What jobs can I do with a degree in Chemistry?

Monash University Faculty of Science
28 Aug 202003:28
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRKelly Tucker from Monash University's School of Chemistry addresses common career queries for chemistry majors. Highlighting the versatility of a chemistry degree, she explains that it equips students with a robust knowledge base and transferable skills like problem-solving, data analysis, and communication. The talk outlines various professional paths, including environmental and industrial chemistry, and extends to roles in healthcare, marketing, and defense. Success stories of alumni working in知名企业如Axio, BASF, and Pfizer illustrate the broad opportunities available to chemistry graduates.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 A chemistry degree from Monash University provides comprehensive knowledge and transferable skills.
  • 🔬 Chemists can pursue careers in a variety of fields, not just those with 'chemist' in the job title.
  • 🌿 Job opportunities for chemists include environmental, economic, and chemical technology sectors.
  • 👩‍🔬 Chemistry manufacturing in Australia employs over 60,000 people in highly skilled jobs.
  • 🧠 Transferable skills from a chemistry degree include analysis, problem-solving, time management, data analysis, communication, teamwork, and research.
  • 📊 Chemists are trained to analyze large volumes of data, opening doors to opportunities in environmental, healthcare, and marketing sectors.
  • 🌐 Monash chemistry graduates have found employment in companies like Axio, BASF, Bayer, CSIRO, and more.
  • 🏫 Some chemists choose to become teachers or work in healthcare, showcasing the versatility of a chemistry degree.
  • 💡 Passion and societal contribution should guide a chemist's decision on their career path and specialization.
  • 📚 The field of chemistry encompasses organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical branches, allowing for diverse educational and career choices.
Q & A

  • What is a common question asked at open days about chemistry majors?

    -A common question asked at open days is what job opportunities are available for someone with a major in chemistry.

  • Why is it difficult to identify chemistry-related jobs at first glance?

    -It can be difficult because many jobs related to chemistry do not have 'chemist' in their title, making it less obvious to identify them immediately.

  • How does chemistry being a central science influence job opportunities?

    -Chemistry being a central science means it is involved in a wide range of fields, which creates numerous job opportunities in various sectors beyond traditional chemistry roles.

  • How many people are employed in chemistry manufacturing in Australia?

    -Chemistry manufacturing in Australia employs more than 60,000 people in highly skilled jobs.

  • What are some transferable skills learned by chemistry students at Monash University?

    -Chemistry students at Monash University learn skills such as analysis, problem-solving, time management, data analysis, oral and written communication, teamwork, and research skills.

  • What opportunities does analyzing large volumes of data provide for chemistry graduates?

    -Analyzing large volumes of data provides chemistry graduates with opportunities in areas like environment, healthcare, and marketing, beyond traditional chemistry fields.

  • Which organizations have employed chemistry graduates from Monash University?

    -Chemistry graduates from Monash University have been employed by organizations such as Axio, BASF, Bayer, CSIRO, DST Defense Science Technology, Dulux, Melbourne Water, EPA, Pfizer, Slade Health, and Star Farmer.

  • What alternative career paths are available for chemistry graduates?

    -Chemistry graduates can pursue careers as teachers, for example through Teach for Australia, or work in healthcare institutions like St. Vincent's Hospital, and companies like Deloitte and Agilent.

  • What factors should a student consider when deciding on a career path after obtaining a chemistry degree?

    -Students should consider their passions and where they want to contribute to society, which can help them decide on the type of chemistry they want to specialize in and the career path they want to pursue.

  • What are the main branches of chemistry mentioned in the script?

    -The main branches of chemistry mentioned in the script are organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry.

  • What year is the open day event mentioned in the script?

    -The open day event mentioned in the script is for Open Day 2020.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 Introduction to Chemistry Careers

