Chemical engineering involves using chemistry principles to convert raw materials into marketable products, but also involves developing new technologies and finding practical solutions. It encompasses several disciplines and offers various job opportunities, including in biotechnology and “green” industries. Factors that influence a career in chemical engineering include areas of interest, level of education, and language skills.
Generally speaking, the field of chemical engineering involves using the principles of chemistry to convert raw materials into marketable products. However, chemical engineers also invest their knowledge and skill in developing new technologies, as well as finding practical solutions to improve and maintain them. These factors are what make a career in chemical engineering quite different from that of a chemist. In fact, the main objective of the chemical engineer goes beyond synthesizing products, looking for ways to make this production practical and economical in terms of the manufacturing process. In short, the chemical engineer reframes the question from “how to do it” to “how to do it on a large scale”.
In addition to basic chemistry, chemical engineering encompasses several other disciplines, including mathematics, physics, biology, and mechanical engineering. As such, there are a variety of different chemical engineering jobs represented by various industries. Some of the best jobs in the field are found in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, electronics and textile industries. However, an increasing number of opportunities can be found in the fields of biotechnology. In fact, many chemical engineers are now actively working in various “green” industries related to environmental preservation such as alternative and renewable energy solutions, biohazard remediation, etc.
With so many different types of chemical engineering jobs to choose from, it would be wise to give some thought to certain factors that contribute to the shape and direction of a career in this field. Certainly, the candidate should take note of areas that have particular appeal, based on a desire to improve the lives of people, animals, or the environment that sustains all living things. For example, those interested in improving people’s well-being might choose to work in the biomedical field to develop new, safer pharmaceuticals, or enter the agricultural industry to increase food production by developing crops resistant to disease and pests. . On the other hand, biochemical engineering offers an opportunity to protect wildlife and natural resources by implementing strategies to reduce and improve the handling of environmental waste.
Another factor that will influence one’s career in chemical engineering is the level of education attained. While a bachelor’s degree is required to work in basic chemical production or processing, the best chemical engineering jobs are available to those with advanced degrees. In addition, those with training and skills in communication and business often transfer these qualities to a teaching or higher management position. It is also worth noting that chemical engineering often involves working with global teams, making fluency in a second language highly desirable.
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