Chemical Engineer Career Path

Overview

Chemical engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and operation of chemical plants and processes. They use their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to develop new products and processes, and to improve the efficiency of existing ones. Chemical engineers work in a variety of industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and energy. They may work in research and development, design, or production.

Education

To become a chemical engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Most chemical engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation ensures that the program meets the quality standards of the engineering profession.

In addition to your coursework, you will also need to complete a number of laboratory courses. These courses will give you hands-on experience with the equipment and processes used in chemical engineering.

Experience

Once you have your degree, you will need to gain experience working in the field. You can do this by completing an internship or co-op program while you are still in school. You can also apply for entry-level positions after you graduate.

As you gain experience, you will be able to advance to more senior positions. You may eventually become a project manager, a plant manager, or even a CEO. The average salary for chemical engineers is $108,000 per year.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for chemical engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for chemical engineers is expected to grow as the global economy continues to grow. Chemical engineers are needed to develop new products and processes, and to improve the efficiency of existing ones.

Career Path

The following is a typical career path for a chemical engineer:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
2. Complete an internship or co-op program while you are still in school.
3. Apply for entry-level positions after you graduate.
4. Gain experience working in the field.
5. Advance to more senior positions as you gain experience.
6. Eventually become a project manager, a plant manager, or even a CEO.

Conclusion

Chemical engineering is a rewarding career that offers a variety of opportunities. If you are interested in a career in engineering, and you have a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, then chemical engineering may be the right field for you.