m at LSU in Baton Rouge. </p>
<p>My upper level bio classes are going to count toward my concentration (biomolecular conc. - sounds harder than it is!), and since I’m in an awkward gap (I pushed graduation to 5 because of a few Spring/Fall specific courses), I have a semester that only allows me to take one ChE course.</p>
<p>I’m playing that semester by ear, but I have a few options. I’m thinking about getting a minor in entrepreneurship (18 hours), and I’d be able to knock out some of those hours in my gap semester. Or I may make it a light semester and study for the MCAT. Or both if it’s possible. From what I understand the entrepreneurship courses aren’t work heavy, but encourage creativity and build management skills.</p>
<p>Cheers,
Black Lake</p>
<p>Hi BlackLake</p>
<p>I was just curious as to how you were able to cram all the courses that you listed as already completed into 4 semesters. The chemistry, math, physics, and biology would take 40+ hrs not including the statistics, art, and humanities. The MCAT should be a breeze based on your past on your current academic record</p>
<p>Hey Peter,</p>
<p>I think my hours came off a little more impressive than they actually are. By “completing the calculus series” I meant calculus 1 and 2 (sorry, I’ve been a bio major for quite some time). Calc 3 not required for ChE here. Taking diff eq. and linear algebra this summer. I’m taking organic lab in the fall along with my final engineering physics, plus genetics, ChE fundamemtals and a ChE programming course. Other than that, it’s been pretty manageable. Bio 1,2 Bio lab 1,2 Chem 1,2 Chem lab, Calc 1 and a few electives (sociology, etc) my freshman year. UL bios + labs, organic 1,2 Phys 1,2 Calc 2, statistics, poli sci, an art my sophomore year.</p>