<p>I am a high school senior and am planning on majoring in chemical engineering. Now I got accepted into University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and am strongly considering going there for their chemE program. However, my biggest work is the job outlook on this career path. I have read several posts on CC as well as articles on the web stating that chemE jobs are on the decline. Now I would love to hear the opinon's of my fellow CC'ers on this statement because if this is the case I might consider a different school for a different major such as Aerospace or Electrical.</p>
<p>In my case, this is true. It has been really difficult to secure a position as a chemical engineer, and I’ve read from the BLS.gov that the field is declining 2-3% in the next 10 years. Demands for chemical engineers are low as everything being mass produced is being shipped oversea. Furthermore, I have many colleagues who did something else entirely as soon as they graduated-managers of hotels, lab technicians, etc. </p>
<p>Since you are accepted to one of the best chemical engineering program in the U.S., you might have more doors open to you?</p>
<p>I agree. Chemical engineering degree = pure garbage. Never had a decent job with it - it just led to pain, poverty and misery.</p>
<p>From: [url=<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]Engineers[/url”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]Engineers[/url</a>]</p>
<p>"Chemical engineers are expected to have an employment decline of 2 percent over the projections decade. Overall employment in the chemical manufacturing industry is expected to continue to decline, although chemical companies will continue to employ chemical engineers to research and develop new chemicals and more efficient processes to increase output of existing chemicals. However, there will be employment growth for chemical engineers in service-providing industries, such as professional, scientific, and technical services, particularly for research in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. "</p>
<p>If you are interested in working for Big pharma then you will not have much trouble finding a job. The same cannot be said for the oil and gas industry. Refining is being outsourced to countries with less environmental regulations. Oil and gas used to be a big employer of chemical engineers but that demand is declining about 3-5% each year. Your best bet is to either work towards acquiring a job for a Pharmaceutical company. Otherwise if you are determined on working in the Oil and gas industry petroleum engineering may be a wiser choice.</p>
<p>alchemist007,</p>
<p>I used to worked for a pharmaceutical company, and I can definitely say it was not easy getting in. The school I graduated from was decent enough (top 26 in chemical engineering), and had many connections with biotech/pharma companies. I was also one of the top students from my graduating class, but landed few interviews with Pharma companies despite my background. Most of the pharma positions I’ve seen so far are highly competitive and requires a great deal of networking.</p>
<p>Ok. I was misinformed, but thanks for correcting it,</p>
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<p>Nah, regulatory arbitrage has nothing to do with it. Indeed, you could say that the US chemical engineering labor market actually benefits from outsourcing because the US is a net exporter of refined petroleum products, and has been for years. </p>
<p>[Gas</a> exports soar, keeping U.S. price at pump high](<a href=“http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/03/MN8I1M7LAV.DTL]Gas”>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/03/MN8I1M7LAV.DTL)</p>
<p>Furthermore, and far more importantly, the giant wave of cheap natural gas and accompanying condensates (i.e. ethane) has proven to be a giant boon for the basic chemical industry that uses such outputs as feedstocks. The US is likely to enjoy some of the world’s cheapest natural gas for years to come, which will bolster the nation’s position as a world chemical power. </p>
<p>[Natural</a> Gas Boom Energizing The Chemical Industry : NPR](<a href=“Natural Gas Boom Energizing The Chemical Industry : NPR”>Natural Gas Boom Energizing The Chemical Industry : NPR)</p>
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<p>I have always said that if the chemical engineering discipline does have a weakness, it is that it is geographically concentrated. You have to be willing to move to where the industry is - that is, around the Gulf Coast, the mid-Atlantic/New Jersey region, maybe Silicon Valley, or (if in Canada) Alberta. If you’re absolutely not willing to do that, then I would agree that you should not choose to major in chemical engineering. {But frankly, if you’re never willing to move, then you’re likely to find your career to be constrained regardless of which major you choose.}</p>
