Chemistry Careers | What You Can Do With Your Chem Degree

Zach Star
18 Aug 201709:26
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script highlights the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry, emphasizing its central role in various scientific fields. It outlines the skills developed during a chemistry major, such as technical and analytical abilities, and the diverse career paths available, including roles in research, healthcare, and industry. The importance of gaining laboratory experience through internships and the potential for growth in the field are also discussed, along with advice for new graduates on building a strong resume and network for successful job hunting.

Takeaways
  • 🧪 Chemistry majors develop both advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge, as well as technical and analytical skills.
  • 🔬 Gaining laboratory experience is crucial, as it is a common requirement for many chemistry-related jobs.
  • 🏢 Career paths for chemistry majors include analytical chemist, chemical engineer, healthcare scientist, and many more.
  • 📈 The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18% employment growth for medical and clinical laboratory technicians from 2014 to 2024.
  • 💼 Entry-level chemist jobs often involve collaboration with professionals from other scientific fields and utilizing computing power.
  • 🎓 Pursuing higher education like a master's or PhD opens up more job opportunities and can lead to higher salaries.
  • 🧬 Analytical chemists work with the chemical nature of substances and have diverse employers from pharmaceutical to environmental agencies.
  • 🌿 Agro chemists combine chemistry and biochemistry to improve agricultural practices and food production.
  • 📊 Building a strong resume and professional network are essential for landing a job in the chemistry field.
  • 💬 Communication skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are highly valued in chemistry majors for various career paths.
Q & A

  • What is the significance of chemistry as a major in college?

    -Majoring in chemistry provides students with advanced knowledge in mathematics and science concepts. It involves a combination of advanced math and science courses and laboratory work, which helps develop technical and analytical skills required for various future careers.

  • What skills are essential for a chemistry major to develop during their college years?

    -A chemistry major should develop skills such as analysis and problem-solving, time management and organization, written and oral communication, monitoring and maintaining records and data, teamwork, research, and proficiency in IT and technology.

  • What are some of the career paths available to chemistry majors?

    -Chemistry majors can pursue careers as analytical chemists, chemical engineers, healthcare scientists, clinical biochemists, forensic scientists, pharmacologists, research scientists, toxicologists, and medical and clinical laboratory technicians.

  • How can a chemistry major begin their career?

    -A common way to start a career in chemistry is by taking a job as a laboratory technician, which allows young professionals to gain experience and work their way up within a company. This position often requires a bachelor's degree and may lead to further education and career advancement opportunities.

  • What is the role of a lab technician?

    -Lab technicians work with complex systems or perform highly technical mechanical or diagnostic tests in medical or scientific laboratories. They often run tests on human bodily fluids, tissue samples, and cells, and use equipment like microscopes and computers to compile and record data.

  • What is the average starting salary for a chemist?

    -As of 2010, the median entry-level salary for chemists was $44,000, but this can vary by region and experience level.

  • What are the benefits of pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry?

    -Pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry can open up more job opportunities and provide the possibility of having a significant portion of education expenses covered by the university in exchange for conducting research. It also allows for collaboration with top research institutions.

  • What is the role of an analytical chemist?

    -Analytical chemists use various methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances, identify and understand their properties and behavior under different conditions. They are involved in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biotechnology, and environmental agencies, among others.

  • What are some tips for new chemistry graduates to land their first job?

    -New graduates should study hard, build relationships with professors, join professional clubs, conduct undergraduate research, get internships, participate in career services, and attend career fairs to build their resume and network effectively.

  • What are some alternative careers for chemistry majors?

    -Chemistry majors can also work in sales, consulting, teaching, and other science-related fields. They may need to be more creative in their job search and build a strong professional network.

  • How can chemistry majors improve their job search?

    -Chemistry majors can improve their job search by developing a targeted plan, researching different sectors, identifying their interests, and continuously building their professional network.

Outlines
00:00
🧪 Chemistry Majors: Education and Skills

This paragraph discusses the educational journey of chemistry majors, emphasizing the integration of advanced mathematics and science courses. It highlights the development of technical and analytical skills through laboratory work and the acquisition of knowledge in traditional chemistry fields. The paragraph also notes the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry, which equips students with useful skills for various careers in biology, medicine, physics, engineering, and geology. The importance of refining skills such as analysis, problem-solving, time management, communication, record-keeping, teamwork, research, and technology is underscored. It provides an overview of potential career paths for chemistry graduates, including analytical chemist, chemical engineer, healthcare scientist, and more. The paragraph also touches on the necessity of starting careers as laboratory technicians and the benefits of further education for career advancement.

