How to Become a Chemical Engineer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer
What does a Chemical Engineer do?
A Chemical Engineer conducts research and development projects involving the study of chemical reactions and material properties to innovate and develop new products or optimize existing products. Designs experiments and builds prototypes and models used to investigate and support the development of improved chemicals, materials, products, and manufacturing processes. Being a Chemical Engineer compiles and analyzes testing data. Presents research results used to estimate costs, establish performance standards, identify solutions, and facilitate processes. Additionally, Chemical Engineer maintains lab and plant safety procedures for chemical storage, handling, transport, and disposal. Complies with all safety and environmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Typically reports to a manager. The Chemical Engineer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Chemical Engineer typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Chemical engineers are people who use their knowledge of chemistry in an industrial setting, to create new substances and products and improve the quality and production process of existing ones.
A wide range of industries regularly introduce new products or improve existing ones, so a chemical engineer can often find jobs in industries ranging from aerospace to electronics, textile manufacturing, and environmental management.
Many manufacturing companies also hire chemical engineers to help design efficient manufacturing facilities.
Additionally, a chemical engineer may help develop processes that manufacturing plants can use to operate in environmentally friendly manners.
Sometimes, chemical engineers are called "universal engineers" because their knowledge base and abilities are so broad.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Chemical Engineer
Best tips for those who want to become a Chemical Engineer
Here are some tips to become a Chemical Engineer.
Learn More About the Prospective Employer.
Review Carefully the Responsibilities of the Job.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
Complete a Chemical Engineering Internship.
Complete Relevant Exams for Certification.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Chemical Engineer
Best colleges and universities for Chemical Engineer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Chemical Engineer
Is being a Chemical Engineer Worth it?
Technically, there aren’t any rules preventing an individual trained in mechanical engineering and chemistry from working as a chemical engineer.
Students who studied both mechanical engineering and chemistry can take the chemical engineering PE exam.
On the other hand, students who are certain they want to work in chemical engineering might choose the area as their major to undergo in-depth preparation.
Many of the largest employers of engineers offer internships to engineering majors; Dow Chemical, for example, provides internships to students studying mechanical or chemical engineering.
Internship positions can be competitive, however, and chemical engineering positions could go to those studying in the field.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Chemical Engineer
What skills do you need to be a Chemical Engineer?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Process Optimization, Quality Assurance Process, Manufacturing Technology. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Manufacturing Execution System. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
Some chemical engineers must be familiar with guidelines for toxic chemicals.
An aspiring chemical engineer must have a strong ability to solve complex problems.
The skills needed for chemical engineer employment can be fine-tuned as early as the high school years.
Beyond many years of formal education, there are other skills that are valuable for finding chemical engineer employment.
Other skills that are helpful for chemical engineering include leadership skills, the ability to work well with others, and the ability to collaborate with people in unrelated disciplines.
Step 6: View average salary for Chemical Engineer
How much does a Chemical Engineer make?
The average salary range for a Chemical Engineer is from $89,602 to $109,005. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Chemical Engineer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Chemical Engineer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Chemical Engineer jobs?
Here are some Chemical Engineer jobs in the United States.