Career options after Chemical Engineering | Reality Check 🔥

In this introductory segment, Neha Graval, a gold medalist in chemical engineering and founder of Eyes of Communications, sets the stage for the video. She aims to provide a reality check and explore the various career options available to chemical engineering graduates. Highlighting that 90% of students typically choose one of two paths after their undergraduate studies, Neha emphasizes the importance of understanding the diverse opportunities in the field. She mentions core companies in industries such as oil and gas, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, and core chemicals as potential employers, with notable Indian companies including Reliance, Vedanta, Exxon Mobile, Shell, HUL, Scrumbarger, Pedilite, Tata Chemicals, and ITC GSK. The average salary range in these companies is between 8 to 12 lakhs per annum, making core companies a viable option for those passionate about chemical engineering.

This section delves into the appeal of public sector undertakings (PSUs) for chemical engineering graduates. PSUs are government-run companies that offer benefits such as retirement schemes, medical insurance, and performance-based incentives. To secure a position in these corporations, one must clear the GATE examination and participate in the selection process based on the scores. Neha also discusses the option of pursuing a career in research, which can lead to positions as research assistants in prestigious institutions or private companies. This path is particularly beneficial for those planning to pursue higher studies, as it provides valuable research experience and can lead to paper publications, enhancing one's profile for admission to foreign universities.

Neha shares her personal decision to pursue higher education immediately after completing her B.Tech in chemical engineering. She opted for a master's in material science at NTU Singapore, highlighting the advantages of completing education in one go, as opposed to the challenges of returning to studies after gaining work experience. The segment also addresses the growing popularity of careers in analytics for chemical engineers. Companies like ZS Associates, KPMG, and Deloitte hire chemical engineering graduates for business analyst roles, which can also serve as a strong foundation for MBA or data science programs. Neha emphasizes that if one is certain about their desired program and has a strong profile, they can directly pursue higher studies, whether it be an M.Tech, MS, or PhD, in India or abroad.

In the final part of the video script, Neha discusses the importance of following one's passion, even if it diverges from the traditional chemical engineering career path. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from chemical engineering and material science to teaching communication skills and assisting in career preparation, despite the disparity with her academic background. Neha encourages viewers to choose a career they are passionate about, as it is possible to build a successful career around one's strengths and interests. She dismisses concerns about societal expectations and emphasizes the importance of personal happiness and satisfaction in one's chosen career. The video concludes with a message of encouragement, stating that if one is passionate about something, there are numerous ways to achieve it, and that their degree should not be a barrier to pursuing their dreams.