Is a degree necessary to become a successful chemist?

[fasterthanwoo]

How do I become a chemist?

 

[General_Sax]

Find the wizard of chemistry and pledge allegiance to his magnificence.

 

[lisab]

Are you, by chance, related to https://www.physicsforums.com/member.php?u=21990"?

Usually to become a chemist, you have to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Many companies will hire BS-level chemists and give them the title "Staff Chemist" or something similar.

 

[symbolipoint]

A degree is helpful, but experience is far more important, along with the ability to study independently. The only meaning of the "degree" is to help verify that you had certain courses. Courses alone do not give any useful information about what you actually understand nor of what you really know how to do.

 

[turbo]

A degree is helpful, but experience is far more important, along with the ability to study independently. The only meaning of the "degree" is to help verify that you had certain courses. Courses alone do not give any useful information about what you actually understand nor of what you really know how to do.

In specialized industries, a degree is often less important than relevant experience and work history. I was hired as a process chemist in a large, new pulp mill with no degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. The #2 guy for the slot was a newly-minted chemical engineer from the University of Maine. The interview with the Technical Director and the chief environmental engineer sealed the deal. By the time I got back home, my wife had already gotten a call telling me where and when to show up for the pre-hire physical.