Options with chemical engineering
A chemical engineering degree develops many skills that are valued not only by engineering employers but also by those in a variety of sectors, including financial services, management and information technology.
In addition to specific technical knowledge, a chemical engineering degree also provides a sound theoretical basis for introducing new technology and advancing existing technology to enhance current practice. You also gain an appreciation of the global and societal context in which engineering solutions are applied, and an awareness of relevant contemporary issues. This leads to an understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities, and the constraints within which your engineering judgement will be exercised.
As an engineering graduate you will also be a good problem solver and have an ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate data and develop ideas, making you attractive to a wide range of engineering and business-related roles.
The project management skills you acquire during your group design work will allow you to manage real life projects from conception to completion. Working in a team will also give you great exposure to the advantages and challenges of teamwork, as well as preparing you to take on supervisory roles.
Your experience of carrying out research on your own and writing it up will demonstrate your initiative and attention to detail.
Communication skills developed through teamwork and presenting your research project will also give you invaluable experience for a graduate career.
If you are undecided about the area of chemical engineering you want to work in, try to get an industrial placement to get a taste of what is available. This may be a placement that is part of your degree course or one you set up yourself during the summer vacation. Work experience is often available in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical and food and drink industries - check out the career section of company websites for more information.
If you are looking for relevant work experience abroad, look at the possibilities available through IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) .
Getting work experience is an invaluable way of getting first-hand experience in specialised industries, not to mention the added benefit of enhancing your CV and the ability to talk about real experience in an interview.
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.
Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, just over 57% of chemical engineering graduates had entered employment either in the UK or overseas. Of these, just over half were engineering professionals.
Approximately 10% became commercial, industrial and public sector managers, which may have been in areas such as manufacturing, mining or energy. Close to 8% became business and finance associate professionals, including estimators and valuers, underwriters, claims assessors, brokers, and investment analysts. Smaller numbers became marketing, sales and advertising professionals, or entered careers in information technology or other professional and technical occupations.
Employers are as diverse as the products they produce and cover a broad range of industrial sectors. Any company involved in large-scale conversion of raw materials into a product will require chemical development engineers.
Major employers are those in gas and oil extraction, oil refining, nuclear and other power generation, and other process industries, including pharmaceuticals, fine and heavy chemicals and agrochemicals. Other manufacturing industries that need chemical engineers include those supplying food and drink, toiletries, pulp and paper, plastic and metals, and fibres and polymers.
Many chemical development engineers work for engineering consultancy and contracting firms. They are likely to be taken on either to design and commission new plant or to modify existing plant.
Engineers are also well equipped for business roles and go into careers in financial services, management or law.
For an insight into employment areas see:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
In 2010, six months after graduation, almost a fifth of chemical engineering graduates had embarked on further study. The majority of these were studying in the UK for a higher degree. Almost another 5% went on to further study while working. This may include those who are studying to gain professional status as a chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng), which helps to boost career prospects.
Apart from the professional qualifications that can be completed, graduates choose postgraduate study in other areas such as design, science or management.
For more information on further training, check with the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) , Engineering Council and see Get Chartered .
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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