Chemistry

Strategies

• Develop strong verbal, written, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

• Choose courses with laboratory components to build experimental and instrumentation skills.

• Gain experience in area of interest through internships, research with professors and/or complete a senior research project.

• Consider taking a course in grant writing.

• Earn master’s degree in chemistry for advanced positions, greater responsibility and higher pay.

• Obtain Ph.D. to direct research projects and lead research teams.

• Enroll in undergraduate research early in your college career.

Strategies

Analytical chemistry focuses on determining the composition and structure of matter and has applications to all areas of chemistry.

• Seek extensive laboratory and research experience along with courses in quantitative, qualitative and instrumental analyses.

• Pursue advanced instrumentation and computer skills along with knowledge of statistics.

• Develop attention to detail and strong problem solving skills.

• Take electives in your field of interest, as some employers seek candidates with expertise in particular areas of analysis such as environment or pharmaceuticals.

• Obtain knowledge of fundamental business principles to assist in meeting the goals of industry.

Employers

• Government:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service

• Industries:

  • chemical, pharmaceutical, waste management, environmental, food, feed, healthcare, biotechnology, plant and animal breeders and growers

• Private research labs and organizations

• Public health departments

• Hospital laboratories

• Commercial medical laboratories

Strategies

Biochemistry references the study of chemical properties within living systems.

• Consider taking courses to specialize in biology, molecular biology, genetics, biophysics or biophysical methods, as this field is often linked to other disciplines.

• Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills. Strong oral and written communications skills are necessary for working with teams of scientists.

• Seek undergraduate research opportunities with professors and plan to complete internships related to your area of interest.

• Join related professional organizations such as the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Strategies

Discipline combines chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the use or production of chemicals.

• Consider double majors in chemistry and engineering.

• Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for work on multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail is crucial.

• Pursue experimental design, data interpretation and problem solving competence through coursework and research with professors.

• Seek internship or co-op experiences in the chemical engineering field.

• Join professional associations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers to maintain current knowledge of opportunities in the field.

• Research Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requirements, as this exam is typically the first step in becoming a Professional Engineer (PE).

• Consider a concentration in Sustainability to pursue field in Green (or Sustainable) Chemistry.

Strategies

Inorganic chemistry addresses the behavior of inorganic and organometallic compounds and how these materials can be modified for product applications.

• Prepare a strong background in inorganic chemistry with classes in physics, materials science and chemical engineering.

• Develop excellent communication skills for work with other disciplines including materials scientists, physicists and engineers.

• Seek experimental design and analytical research chemistry experience.

• Inquire about grant writing training, as the inorganic chemistry job market is tight, and some scientists are required to solicit monetary support for their work through government, industry and private foundations.

Strategies

Materials science focuses on the development of new materials and the improvement of existing ones.

• Earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry, engineering or physics for entry into the materials science field.

• Build laboratory and research experience as an undergraduate through coursework, projects with professors, co-ops or internships.

• Develop effective problem solving, communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with professionals in other fields.

• Seek undergraduate membership in professional organizations such as the American Society for Materials to learn more about opportunities in the field and to build professional contacts.

• Plan to pursue a graduate degree to specialize in a particular material, process or characterization technique.

Strategies

Physical chemistry is a broad, interdisciplinary field applying techniques and theories from physics to study chemical systems.

• Develop a strong background in chemistry, math and physics. Interest in study at the atomic level is central to physical chemistry.

• Enhance knowledge of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetics, structure, electronics and optics through additional classes.

• Seek coursework with laboratory components to build technical skills with both instruments and computers.

• Pursue physical chemistry internships, co-ops and/or research projects to learn about practical applications of the field and increase job marketability.

Strategies

• Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Supplement chemistry degree with coursework or minor in chosen field (e.g., business, journalism, technical writing).

• Seek sales experience through internships, part-time work or summer jobs.

• Become familiar with desktop publishing and other software packages for scientific journalism and technical writing opportunities. Pursue experience writing for a school or local newspaper.

• Join related student organizations (e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, Society for Technical Communication, etc.)

• Obtain an MBA or Ph.D. for advancement.

• To pursue a J.D., participate in mock trial and pre-law associations, learn law school admissions process.

• Earn master’s in library and information science, M.L.I.S., for college, university and specialized librarian positions, and join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.