How can I find a job as a chemist?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a chemistry graduate from Turkey in securing a job in the chemical industry. Despite completing interviews in various sectors such as polymer, pharmaceutical, and water treatment, the individual has not received any job offers, primarily due to a lack of knowledge in chemical structures and equipment. The consensus suggests that gaining experience through any chemistry-related position, even if it is not ideal, is crucial for building a career. Additionally, pursuing further education, such as a master's degree, may enhance job prospects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemical structures and equipment
  • Familiarity with the job market in the chemical industry
  • Knowledge of relevant software used in chemistry
  • Experience with interview techniques specific to the chemistry field
NEXT STEPS
  • Research entry-level chemistry positions to gain relevant experience
  • Explore master's programs in chemistry or related fields to enhance qualifications
  • Learn about common interview questions in the chemistry sector
  • Investigate networking opportunities within the chemical industry in Turkey
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for recent chemistry graduates, job seekers in the chemical industry, and individuals looking to transition into chemistry-related roles. It provides insights into overcoming employment challenges and strategies for career advancement.

yiberkit
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Ive graduated from a bachelor degree in chemistry from an ordinary university in Turkey in 2012. So i live in a city which has low chemical company portfolio.
But I can go another big cities which are higher chemical company profiles and job opportunities and so on.
And I did some job interviews on chemical companies that they are in polymer, water treatment station, pharmaceutical, mining and also painting. But nowhere called me after that. I did as best as I can in these interviews. Only i couldn't answer to questions about chemical structure and some chemical equipments.I think that doesn't matter. So , what's the wrong about me? Why they won't call me again? and to say "yes, we accept you". There are 2 years already passed from my graduation.
I am good at computer, science reading/writing, web design and intonality.Those are not related to chemical and chemistry , i know but I didnt spend much time on the university chemistry lab because of too many students were there and you couldn't use equipments as it should be like that.
So, what would you prefer to me?
Should i go for master degree in chem. or different field?
Or try to decide to find a job in different area than chemistry? But which area?
Also i am only looking for a job in Turkey. Because i don't have much money and visa to get outside of the country . Also i don't believe the foreign country's company's identify my chemistry degree as a low reputation uni in a low reputation country.
So what is the escape-way of being newbie in chemical area; nobody wants to hire me and nobody wants to give a job for non-experienced chemist, i know . But how can non-experienced chemist find a job?
I am studying chemical lab. instructions about company's chemical area before going to interviews.
I also research and read much more articles about chemistry on internet.
But unfortunately job market is very low for chemistry area.
If i could have been a civil engineer, i would have been find a job easily but with chemistry degree you cant...
I would like to do process chemistry career rather than other routine analysis jobs currently in chemistry field as I mentioned of this info.
But no process chemist nor chemist job that i can't find. I don't know why but I am seeking to educate myself how other chemists find jobs.
Now I do a carrying job(coolie)in a glassware storage , i am carrying chairs, tables, basins and other glassware plastics from storage to truck.
This job is not for my degree, but i do it for money.
So what's the interview success methods that you have already did before and accepted by boss? Tell me...
 
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Only i couldn't answer to questions about chemical structure and some chemical equipments.I think that doesn't matter.
If those chemicals and equipment are related to the job or if the questions were very basic, it does matter - it shows if you are qualified for the job (or chemistry-related jobs in general).
Why they won't call me again?
Did you ask them? Don't expect honest, detailed answers, but at least some hints why other candidates were better are possible.

I don't see your grade in your post, but that should be an obvious problem if it is bad.

I am good at computer
That statement is way too broad. Do you have experience with relevant software? Chemistry-related software? Office applications? Programming skills? Writing "I am good at computers" sounds like a negative point in applications.
science reading/writing
Beyond the usual level for a bachelor degree? Do you have publications, posters, ...?
web design
Probably hard to use this in an application, unless the job requires some online presentation of results.

What is "intonality"?

Should i go for master degree in chem. or different field?
I don't know about chemistry, in physics it would help a lot - especially if you get it in a different country.

Also i am only looking for a job in Turkey. Because i don't have much money and visa to get outside of the country .
I thought the idea was to earn money, not to spend it...
No idea about visa regulations.

I would like to do process chemistry career rather than other routine analysis jobs currently in chemistry field as I mentioned of this info.
But no process chemist nor chemist job that i can't find. I don't know why but I am seeking to educate myself how other chemists find jobs.
Maybe those routine analysis jobs are the usual way to start a career? I don't know about chemistry in particular, but there are always jobs that require some years of experience and jobs that do not. If you apply for the wrong type, you won't get a job.
Don't be picky at that point - any chemistry-related job will help to get a better job afterwards.
 

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