American Chemical Society Your Career in Chemistry: [Presentation subtitle or presenter name]

American Chemical Society

Your Career in Chemistry:

[Presentation subtitle or presenter name]


How Can These Headlines…

• The search for new cancer medicines continues….

• Scientists puzzle over new methods of detection for homeland security…

• The need for new materials to make sports equipment last longer heats up….


And These Opportunities…

Wanted: Chemical Technician, background in organic synthesis, computer-aided design. Good communication skills required.

Wanted: Analytical Chemist for the federal government, interdisciplinary background with an emphasis in environmental testing and hazardous waste and water testing. Field work required.

Wanted: Materials Scientist, experience with metal alloys and ability to collaborate with a variety of R&D, commercial and manufacturing functions a must.

American Chemical Society 4

…Help you to find a career?

You are about to find out!


Your Career in Chemistry:

A Guide to Exploring the

World of Work

in

Chemistry


Successful Chemists Are:

• Curious

• Problem Solvers

• Good at Math

• Team Players

• Good Communicators


Where the Jobs Are for Bachelor’s Degree Chemists:

Government8%

Other9%

Analytical/clinical labs11%

Other manufacturing

23%

Pharma13%

Chemical Industry

11%

Academia (K-University Instruction)

25%

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008


Where the Jobs Are for Ph.D. Degree Chemists:

Chemical Industry

16%

Pharma16%

Other8%Government

7%

Analytical/Clinical Labs

3%

Other Manufacturing

15%

Academia (K-University

Instruction)35%

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008


Non-traditional Careers in Chemistry

• Sales & Marketing

• Patent Law

• Museums

• Banking & Finance

• Science Journalism/Communications

• Chemical Information

• Insurance

• Elected Office

• Public Policy/Regulation


Planning for a Career in Chemistry

• Examine your interests

• Establish your goals

• Determine your education needs

• Remain Flexible


Preparation For a 4-year Degree

Essential Classes

• Chemistry

• Math (4 years)

• English (4 years)

• Biology

• Physics

• Computer Skills or Programming

Optional Classes

• Speech/Public Speaking

• Foreign Language


Education and Career

Education Level Completed Potential Career

High School Chemical Technician

Community College Chemical Technician

Bachelor’s Degree ProgramChemist

Industry, Government, High School Teaching

Graduate or Professional School

Chemist

Industry, Government, Teaching (all levels), Specialized careers (doctor, dentist, lawyer)


Chemical Technicians

EducationAssociate of Applied Science degree, in-house training

SkillsSampling/handing chemical materials, analysis, synthesis

Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, analytical labs, manufacturing plants

ResponsibilitiesOperate and maintain equipment in labs and plants, collect samples, analyze materials, perform experiments


Bachelor’s Degree Chemists

Education Bachelor’s degree in a chemical science

SkillsChemical analysis, synthesis, interpretation of data, oral and written communication

Work EnvironmentIndustrial, government, hospital lab; H.S. classroom

ResponsibilitiesPerform experiments, communicate and work with a research team; teach


Advanced Degree Chemists

EducationMaster’s, Ph.D degree in chemical science or other professional degree (M.D., J.D.)

SkillsManagement, experiment design, communication, specialized skills

Work Environment Industrial, government lab; classroom

ResponsibilitiesNew product development, manage teams or projects, teach, mentor


Work Experience

• Summer Jobs

• Cooperative education

• Internship

• Undergraduate Research

• Study/work abroad

Prior Experience B.S. M.S. Ph.D.

Less than 12 months $36.7 $48.0 $75.0

12-36 Months$38.6 $47.0 $70.0

More than 36 months$40.0 $64.0 $60.0

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008Median annual salaries $ in thousands, 2007 starting salaries


Hot Jobs

• Biotechnology

• Chemical Business

• Chemistry & Electronics

• Environmental

• Forensic Chemistry

• Hazardous Waste Management

• Interdisciplinary Fields

• Materials Science

• Nanotechnology

• Specialty Chemicals


ACS Education Division

For more information

Contact:

ACS

1155 16th Street NW

Washington, DC 20036

[email protected]

1-800-ACS-5558

Or visit us on the web:

www.acs.org

American Chemical Society Your Career in Chemistry: [Presentation subtitle or presenter name]

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