What can I do with Chemical engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the career prospects and opportunities available to individuals interested in Chemical Engineering, particularly in relation to environmental engineering, sanitation, and wastewater management. Participants explore the feasibility of transitioning from Chemical Engineering to these fields and express concerns about the traditional roles associated with Chemical Engineering, such as working in oil and gas or pharmaceuticals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Zach expresses concern about a career in Chemical Engineering focused on traditional industries and seeks alternatives in environmental engineering or sanitation.
  • Some participants suggest that it is possible for Chemical Engineers to work in environmental fields, although one notes that environmental engineering might be a more straightforward path.
  • There is a suggestion that Chemical Engineers can contribute to reducing environmental harm by developing less toxic alternatives, though this is seen as a compromise rather than a complete solution.
  • Another participant points out that the work in environmental engineering can be unpleasant, indicating a potential downside to that career path.
  • One participant mentions that many engineering graduates, including Chemical Engineers, are capable of handling basic engineering tasks, implying versatility in career options.
  • There is a clarification that the roles Zach is interested in might align more closely with Civil Engineering, which encompasses sanitation and wastewater management.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for Zach, with differing opinions on the suitability of Chemical Engineering for environmental work versus pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the ease of transitioning into these fields.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of work in environmental engineering and the perceived ease of transitioning from Chemical Engineering to other fields are not fully explored. The discussion also reflects varying perceptions of job satisfaction and environmental impact in different engineering roles.

zachucsd
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Hello,
I am concerned for my future.
I am interested in Chemical engineering as a subject, but the idea of spending my career making chemicals, being in oil/gas, or even in pharmaceuticals depresses me.

I would like to get involved with environmental engineering, or work in sanitation or wastewater.
Is this possible? How easy is it?

I think I would be happy in the public sector, but if not, I would also be happy working for a large corporation in their environmental department, just to feel that I am doing a good thing for the environment.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Regards,
Zach
 
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You can feel good about yourself by finding things that are *less* damaging to the environment, without necessarily finding things that are completely benign (though that's the best outcome)... Replacing some current extremely toxic compounds with some slightly toxic would be good trade IMHO.
 
zachucsd said:
Hello,
I am concerned for my future.
I am interested in Chemical engineering as a subject, but the idea of spending my career making chemicals, being in oil/gas, or even in pharmaceuticals depresses me.

I would like to get involved with environmental engineering, or work in sanitation or wastewater.
Is this possible? How easy is it?

I think I would be happy in the public sector, but if not, I would also be happy working for a large corporation in their environmental department, just to feel that I am doing a good thing for the environment.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Regards,
Zach

Why not just do environmental engineering? ChemE's can do it, just rather smelly work. Environmental Engineering is typically an easier degree
 
Chem Es can do a ton of stuff. Lots of engineering grads can. It would be really tough to find a person with an engineering degree from a well-ranked school that can't handle the baisics.
 
zachucsd said:
I would like to get involved with environmental engineering, or work in sanitation or wastewater.
Is this possible? How easy is it?

I think I would be happy in the public sector, but if not, I would also be happy working for a large corporation in their environmental department, just to feel that I am doing a good thing for the environment.
Regards,
Zach
Actually, what you describe is more "civil engineering."

What Civil Engineers Do
Civil engineers design, construct, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm
 

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