Chemical Engineering Q&A | Things you need to know before choosing ChemE

Yeonjuμ—°μ£Ό
7 Jun 202007:24
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this video, Jamie addresses common questions about chemical engineering, sharing her personal experience as a graduate from Texas A&M University. She admits the major is challenging but manageable with effort and preparation. Jamie clarifies that while chemistry is part of the curriculum, chemical engineering is distinct and more closely related to mechanical engineering. She also discusses the typical career paths, noting that many chemical engineers work in plants, and advises prospective students to consider their desired work environment before choosing a major.

Takeaways
  • πŸŽ“ Chemical engineering is academically challenging, requiring significant time and effort from students.
  • πŸ€” The difficulty of the major varies based on individual academic abilities and the competitiveness of the school.
  • πŸ“š While the major includes chemistry classes, chemical engineering is distinct from a chemistry major and involves diverse subjects like math and other engineering fields.
  • πŸ§ͺ For those passionate about chemistry, a chemistry major might be more suitable than chemical engineering, with the option to minor in chemistry.
  • πŸ”¬ The curriculum of chemical engineering is closely related to mechanical engineering and physics is a significant component.
  • 🏭 Career paths for chemical engineers often lead to the Oil & Gas industry or other plant settings, especially in regions like Texas.
  • πŸŒ† Jobs in urban settings may require extra effort to find for chemical engineers, as many positions are located in remote industrial areas.
  • πŸ’‘ Understanding the work environment and industry associated with a degree is crucial before choosing a major.
  • 🌟 The speaker encourages potential students to consider their desired work environment and personal preferences when selecting a major.
  • πŸš€ Despite the challenges, the speaker believes that anyone can succeed in the major with the right mindset and effort.
Q & A

  • What was Jamie's major at Texas A&M University?

    -Jamie graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University in December 2019.

  • Why do people often ask Jamie if chemical engineering is hard?

    -People often ask Jamie if chemical engineering is hard because Jamie frequently posted videos about studying during college, which showed a busy schedule and academic stress.

  • What does Jamie suggest for someone who likes chemistry but is considering chemical engineering?

    -Jamie suggests that if someone likes chemistry, they should major in chemistry instead of chemical engineering, as the chemical engineering curriculum is more closely related to mechanical engineering and requires a broader range of subjects.

  • What is Jamie's opinion on the difficulty of chemical engineering for everyone?

    -Jamie believes that the difficulty of chemical engineering varies from person to person, depending on their academic ability, the effort they put in, and their level of preparation.

  • What is the common career path for chemical engineering graduates according to Jamie's experience?

    -Based on Jamie's experience, a significant portion of chemical engineering graduates, more than 80%, end up working in a plant, especially in regions like Texas where the Oil & Gas industry is prevalent.

  • Why does Jamie recommend looking into specific jobs related to a major before choosing it?

    -Jamie recommends this because it helps individuals understand the work environment and industry they will be part of, ensuring they choose a major that aligns with their desired career path and work environment.

  • What does Jamie suggest for someone who is unsure about their major?

    -Jamie suggests that if someone is unsure about their major, they should research the specific jobs they can get with that major to make an informed decision.

  • What is Jamie's advice for people who are doubting their ability to pursue chemical engineering?

    -Jamie encourages people to try the major and find out for themselves, believing that if they can do it, anyone can, despite the struggles they or others may face.

  • Why does Jamie think that working at a plant might require an extroverted personality?

    -Jamie feels that working at a plant might require an extroverted personality due to the nature of the work environment, which could be more social and interactive compared to other settings.

  • What is the importance of considering the work environment before choosing a major, as mentioned by Jamie?

    -Considering the work environment is important because it helps individuals align their personal preferences and lifestyle choices with their future career, leading to greater job satisfaction.

  • How does Jamie feel about the location of many plants in relation to urban areas?

    -Jamie acknowledges that many plants are located in remote areas, which might not suit everyone's preference for working in cities. She suggests that those who wish to work in urban settings may need to put in extra effort to find suitable opportunities.

  • What is Jamie's closing message to viewers about their college major and experience?

    -Jamie's closing message is one of encouragement and hope, wishing viewers to make a wise choice about their major and to enjoy college despite its challenges.

Outlines
00:00
πŸŽ“ The Challenges and Nature of Chemical Engineering

Jamie begins by addressing the common question about the difficulty of chemical engineering, acknowledging that it is indeed challenging, but emphasizes that the level of difficulty varies depending on individual academic abilities and the effort put in. Jamie shares personal experiences of academic stress and suggests that while all engineering majors require significant time for homework and studying, anyone can succeed with enough determination. Jamie also clarifies that chemical engineering, despite including chemistry classes, is distinct from a chemistry major and is more closely related to mechanical engineering. The video aims to dispel misconceptions about the field and encourages viewers to consider their academic interests and future career paths carefully before choosing a major.

