In need of some advice - was my major the right one?

Parents Forum
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<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am wondering if any of you have any feedback as to whether or not chemical engineering is a good career choice. I am sorta late to be thinking about this as I am due to graduate with a B.S.ChE from Purdue University in December of 2013. However, I can make some arrangements to switch into a field like ME. I am just very concerned that ChE's are not getting hired and that I will not find a job after college. I looked at BLS for stats on ChE and employement, and well the field is only going to grow by 5% in the next 6 years. On another side note: why is it that 1 in every 10,000 people are chemical engineers. Why do so very few people go into the field? I am starting to second guess my choice, and think that it may not have been the greatest major to have gotten into. Any ideas?</p>

<p>Thank You!</p>

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<p>THere is a lot of overlap between engineering disciplines. Unless you are more interested in “machine design” type issues I don’t see any big reason to switch this late in the game. My assumption is that ME and ChE overlap on things like fluid flow, thermodynamics, blah blah. That’s why, if you look at job ads, many will say things like - “BS, MS, or PhD in Chem E, Mech E, Physics or similar discipline.” </p>

<p>Look at the PE exam specification for Chem E and ME with a thermo type specialization. (And no, you don’t need a PE for a job) -</p>

<p><a href=“http://cdn4.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Exam-specifications_PE-Che-Apr-2011.pdf[/url]”>http://cdn4.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Exam-specifications_PE-Che-Apr-2011.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://cdn4.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/PE-Mec-Thermal-Oct-2008.pdf[/url]”>http://cdn4.ncees.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/PE-Mec-Thermal-Oct-2008.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For entry level, employers (like refineries for example) will hire you for knowledge in a broad general area, and a demonstrated ability to learn technical material… Then you learn on the job.</p>

<p>I’d bet you could also get an MS in ME without too much heartburn if you think it will help for some reason.</p>

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<p>Greetings fellow Boilermaker. There’s plenty of ChemE jobs out there as the field has a wide variety of applications, from EV batteries to energy sector to pharmaceuticals to semiconductor manufacturing and the like. I’m sure you know all that.</p>

<p>The reason why so few go into ChemE? it is darned difficult, difficult, difficult, and difficult. Many consider ChemE to be the most difficult type of engineering.</p>

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<p>A friend’s D graduated as a Chem E from Purdue a year ago and is now working at Conoco in San Francisco.</p>

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<p>You made a good choice. You will be fine - remember, there is always room at the top. Best of luck!</p>

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<p>If you are worried about job prospects, you may want to look at the <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html&lt;/a&gt; .</p>

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<p>Stay on track to graduate on time. If you can add extra courses and graduate with a double major on time - do it, but don’t change this late in the game. There are lots of jobs for chemical engineers out there. I personally know two young ladies who recently graduated with degrees in chemical engineering and are both working in the paint industry. I also know of an older mechanical engineer who was recently laid off. The only reason I would seriously consider changing at this late date is if you truly hate what you are learning. Other than that, finish it out.</p>