<p>As a case in point, the average starting salary of chemical engineers in 2011 from Texas A&M - which is not an ‘elite’ school for chemical engineering - was $75k a year. That is a terrific salary in Texas, with its zero state income tax, and where you can buy a decent house for less than that salary. </p>
<p><a href=“http://careercenter.tamu.edu/guides/reports/WhoHiresMyMajor/2011/Fall/Fall2011_Engineering.htm[/url]”>http://careercenter.tamu.edu/guides/reports/WhoHiresMyMajor/2011/Fall/Fall2011_Engineering.htm</a></p>
<p>For example, here’s a 4-bedroom, 3-bath house in Houston that is being sold for only $60k. Honestly, how many other careers allow you to make a higher salary than the price of a house in the first year right out of college? </p>
<p><a href=“Houston, TX Real Estate & Homes for Sale | realtor.com®”>807 Eagles Glide Dr, Houston, TX 77090 | realtor.com®;
<p>sakky,</p>
<p>That is an extreme case scenario. It is not very likely.</p>
<p>It’s hardly an extreme case scenario by any means. </p>
<p>You really want to talk about extreme scenarios? How about a 3-bed, 2-bath house in Houston for just $12k? No, not $120k, but literally $12k. No, this is not a monthly mortgage payment, but rather the actual purchase price of the house. No joke: you can buy a quite decent house in Houston for less than the cost of a new car. Heck, a newly minted chemical engineer could buy this house in cash after just a few monthson the job. {If he draws $75k a year, that means that he makes ~$3500 every month after taxes & food- remember that Texas has no state income tax - and so after a few months, you would have enough in the bank to buy the house plus pay the closing fees & title insurance. Just crash on your buddy’s couch and get a ride to work every day for a few months so that you can bank your entire paycheck.} </p>
<p>[5818</a> Flamingo Dr Houston TX - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #47198144 - Realtor.com](<a href=“http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5818-Flamingo-Dr_Houston_TX_77033_M89179-99376]5818”>5818 Flamingo Dr, Houston, TX 77033 | realtor.com®) </p>
<p>Nor is that example particularly extreme. Here’s a 4-bed, 2-bath house for less than $14k.</p>
<p>[4357</a> Larkspur St Houston TX - Foreclosure for Sale - MLS #20176421 - Realtor.com](<a href=“http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4357-Larkspur-St_Houston_TX_77051_M84437-95852]4357”>4357 Larkspur St, Houston, TX 77051 | realtor.com®)</p>
<p>Here’s a 3-bed, 2-bath for $19.9k.</p>
<p>[MLS</a> # 78555525 - 6828 Sherwood, Houston TX, 77021 | Homes.com](<a href=“http://www.homes.com/listing/160056241/6828_Sherwood_HOUSTON_TX_77021]MLS”>http://www.homes.com/listing/160056241/6828_Sherwood_HOUSTON_TX_77021)</p>
<p>Here’s a 3-bed, 1-bath for $13.5k. </p>
<p>[MLS</a> # 18814421 - 4317 Engleford St, Houston TX, 77026 | Homes.com](<a href=“http://www.homes.com/listing/160050832/4317_Engleford_St_HOUSTON_TX_77026]MLS”>http://www.homes.com/listing/160050832/4317_Engleford_St_HOUSTON_TX_77026)</p>
<p>Now, to be clear, these houses are not in top shape. They will require post-purchase refurbishing. But hey, not only are they dirt-cheap, but they’re located in one of the most economically vibrant cities in the country. Most of those houses are located no more than 20-minutes away from downtown. </p>
<p>But don’t take my word for it. Feel free to use realtor.com, homes.com, or any other real estate website to convince yourself that Houston and the rest of the Gulf Coast region has plenty of housing that costs less than your first-year salary as a new chemical engineer. </p>
<p>I’m frankly shocked that more engineers haven’t moved to the Gulf Coast to take advantage of the burgeoning economy combined with dirt-cheap living costs.</p>
<p>Yeah, but who wants to live in Texas? Too many Texans.</p>
<p>Hey, I’d rather work in Texas than be unemployed in some other state.</p>
<p>If you guys think Houston is cheap wait till you see the prices near Lubbock!</p>
<p>Sakky I agree that Texas is affordable which is great for new grads. Cities like Toronto and major other centres are unaffordable. </p>
<p>I also agree that there are alot of chemical engineering jobs in Texas. Your postings seem to indicate that they are there for the taking with anyone with a Chem E degree.
