CAREERS IN… CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CAREERS IN… CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A DEGREE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING? Chemical engineering requires a broad knowledge of science to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. While many specialize in a particular area, such as pollution control or the production of a specific product, such as fertilizers, automotive plastics or chlorine bleach, chemical engineers must be aware of all aspects of chemical production and how it affects the environment, as well as the safety of workers and customers. Most chemical engineers work for chemical manufacturers. They design and develop methods of large-scale production, plan and test products, and treat the by-products. They also work for a variety of other manufacturers, including those that produce electronics, photographic equipment, clothing, pulp and paper. Others choose careers in health care, biotechnology and the business services industry. The University of Akron offers a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering. The chemical engineering program is accredited by ABET and meets the curriculum requirements specified by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Further information can be found by visiting the website at: http://chemical.uakron.edu/index.php. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION • Biochemist • Chemical Research Engineer • Chemist • Plastics Engineer REQUIRED SKILLS • Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them • Determine how a system should work. Identify ways to measure and improve system performance • Think of new ideas and original or creative ways to solve problem • Test and inspect products and processes • • • • • • • •
Engineering Educator Food Technologist Petroleum Engineer Toxicologist
Use scientific methods or math skills to solve problems Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused Design equipment and technology to meet user need Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material
COMPANIES THAT HIRE • Independent Research Institutions • Federal Government
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Chemical Industry including: plastics, petroleum, pharmaceutical, cosmetic Manufacturing firms including: automotive, air plane, paper, textiles, rubber, food and beverage
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS • American Chemical Society: Career Services • American Institute of Chemical Engineers • Chemical Society • National Society of Professional Engineers
www.acs.org www.aiche.org www.chemsoc.org www.nspe.org
JOB AND EARNING OUTLOOK According to the Occupational Handbook, chemical engineers are expected to have employment growth about as fast as the average for all occupations though 2014. Although overall employment in the chemical manufacturing industry is expected to decline, chemical companies will continue to research and develop new chemicals and more efficient processes to increase output of existing chemicals. Among manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals may provide the best opportunities for jobseekers. However, most employment growth for chemical engineers will be in service industries such as scientific research and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in Spring 2007 averaged $59,707 annually for bachelor’s degree recipients in chemical engineering, and $68,118 for a master’s degree.
Center for Career Management, The University of Akron, (330) 972-7747, www.uakron.edu/ccm
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CAREERS IN… CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
ZIPPY MASCOT uaccm@uakron.edu 133 S. College Street, Akron, OH 44304 330.972.7747 Objective Creative hard worker seeks a full-time chemical engineering position. Education Bachelor of Science, Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering The University of Akron, Akron, OH Specialization in Polymer Engineering • GPA: 3.5/4.0 • Dean’s List Computer Skills Microsoft Office, ChemCAD, TA Instruments Universal Analysis, Lotus Notes Relevant Experience FIRST CHEMICALS COMPANY, Akron, OH Engineering Co-op, Materials Development Lab Summer 2005 • Became proficient at running tests on DSC, TGA, infrared, melt flow index and rheometer. • Developed problem solving skills by analyzing failed parts, identifying unknown materials, and validating new suppliers. • Wrote several technical reports and two equipment test procedures. • Developed and trained co-workers on two internal use databases. Engineering Co-op, Product Lab Summers, 2003 - 05 • Worked with engineers on four new product development teams, including prototype model and appraisal testing. • Learned multiple physical performance tests for polymers. • Tested parts resulting from design changes and customer returns. USA METALS, Cleveland, OH September 2002 - Present Laboratory Technician • Evaluated physically tested fasteners and panels after outdoor exposure and salt spray testing. • Ran wastewater treatment samples for approval using atomic absorption analysis. • Calibrated equipment and glassware and wrote several technical reports. • Organized chemicals in laboratory and stockroom and verified their MSDS information Activities American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) Society of Women Engineers (SWE) College of Engineering Mentor Women in Engineering Program
Expected, May 2006
2005 - Present 2005 - Present 2004 - Present 2003 - Present
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