Links to related Web Sites are listed at the bottom of this page.
| AREAS |
EMPLOYERS |
STRATEGIES |
ANALYTICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Consulting
Environmental
Forensics
|
- Federal, state, and local government
- Federal agencies including NASA
- 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
|
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. |
| |
BIOCHEMICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Consulting
Quality Control
Medical
Environmental
Industrial Health & Safety
Hospital Administration |
- 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
|
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. |
| |
ORGANIC
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
|
- 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
|
Gain additional laboratory and research experience
through internships and summer jobs.
Get involved with undergraduate research with
professors. |
| |
GEOCHEMISTRY
Environmental Remediation
Research & Development
Analysis & Testing
|
- Environmental organizations
- Water processing plants
- Natural resources organizations
|
Take geology & environmental science
electives. |
| |
INORGANIC
Research
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
|
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involved in mining, electronics, and
synthetic materials
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
|
Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
Develop additional laboratory skills and experience. |
| |
POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Analysis & Testing
Research & Development |
- Industries involving textiles and plastics
|
Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs. |
| |
PHYSICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
|
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
- Federal government
- Colleges and universities
|
Take related courses in social sciences and
economics.
Develop strong mathematical background. |
| |
EDUCATION
Teaching
Research
Administration
|
- Private and public secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
|
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. |
| |
BUSINESS
Technical Sales/Marketing
Pharmaceutical Sales
Management
Consulting
Industrial Quality Control
Research & Development
|
- 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
|
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. |
| |
TECHNICAL WRITING
Writing
Editing |
- Research product development departments and
organizations
- Publishing firms including books, scientific and
research journals, technical press, large
newspapers, and wire services
- Internet sites
|
Take advanced technical writing courses.
Develop word processing and desktop publishing
skills. |
| |
LAW
Patent Law
Legislation and Lobbying
|
- Manufacturing firms
- Research and development firms
- Law firms
- Private practice
- Environmental agencies
|
Obtain law degree to become an attorney. |
| |
INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/TECHNICAL
LIBRARIES |
- Special libraries
- Research organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals
|
Obtain master's degree in library and information
science.
Develop computer retrieval skills.
Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry
Division. |
| |
GENERAL INFORMATION
• 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.
Click here for a print-friendly PDF |
RELATED LINKS |
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