Finding the right chemical engineer employment is a lot like picking out a pair of cotton sweatpants; no two jobs are alike, and what is right for you may be inappropriate for others. No two people are alike, so skill sets, education, and experience all vary. This makes it difficult to generalize the best way to find chemical engineer employment. The best advice is to be honest with your skill set and education and network in order to find a place in the world of chemical engineering.
Chemical engineers utilize knowledge in different sciences to perform many functions necessary for the survival and advancement of society. Like any field, delving into the search for chemical engineer employment takes a dedication and commitment to this line of work. You wouldn't expect to jump out of high school and into the CEO position of an established company, nor should an electrical engineer expect to land a dream job right away.
Being realistic with expectations and qualifications is perhaps the most important way to go about the search for chemical engineer employment. If you have just graduated from college and have no professional experience, try starting your job search on entry-level jobs. Many chemical engineers work for large corporations, which are set up with incentives for moving up through the ranks with time. If this is what you are looking for, then try to network and land an interview for an entry-level job or internship en route to a more fulfilling and lucrative career.
If research is a more important focus for you, then perhaps more school is necessary to achieve your professional goals. Luckily, there are many master's and doctorate programs in chemical engineering that are offered on a part-time or full-time basis. Sometimes, a company may pay for your education, so if you aren't sure that you want to get into research, try working on the business side of things to see where you are.
The best way to find out where you fit in the realm of chemical engineer employment is to get your feet wet. Jumping into the field provides you with a better understanding of the workforce in this field than any guidance counselor could. Think about your education and experience, contemplate which part of the world you hope to live and work in, and move forward in a calculated manner taking such factors into account. It is not an overnight endeavor, but over time, you will find your place with the right amount of effort and thought.
