What can one do with a chemistry degree ?

Question

I am a Jr in college and I have a year left of school before I go to real world. But I am stuck I don't know what type of career I would want to go to. I will be earning my bachelor of science and i have tried looking up some jobs but the search seems to go no where. So if anyone knows any jobs that chemist do please share stories ! it would be a great help to me :)

Answer 1

be a chemist. make a bomb?

Answer 2

Hi Punrock,

One can do plenty with a degree in chemistry. In my country, South Africa, and in Australia there is an accute shortage of people skilled in chemistry. They are worth their weight in gold. I think it might be a world-wide phenomon and the reason seems to be that too many young people are into IT and computers.

Study chemistry, then specialise in a given field then try to get into research. I wish you everthing of the best.

Answer 3

I'm a little curious how you have gotten into your third year of what we must assume is a BS degree in chemistry and not know anything about what chemists do and what jobs are available.

May I relate a story that I tell my students about getting a degree in chemistry.  Many years ago (the Viet Nam was was still going strong) I was about to graduate with a BS degree in chemistry and I attended a "job fair" where there were many companies seeking graduates.  I checked the board and noted all of the companies who wanted to talk to chemistry majors and started around the room.  Most companies had elaborate displays, but one on the list had one guy and no display.  We began talking and he was somewhat vague about what his company did.  Then I asked him why he wanted chemistry (and physics) majors and he said, "We'll train you to do what we need.  We need people who can think and solve problems."

So the bottom line is that with a degree in chemistry, hopefully you will be able to think and solve problems and that is what many companies need.  Even companies that don't do chemistry.

In retrospect, I believe I may have been talking to a recruiter for the CIA.

Answer 4

work at a chemical company or a nuclear plant. Like where I live we have Eastman chemical company and people who work there do well and not too far from here is Oak Ridge Chemical Plant. If you are familiar with chemistry then you know what that place does.  

Answer 5

you have a wide variety of areas that you can investigate with a chemistry degree. Every thing around you would have the input of a chemist to some degree or other. A list of possible fields that you can get into, and this is by no way comprehensive is

- polymers.

- surface coatings; ie paint, inks etc

- textiles, coatings and fibre

- colour chemistry, ie pigments and dyes

- personal care, cosmetic formulation

- building products, cement chemistry, tile adhesives

- glue and adhesives

- paper

- environmental, water treatment, recycling etc

- plastics, moulding etc

- detergents, cleaning products

- packaging, glass plastic bottles cardboard etc

- Research and development

- Analytical

- etc

Added to these industries you also have the different areas

- Research and Development

- Technical service

- Sales

- Marketing

- Production

- Quality control

- Teaching

- etc

Also as it is one of the major sciences, you can use it as a basis to hop into other industries, you may need to do a bridging course or something similar. Examples are environmental science, food technology, business degrees, pharmacology, etc

Maybe get in contact with some of the chemical companies in your area and ask if they would be interested in showing you what they do. I am sure that they would be more than willing to help.

I hope that this helps, if you have any other questions or need clarification please let me know. Good luck with your decision and future.