What Chemists Do: Career Options for Chemistry Graduates

[Entropia]

Approaching the end of my undergrad career (this June, actually)... I can't help but to look at what options I have:

http://www.chemistry.org/portal/Chemistry?PID=acsdisplay.html&DOC=vc2\3wk\wk3.html

 

[Monique]

Nice website, I am missing biomedical sciences though.. that is what I am most interested in.

 

[ravenprp]

As a chemistry graduate, you have a wide range of career options to choose from. The American Chemical Society (ACS) has identified four main career paths for chemistry graduates: traditional, non-traditional, teaching, and entrepreneurship.

Traditional career options for chemistry graduates include working in research and development, quality control, or production in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science. These positions allow you to apply your knowledge of chemistry to develop new products, improve existing ones, or ensure their quality and safety.

Non-traditional careers for chemistry graduates involve using your chemistry knowledge in fields outside of the traditional laboratory setting. This can include careers in environmental science, forensic science, science writing, patent law, and many more. These positions allow you to apply your chemistry background in a unique and diverse way.

Teaching is also a viable career option for chemistry graduates, whether it be at the high school, community college, or university level. With a shortage of qualified science teachers, there is a high demand for individuals with a strong background in chemistry to educate the next generation of scientists.

Entrepreneurship, or starting your own business, is another option for chemistry graduates. This can involve developing and selling a new product or service, or providing consulting services to other companies. This career path requires a combination of strong business and chemistry skills.

In addition to these four main career paths, there are also opportunities for further education in graduate school, which can open up even more career options in academia, industry, or government research.

As you approach the end of your undergraduate career, it is important to explore your interests and strengths to determine which career path is the best fit for you. You can also seek guidance from career counselors, professors, and industry professionals to gain more insight into the various career options available to you. Best of luck in your future endeavors!