Chemistry Career Opportunities

• Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
• Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
• Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
• Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
• Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
• Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
• Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
• Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
• Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
• Complete an undergraduate research project.
• Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
• Join related student professional organizations.
  
  

Areas

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Environmental
• Forensics

Employers

• Federal, state, and local government
• Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
• Industrial production and inspection agencies

Research laboratories and organizations

• Environmental protection organizations
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
• Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
• Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
• Take electives in your area of interest.
  
  

Areas

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Quality Control
• Medical
• Environmental
• Industrial Health & Safety
• Hospital Administration

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
• Biotechnology firms
• Plant and animal breeders and growers
• Food processors
• Industrial production and inspection agencies
• Environmental protection organizations
• Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
• Colleges and Universities

Strategies

• Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
• Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
• Join related professional organizations.
• Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest
  
  

Areas

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting
  
  

  Employers

• Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food
• Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
• Research organizations
• Federal and state government
• Colleges and universities
  
  

  Strategies

• Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs. 
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.

Areas

Environmental Remediation

Research & Development

Analysis & Testing

Employers

Research laboratories and organizations

Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials

Federal and state government

Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Take geology & environmental science electives.
  
  

Areas

Research

Analysis and Testing

Quality Control

Consulting

Employers

• Environmental organizations
• Water processing plants
• Natural resources organizations

Strategies

• Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
• Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
  
  

Areas

• Analysis & Testing
• Research & Development

Employers

• Industries involving textiles and plastics

Strategies

• Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.
  
  

Areas

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
• Federal government
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Take related courses in social sciences and economics.
• Develop strong mathematical background.
  
  

Areas

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration

Employers

• Private and public secondary schools
• Colleges and universities

Strategies

• Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools.
• Acquire a master's degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
• Take courses in public speaking.
  
  

Areas

• Technical Sales/Marketing
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Management
• Consulting
• Industrial Quality Control
• Research & Development

Employers

• Manufacturing firms
• Drug stores
• Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
• Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
• Agricultural product companies
• Environmental management organizations
• Waste management firms

Strategies

• Obtain a minor in business.
• Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
• Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.
  
  

Areas

• Writing
• Editing

Employers

• Research product development departments and organizations
• Publishing firms including books, scientific and research journals, technical press, large newspapers, and wire services
• Internet sites

Strategies

• Take advanced technical writing courses.
• Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.
  
  

Areas

• Patent Law
• Legislation and Lobbying

Employers

• Manufacturing firms
• Research and development firms
• Law firms
• Private practice
• Environmental agencies

Strategies

• Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
  
  
  

Areas

• Special libraries
• Research organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Strategies

• Obtain master's degree in library and information science.
• Develop computer retrieval skills. 
• Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.