05:02
🏭 Typical Career Paths for Chemical Engineers

Jamie discusses the typical career paths for chemical engineering graduates, noting that a significant percentage end up working in the Oil & Gas industry or at plants, especially in Texas where Jamie is from. However, Jamie also mentions that regional differences can affect job opportunities, with some areas focusing more on industries like medical. Jamie advises that while it's possible to find jobs in lab settings or non-manufacturing companies, it might require extra effort to find such positions. Jamie shares insights into the reality that many chemical engineers work in remote plant locations and suggests that choosing a major should involve considering the desired work environment. The summary ends with a call to action for viewers to research specific job prospects associated with a major before making a decision.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, and operation of processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. In the video, the speaker graduated in this field from Texas A&M University and discusses the common misconceptions and realities of the major, emphasizing that it is not solely focused on chemistry but also involves math, physics, and other engineering principles.
πŸ’‘Academic Ability
Academic ability refers to a student's capacity to understand and perform well in their studies. In the context of the video, the speaker acknowledges that the difficulty of chemical engineering can vary depending on an individual's academic ability and the effort they are willing to put into their studies.
πŸ’‘Chemistry
Chemistry is the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. While the speaker clarifies that chemical engineering is not the same as chemistry, they mention that a background in chemistry is important for understanding some aspects of chemical engineering, as the curriculum includes taking chemistry classes.
πŸ’‘Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is mentioned in the video that chemical engineering is more closely related to mechanical engineering than to chemistry, as both fields share certain core classes and principles.
πŸ’‘Physics
Physics is the natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force. In the video, the speaker dispels the myth that chemical engineering students do not study physics extensively, emphasizing that a physics mindset is crucial for understanding the engineering concepts in the major.
πŸ’‘Career Path
A career path refers to the progression of jobs and experiences that a person encounters throughout their professional life. In the video, the speaker discusses the various career paths available to chemical engineering graduates, noting that many end up working in plants or the Oil & Gas industry, and that the choice of major can significantly influence the type of work environment one will be in.
πŸ’‘Plants
In the context of the video, plants refer to industrial facilities where chemical processes are carried out on a large scale to produce goods. The speaker mentions that many chemical engineering graduates find jobs at such plants, which can sometimes be located in remote areas.
πŸ’‘Oil & Gas Industry
The Oil & Gas Industry involves the exploration, extraction, production, and refining of oil and natural gas. It is a significant sector for chemical engineering graduates, as they play a crucial role in the processing and production aspects of these energy resources. In the video, the speaker notes that many chemical engineers from their university ended up in this industry.
πŸ’‘Major Selection
Major selection refers to the process of choosing a specific field of study in college. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the career outcomes and work environments associated with a major before making a decision to study it.
πŸ’‘Work Environment
Work environment refers to the conditions and surroundings in which people work. It includes factors like location, culture, and the nature of the work itself. In the video, the speaker discusses how a degree in chemical engineering often leads to jobs in industrial plants, which may require adaptability to different work environments, especially those that are not in urban centers.
πŸ’‘Extraversion
Extraversion is a personality trait characterized by outgoingness, assertiveness, and sociability. In the context of the video, the speaker suggests that working in a plant environment, which is common for chemical engineers, might require an extraverted personality to effectively manage the social and teamwork aspects of the job.
Highlights

Jamie addresses common questions about chemical engineering.

Chemical engineering is challenging due to the academic workload.

The difficulty of chemical engineering varies based on individual academic abilities and effort.

Chemical engineering is not the same as chemistry, despite requiring chemistry classes.

A chemistry major is more suitable for those interested in lab work.

Chemical engineering curriculum includes dynamic, math, and engineering classes.

ChemE is closer to mechanical engineering than chemistry.

ChemE majors often end up working in the Oil & Gas industry or at plants.

Regional differences can affect the career paths of ChemE graduates.

Plant jobs for ChemE graduates are often located in remote areas.

Choosing a major should involve considering the desired work environment.

It's important to research specific job prospects before selecting a major.

Jamie encourages viewers to make a wise choice regarding their major.

The video aims to help viewers make informed decisions about their academic path.

Jamie shares personal experiences to relate to struggling students.

The video serves as guidance for prospective students in engineering fields.

Transcripts

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