your career in chemistry:
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Your Career in Chemistry:. [Presentation subtitle or presenter name]. How Can These Headlines…. The search for new cancer medicines continues…. Scientists puzzle over new methods of detection for homeland security… The need for new materials to make sports equipment last longer heats up…. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
American Chemical Society
Your Career in Chemistry:
[Presentation subtitle or presenter name]
American Chemical Society
How Can These Headlines…
• The search for new cancer medicines continues….
• Scientists puzzle over new methods of detection for homeland security…
• The need for new materials to make sports equipment last longer heats up….
American Chemical Society
And These Opportunities…
Wanted: Chemical Technician, background in organic synthesis, computer-aided design. Good communication skills required.
Wanted: Analytical Chemist for the federal government, interdisciplinary background with an emphasis in environmental testing and hazardous waste and water testing. Field work required.
Wanted: Materials Scientist, experience with metal alloys and ability to collaborate with a variety of R&D, commercial and manufacturing functions a must.
American Chemical Society 4
…Help you to find a career?
You are about to find out!
American Chemical Society
Your Career in Chemistry:
A Guide to Exploring the
World of Work
in
Chemistry
American Chemical Society 6
Successful Chemists Are:
• Curious
• Problem Solvers
• Good at Math
• Team Players
• Good Communicators
American Chemical Society 7
Where the Jobs Are for Bachelor’s Degree Chemists:
Government8%
Other9%
Analytical/clinical labs11%
Other manufacturing
23%
Pharma13%
Chemical Industry
11%
Academia (K-University Instruction)
25%
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
American Chemical Society 8
Where the Jobs Are for Ph.D. Degree Chemists:
Chemical Industry
16%
Pharma16%
Other8%Government
7%
Analytical/Clinical Labs
3%
Other Manufacturing
15%
Academia (K-University
Instruction)35%
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
American Chemical Society 9
Non-traditional Careers in Chemistry
• Sales & Marketing
• Patent Law
• Museums
• Banking & Finance
• Science Journalism/Communications
• Chemical Information
• Insurance
• Elected Office
• Public Policy/Regulation
American Chemical Society 10
Planning for a Career in Chemistry
• Examine your interests
• Establish your goals
• Determine your education needs
• Remain Flexible
American Chemical Society 11
Preparation For a 4-year Degree
Essential Classes
• Chemistry
• Math (4 years)
• English (4 years)
• Biology
• Physics
• Computer Skills or Programming
Optional Classes
• Speech/Public Speaking
• Foreign Language
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Education and Career
Education Level Completed Potential Career
High School Chemical Technician
Community College Chemical Technician
Bachelor’s Degree ProgramChemist
Industry, Government, High School Teaching
Graduate or Professional School
Chemist
Industry, Government, Teaching (all levels), Specialized careers (doctor, dentist, lawyer)
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Chemical Technicians
EducationAssociate of Applied Science degree, in-house training
SkillsSampling/handing chemical materials, analysis, synthesis
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, analytical labs, manufacturing plants
ResponsibilitiesOperate and maintain equipment in labs and plants, collect samples, analyze materials, perform experiments
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Bachelor’s Degree Chemists
Education Bachelor’s degree in a chemical science
SkillsChemical analysis, synthesis, interpretation of data, oral and written communication
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, government, hospital lab; H.S. classroom
ResponsibilitiesPerform experiments, communicate and work with a research team; teach
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Advanced Degree Chemists
EducationMaster’s, Ph.D degree in chemical science or other professional degree (M.D., J.D.)
SkillsManagement, experiment design, communication, specialized skills
Work Environment Industrial, government lab; classroom
ResponsibilitiesNew product development, manage teams or projects, teach, mentor
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Work Experience
• Summer Jobs
• Cooperative education
• Internship
• Undergraduate Research
• Study/work abroad
Prior Experience B.S. M.S. Ph.D.
Less than 12 months $36.7 $48.0 $75.0
12-36 Months$38.6 $47.0 $70.0
More than 36 months$40.0 $64.0 $60.0
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008Median annual salaries $ in thousands, 2007 starting salaries
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Hot Jobs
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Business
• Chemistry & Electronics
• Environmental
• Forensic Chemistry
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Interdisciplinary Fields
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Specialty Chemicals
American Chemical Society 18
ACS Education Division
For more information
Contact:
ACS
1155 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
1-800-ACS-5558
Or visit us on the web:
www.acs.org