When I applied to jobs in Texas years ago, I was told to ‘get lost’ not because I am Canadian (due to NAFTA we can legally work in USA and vice versa) but because I had no field experience. All the recruiters and others I spoke to would not even submit my resume for consideration. If the world you describe were true, I would have been hired on the spot. Yes, 75K is great for someone 25 years old or for anyone. But not everyone can get that just coming out of Chem E. There is huge competition for top jobs. Note also that even in mighty Texas, Lyondell Chemical Corporation has gone bankrupt so it is not as wide open as you suggest.</p>
<p>Well, all I can tell you is that the chemical engineering students from the universities in Texas seem to be doing very well for themselves. </p>
<p>If the problem is that you need field experience, then get it. That is, work as a technician/operator for awhile if that’s what it takes to build experience. {I highly doubt that it is necessary, for I would then wonder how all of those chemical engineers from the Texas universities are finding jobs.} Or work as a lower-end engineer for awhile. </p>
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<p>Oh, come on, that happened 3 years ago. That’s a lifetime ago. LYB emerged from bankruptcy with new management and a recapitalized structure 2 years ago and has been hiring readily ever since. </p>
<p>[LyondellBasell</a> - Application Process](<a href=“Careers | LyondellBasell”>Careers | LyondellBasell) </p>
<p>And besides, economic growth doesn’t mean that no company will ever go bankrupt. Even during the best of times, some firms will overinvest or otherwise make foolish decisions and hence be forced into bankruptcy. What matters is the overall economic climate, and it is hard to deny that engineering jobs are plentiful in the Gulf Coast. What may have happened years ago is not relevant today. Apply now.</p>
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<p>I have always said that people have to be willing to move, and in particular, to move to where the jobs are as well as to areas that are cheap. Texas is far from the only possibility: you could move to anywhere along the Gulf Coast. Louisiana, albeit having a state income tax, also offers dirt-cheap housing: a 4-bed, 2-bath house in New Orleans or Baton Rouge can be yours for $30k. </p>
<p>[6960</a> Dorian St New Orleans LA - Foreclosure for Sale - MLS #900774 - Realtor.com](<a href=“New Orleans, LA Real Estate & Homes for Sale | realtor.com®”>6960 Dorian St, New Orleans, LA 70126 | realtor.com®)</p>
<p>[1226</a> Thayer St New Orleans LA - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #870511 - Realtor.com](<a href=“New Orleans, LA Real Estate & Homes for Sale | realtor.com®”>1226 Thayer St, New Orleans, LA 70114 | realtor.com®)</p>
<p>[1606</a> N 46th St Baton Rouge LA - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #B1202027 - Realtor.com](<a href=“Baton Rouge, LA Real Estate & Homes for Sale | realtor.com®”>1606 N 46th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | realtor.com®)</p>
<p>The bottom line is that it has become the accepted narrative that a career in petroleum engineering will necessitate a move to where the oil is. You’re not going to be a very successful petroleum engineer if you insist on living in, say, New England. Chemical engineers should likewise understand that they may need to move to where the industry is, with the Gulf Coast taking precedence as ‘chemical engineering heaven’.</p>
<p>Sakky, I’m guessing your currently in Texas? Do you know how well their biofuel companies are doing, and how many chemical engineers easily find jobs in that area? I know Texas has the most biodiesel companies in the U.S., but so far I’m not having any luck finding a job in that area. My bio emphasis in my chemical engineering degree will limit me to the biotech/pharma area, but I’m very curious about the ‘chemical engineering heaven’ :)</p>
<p>Whatever emphasis you may with your major will hardly matter. Nobody will really care. All they’ll care about is that you have a chemical engineering degree. </p>
<p>However, if your true interest is biofuels, then the entire Midwest/Plains-State region opens up due to the burgeoning bio-ethanol trade. And yes, those regions also offer cheap housing - you can buy a decent house in St Louis for less than $50k.</p>
<p>The hard truth ele902 is that there a lot of graduating chemical engineers across the country trying to find work in Texas. Big firms get many many+++ applications for available positions not only from new grads but also from all levels of experience. </p>
<p>It is hard to obtain an operating/process position with a large Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Chemicals, etc. The best way is through on campus recruiting or through internships through the summer (or both). Failing that it is really difficult (I know - I tried for years). If you don’t get that operations/plant experience very earlier in your career, your value is extremely limited as a chemical engineer. Employment with consulting firms and other companies pays a lot less and opportunities can be very limiting based on the book of business they have. Every job ad for chemical engineers wants 4 to 6 years+ of plant-based experience. Every year the situation gets worse because you have more and more grads behind you and others being laid off all competing for limited positions. The number of chemical engineering grads far exceeds the available operations engineering positions.</p>
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<p>Actually, the far more benign truth is that there are very few graduating chemical engineers across the country who are trying to find work in the Gulf Coast, almost certainly due to regional snobbery. Simply put, it is hard to find many college students from the coasts or even from the Midwest who would ever deign to move to Gulf Coast. California college students are particularly notorious for never wanting to leave California, and certainly not for a supposed cultural backwater such as Texas or Louisiana. But like I’ve always said, I’d rather work in the GC than be unemployed elsewhere. </p>
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<p>Yet who says that you have to work for a ‘big’ firm? The Gulf Coast has hundreds upon hundreds of chemical firms. Granted, many of them are small and relatively unprestigious. But so what? It’s still better than no job. </p>
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<p>So then how the heck are all of the new engineering graduates streaming out of relatively average engineering schools such as LSU or University of Houston doing so well? They clearly don’t have anywhere near to having 4-6 years of work experience - indeed, many of them lack any experience whatsoever, not even internships. Nor do they seem to be particularly hindered by the supposed pile-up of unemployed grads before them and laid-off experienced engineers.</p>