Chemical Engineering...Good Idea?

Question

Since oil is in demand, would a job in Chemical engineering (where I would research for more cleaner, renewable sources) be well paying? Do people in this profession make a lot? Could you give me exact statistics?

Answer 1

I am a chemical engineer and retired from industry at the age of 43. My progress was ordinary though I was in top 10% of my class all throughout and even got rank 1 in 2nd year and 3 in third year. After 20 years of inductrial experience, I was a private tutor of math and physics for XII Grade students in India and did better than as a chemical engineer.

I used to advise my students not to take up chemical engineering for 2 reasons.

1) One can expect career growth in production field in which case one has work in the plant. Most chemical plants are hazardous and also have risk of polusion which can reduce one's life span. Cancer risk is high.

2) Many other fields like electronics, computer science and biotechnology promise better future.

Moreover, in electronics and computer field, you will have much better working conditions and will be dealing with nicer people. Do not conclude that since oil is in demand, chemical engineers will also be.