Kelly Tucker introduces herself as a representative from the School of Chemistry at Monash University. She addresses a common question asked during open days about career opportunities for chemistry majors. Despite the misconception that chemistry jobs are limited or only involve the title 'chemist', she explains that a chemistry degree opens up a vast array of possibilities. She emphasizes that chemistry, being a central science, is integral to many industries and that over 60,000 highly skilled jobs in Australia are in the field of chemistry manufacturing. The skills acquired from a chemistry degree, such as analysis, problem-solving, time management, data analysis, and communication skills, are transferable and highly valued in various sectors.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Chemistry Major
A Chemistry Major refers to a student's primary field of study in the discipline of chemistry, which involves the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. In the context of the video, a Chemistry Major is someone who is seeking to understand the diverse career opportunities available to them upon completing their degree, as chemistry is central to many industries and job roles.
💡Job Opportunities
Job Opportunities refer to the various positions and careers that are available to individuals, particularly those with a specific educational background like a degree in chemistry. In the video, job opportunities are explored in relation to the skills and knowledge acquired during the study of chemistry, emphasizing that these opportunities extend beyond traditional roles and into sectors like environment, healthcare, and marketing.
💡Transferable Skills
Transferable Skills are abilities and competencies that can be applied across various jobs and industries, making individuals with these skills versatile and valuable in different work environments. In the video, it is emphasized that a degree in chemistry equips students with transferable skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and teamwork, which are applicable in diverse fields beyond chemistry.
💡Chemical Technologies
Chemical Technologies refer to the application of chemistry in the development of products and processes that contribute to various industries, such as the production of medicines, energy, food, and other materials. In the video, chemical technologies are highlighted as an area where chemistry graduates can find job opportunities and make significant contributions to society.
💡Environmental Chemist
An Environmental Chemist is a professional who applies chemical knowledge to study and address environmental issues, such as pollution, waste management, and sustainable resource use. In the video, being an environmental chemist is presented as one of the many career paths open to chemistry graduates, showcasing the role of chemistry in tackling global environmental challenges.
💡Industrial Chemist
An Industrial Chemist is a specialist who works in the industry, focusing on the development, production, and improvement of chemicals and chemical processes for various commercial and industrial applications. In the video, the role of an industrial chemist is mentioned as a potential career path for chemistry graduates, illustrating the practical application of chemistry in manufacturing and industrial settings.
💡Data Analysis
Data Analysis refers to the process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to extract useful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-making. In the context of the video, data analysis is one of the transferable skills that chemistry students acquire, which can be applied in various industries beyond traditional chemistry roles.
💡Communication Skills
Communication Skills encompass the ability to effectively convey information, ideas, and emotions to others through spoken language, written text, and non-verbal cues. In the video, communication skills are highlighted as an essential transferable skill for chemistry graduates, enabling them to succeed in diverse professional environments where clear and persuasive communication is vital.
💡Teamwork
Teamwork involves the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal, requiring effective communication, cooperation, and coordination among team members. In the video, teamwork is cited as one of the transferable skills that chemistry students develop, emphasizing the importance of being able to work well in a team in various professional settings.
💡Research Skills
Research Skills refer to the abilities required to conduct systematic investigations to expand knowledge, solve problems, and develop new theories or applications. In the video, research skills are presented as a key transferable skill for chemistry graduates, allowing them to contribute to innovation and advancement in various fields.
💡Career Passion
Career Passion refers to the enthusiasm and interest an individual has in a particular field or type of work, which can drive their career choices and professional development. In the video, the concept of career passion is discussed as a factor that can guide chemistry graduates in deciding where they want to contribute to society and what type of chemistry they wish to specialize in.
Highlights

Kelly Tucker is from the School of Chemistry at Monash University.

A common question at open days is about job prospects with a chemistry major.

Chemistry degrees open up a wide range of job opportunities, many of which don't have 'chemist' in the job title.

Chemistry is a central science and is involved in everything, leading to diverse job opportunities.

Chemistry manufacturing in Australia employs over 60,000 people in highly skilled jobs.

A chemistry degree from Monash provides comprehensive knowledge and transferable skills.

Transferable skills from a chemistry degree include analysis, problem-solving, time management, data analysis, and communication skills.

Chemists are taught to analyze large volumes of data, opening up opportunities in various sectors.

Chemistry graduates from Monash have found jobs in diverse sectors like environment, healthcare, and marketing.

Specific companies employing Monash chemistry graduates include Axio, BASF, Bayer, CSIRO, DST, and Pfizer.

Chemists can also pursue careers in teaching, defense, and healthcare administration.

Deciding on a job after a chemistry degree should involve considering one's passions and societal contributions.

Chemistry can be specialized into organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical branches.

The talk concludes by encouraging prospective students to consider studying chemistry at Monash for their future career.

Transcripts

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Chemistry CareersMonash UniversityJob OpportunitiesTransferable SkillsIndustry ImpactEnvironmental ChemistIndustrial ChemistData AnalysisResearch SkillsOpen Day 2020