There is a wide range of opportunities for chemical engineer work, from manufacturing to teaching. Everyone has different ideas about their ideal work environment and job. Many people consult with career counselors or psychologists to help them find the best chemical engineer work. There are three primary items that will help you in this process: personality, motivators, and level of risk.
The very first thing to do when looking for the best chemical engineer work is to write down what motivated you to become a chemical engineer in the first place. Start with a list of your favorite courses in school. In chemical engineering, the work an be divided into academic or application based. Review the projects that really captured your interest, and any activities that helped fuel your interest in this field to see where your interests lie.
Think about your personality, and what type of work you would be best suited to. Many career counselors use the Myers-Briggs® test to determine your core personality traits. This test is available on the Internet and in books at your local library. Look at this tool as just one of the many clues to help you find the best chemical engineer work.
It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer in a personality test. All kinds of personalities are required to make a community work. Understanding your own personality can help you select an environment where you can achieve your best. For example, most chemical engineers are detail-oriented people who enjoy working with objects more than working with people. This is not a flaw, but makes it possible to complete the long hours of solitary work required in this field.
The factors that motivate us do not tend to change much as we age. These drivers are based on our personality and are often tied to our reward system. For example, a chemical engineer would probably achieve greater satisfaction from solving a problem than making a speech. A close match between motivation and reward increases our level of job satisfaction.
The best chemical engineer work is one that provides an acceptable level of risk. Too much risk makes it hard to focus and can create too much pressure. A level of risk that is too low does not encourage creativity or personal satisfaction. Think about your risk profile and find a position that provides the appropriate level of risk.
