Opportunities beyond engineering

<p>I'm currently a chemical engineering major, but because I don't completely understand the nature of the work, I may not even enjoy a career as a chemical engineer. I would like to know what other opportunities are available for someone with a major in chemical engineering. Specific jobs, along with useful information such as salaries relative to the average chemical engineer and employment prospects, would be especially helpful. Thanks.</p>

<p>That is the point of an internship - have you began to look for summer internships for 2008? It will give you exposure to the job and work alongside with other ChemEs.</p>

<p>I have seen plenty of internship postings for ChemE/BioE internships with companies like Medco, Stryker Medical, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, HP, Boeing, etc.</p>

<p>From BLS.gov:</p>

<p>"Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals and biochemicals. They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They also work in health care, biotechnology, and business services. Chemical engineers apply principles of physics, mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as chemistry. Some may specialize in a particular chemical process, such as oxidation or polymerization. Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials, or in the development of specific products. They must be aware of all aspects of chemicals manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers."</p>

<p>[url=<a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm%5DEngineers%5B/url"&gt;http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm]Engineers[/url&lt;/a&gt;]&lt;/p>

<p>I'm already working for a pharmaceutical company working on process improvement projects for co-op, and it's not as exciting as I thought.</p>

<p>it's only ONE project that you're involved in. Have you been exposed to other groups within the company?</p>

<p>I'm working with one group for 16 months on a couple of projects. There is no opportunity to move to other groups until my work is finished here. I do not want to persuade myself that chemical engineering is right for me by exposing myself to enough aspects of it (how long is that gong to take, 2 years? 5 years?) I just want to know what opportunities lie outside of the field.</p>

<p>If you're going to be stubborn about your career choices in ChemE, then why bother even majoring in it? You can get a job on Wall Street assuming you have the right set of qualities that they are looking for - but it's a little more harder.</p>

<p>How about pharmaceutical sales? You can get your MBA after working for a few years doing sales - you'll make loads of money. You can apply for an Associate position with many consulting companies. </p>

<p>Take Bain & Company (well known consulting firm located in Boston, MA and other places):
"Associate consultants (ACs) generally join Bain directly from college/university with a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or similar degree. ACs are a diverse group of highly qualified people with extremely broad backgrounds—from hard science to literature. The position offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain broad business exposure in a challenging environment where learning is the primary reward."</p>

<p>Bain</a> & Company Recruiting Profile</p>

<p>I don't know why you're calling me stubborn. I simply want to know the choices available to me.</p>

<h2>Because of:</h2>

<h2>I do not want to persuade myself that chemical engineering is right for me by exposing myself to enough aspects of it (how long is that gong to take, 2 years? 5 years?)</h2>

<p>You are a student. You do not know what real ChemE is. But that doesn't matter, I'm just saying you MIGHT like it.</p>

<p>If you're going to be defensive and unappreciative, someone else can help you. Good night.</p>