05:05
👩‍🔬 Career Opportunities and Tips for Chemistry Graduates

This paragraph delves into the diverse career opportunities available to chemistry majors, focusing on analytical chemists and their roles in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biotechnology, and environmental agencies. It provides an overview of the typical employers and the range of tasks analytical chemists perform, including drug formulation, forensic analysis, and quality control. The paragraph also discusses the average salary and employment growth for these professionals. Additionally, it offers practical advice for new graduates on building a strong resume and networking effectively. Tips include studying with diligence, engaging with professors, participating in research, and utilizing career services. The paragraph concludes by encouraging chemistry majors to approach their job search strategically and to consider the broad range of potential roles beyond traditional chemistry sectors.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Chemistry major
A chemistry major refers to a student who has chosen chemistry as their primary field of study in college. This involves taking a combination of advanced math and science courses to gain specific knowledge in traditional fields of chemistry. The video emphasizes that chemistry majors develop both technical and analytical skills required for a variety of careers, and they also acquire knowledge that overlaps with other subjects like biology, medicine, physics, and geology.
💡Laboratory techniques
Laboratory techniques refer to the methods and procedures used by scientists in a lab setting to conduct experiments, tests, and research. In the context of the video, these techniques are a fundamental skill for chemistry majors, as they are often required to perform experiments and analyze results in a lab environment. This includes using equipment like microscopes, computers, and automated laboratory equipment, as well as maintaining detailed records of data.
💡Career paths
Career paths refer to the various professional routes or opportunities available to individuals based on their education and skills. The video discusses the diverse career paths available to chemistry majors, including roles such as analytical chemists, chemical engineers, healthcare scientists, and forensic scientists. These career paths highlight the versatility of a chemistry degree and the wide range of industries where chemistry graduates can apply their knowledge and skills.
💡Internships
Internships are temporary work experiences that provide students or recent graduates with on-the-job training in their field of study. In the video, internships are emphasized as a crucial step for chemistry majors to gain practical experience and develop skills needed for their future careers. Internships can also lead to job opportunities after graduation.
💡Graduate education
Graduate education refers to the pursuit of higher academic degrees, such as a master's or Ph.D., beyond a bachelor's degree. The video highlights that many chemistry majors continue their education at the graduate level, where most job opportunities and upward mobility are found. Graduate education allows individuals to specialize further in their field and conduct research, which can lead to significant advancements in their careers.
💡Analytical chemist
An analytical chemist is a professional who specializes in investigating the chemical nature of substances using a range of methods to identify and understand their properties and behavior under different conditions. In the video, this role is presented as one of the many career opportunities for chemistry majors, with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry and other scientific industries.
💡Technical skills
Technical skills refer to the specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform tasks and operations in a specific field, such as chemistry. In the context of the video, technical skills are essential for chemistry majors and include the ability to conduct experiments, analyze data, and operate complex laboratory equipment. These skills are vital for success in a variety of chemistry-related careers.
💡Communication skills
Communication skills encompass the ability to effectively convey information, ideas, and thoughts to others through writing, speaking, and other forms of expression. In the video, strong written and oral communication skills are highlighted as important for chemistry majors, as they need to be able to clearly present their findings, collaborate with colleagues, and communicate complex scientific concepts to others.
💡Problem-solving
Problem-solving refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and finding solutions to challenges or issues. For chemistry majors, this involves using their knowledge and analytical skills to address complex scientific problems. The video emphasizes that problem-solving is a critical skill for chemists, as they often work on projects that require innovative solutions and a deep understanding of chemical processes.
💡Networking
Networking involves building and maintaining professional relationships to advance one's career, share knowledge, or seek opportunities. In the video, networking is presented as a vital strategy for chemistry majors to land their first job and build their career. This includes building relationships with professors, fellow students, and professionals in the field, which can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations.
💡Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills are the abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others, including empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. In the context of the video, interpersonal skills are important for chemists as they often work in teams and need to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. These skills are also crucial for presenting research, teaching, and consulting roles.
Highlights

Chemistry is the central science, providing a foundation in advanced mathematics and science concepts.

Chemistry majors develop technical and analytical skills, as well as laboratory techniques, which are essential for their future careers.

Chemistry overlaps with various fields such as biology, medicine, physics, engineering, geology, and earth science, expanding the skill set of its students.

Chemists need to refine skills like analysis, problem-solving, time management, organization, and communication.

Career paths for chemists include analytical chemists, chemical engineers, healthcare scientists, clinical biochemists, forensic scientists, pharmacologists, research scientists, toxicologists, and medical and clinical laboratory technicians.

Starting as a laboratory technician is a common pathway for young professionals to begin their career in chemistry.

Senior positions generally require a master's or Ph.D., and some companies may offer financial support for further education.

Lab tech positions are needed in various sectors, including medical, clinical research, biotech, and environmental fields.

Clinical and medical lab technicians are common areas of work, performing tests based on healthcare providers' recommendations.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual median salary of $38,970 for medical and clinical laboratory technicians in May 2015.

Employment growth for lab technicians is predicted to be 18% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than average.

Entry-level chemists often work individually and as part of a team, hypothesizing, testing, and drawing conclusions.

Most chemistry job postings require laboratory experience, so internships are crucial for developing these skills.

The median entry-level salary for chemists was $44,000 as of 2010.

Many chemistry majors pursue higher education, as most job opportunities and upward mobility are associated with having a master's or Ph.D.

Analytical chemists, who require a master's or Ph.D. for most positions, investigate the chemical nature of substances and have diverse job opportunities.

Chemistry majors can also work in sales, consulting, teaching, and other science-related roles, requiring a more creative job hunt and networking.

Building a strong career network and improving interpersonal communication skills are essential for a successful career in chemistry.

Chemists require creativity, self-confidence, motivation, patience, and attention to detail to solve complex problems.

Transcripts

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