I have been thinking of what I wanted to do after I am through with my studies at college. So far I am looking into going to work at the chemical plants, being from the south there are great opportunities there, but of course (no offence) I do not want to be another laborer there. I was looking into chemical engineering with recently learning all the chances they have to move up through out the plant & company, only problem is I’m afraid I may not have all the smarts to get me all the way there. I was wondering if someone could tell me if there are any good degrees that aren’t as hard as the chemical engineering degree but would put me above a lot of people in the plants or any work place at that, so basically I’m looking for options similar to chemical engineering but maybe not as hard. Your input would be much appreciated! Thanks.
The traditional engineering disciplines are hard and Chemical Engineering is especially hard. No way to get around that. Doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. You should investigate engineering schools that are known for concentrating on undergraduates and providing as much help and guidance as a student needs. That probably means a smaller STEM school; not one of the large “weed out” campuses. Another alternative, if costs and location is a concern, is to enroll at your public engineering school and carefully plan your schedule. Keep a light load of 12 (full time) credit hours per semester. It will take longer to graduate, but the relatively tranquil pace will help you tremendously.
Perhaps mechanical engineering or materials science. Some colleges may have degrees like Engineering Science or Engineering Technology or Manufacturing Technology which might be easier.
Chemical plants are really going to want engineers. There are roles in chemical plants for pretty much every field of engineering. If you really think you want to work in chemical plants, just bite the bullet and put in a few years of hard work and get an engineering degree. They’re so much more versatile than the “easier” degrees you’re considering and are a much more direct route to the job you want…
The idea that mechanical engineering or materials science are somehow universally “easier” than chemical engineering is laughable. Do we really need to have the ice cream discussion again?
The bottom line is that if you want a certain career and chemical engineering is the way to get to that career, then don’t worry about how hard you think it might be. You won’t know it until you try it and the best way to guarantee you won’t succeed is to not try.
@boneh3ad , I’d look at the word “perhaps” and “might” and hope you understand I certainly didn’t mean those were universally easier.