Breaking Into Nanotech: A ChemE's Dilemma

[cheme84]

I am a recent grad in ChemE. I was initially focused on biotech as my field but now after some exposure, I do not have any more interest. There are also not a lot of jobs for ChemEs in the biotech field especially in the bay area, contrary to what I believed. I do have an interest in nanotech and am wondering what to do to enter that field. Should I go for a masters in EE or CompE? Or should I just get a master's in ChemE but I don't know how that will help me get in the tech industry besides commercial manufacturing which is not what I am interested in. Also, not a lot of manufacturing plants are in the bay area where I want to stay. Any tips?

 

[berkeman]

I would think that a ChemE + EE double degree could be pretty useful, especially in the chem instrumentation or biomed fields. Have you looked into what a ChE+EE would open up to you? Have you looked into biomed engineering?

It would seem that a key to going that route would be to find a school/prof/internship where you could use both fields at the same time. Have you looked into that?

 

[caffenta]

Should I go for a masters in EE or CompE?

Between these 2, I'd say EE. What about materials science & engineering? Useful for nanotech, and the chemistry classes you already took will help.

besides commercial manufacturing which is not what I am interested in

What do you mean by that? You want to work in industry, but not manufacturing? All of industry is manufacturing in a way or another, including R&D.

Also, not a lot of manufacturing plants are in the bay area where I want to stay

Silicon Valley? Nanotech includes semiconductors too.

 

[cheme84]

Thanks for the replies.

I guess what I meant by commercial manufacturing was that not a lot of manufacturing is done in California. Even Genentech for whom I work are moving their manufacturing plant to Oregon. And since I want to stay here, I mentioned commercial (large scale) manufacturing. Materials engineering is an option as well. I will definitely look into that.

@berkeman, I could look into biomedical engineering but am not sure about the job outlook currently. I have a friend who finished a BS in biomedical engineering from UC Irvine and has not found a job. He's currently doing a MS in ChemE. I'm also a bit more interested in the technical field of nanotech.

What my main concern is that would doing an MS in EE after having a BS in ChE look good since I am completely changing my field. What also sucks about that choice is that I don't think I will be able to find a company which will pay for me to get an EE degree as I am currently a ChE but I'd rather switch.

 

[KillaKem]

What! You can do a BEng in ChemE then go on to do a MEng in EE!

 

[NanjoeBot]

Genentech? Are they not often rated as one of the best places to work? Are you just not satisfied there? That's like a dream job for a lot of people, depending on what type of position you have.