How to become a Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineering is just one part of the vast engineering sector worldwide. Chemical engineers play a critical role in most sectors of the economy.People are surprised to learn that chemical engineers are not only involved in the manufacturing of chemicals but they actually work in the fuel, paper and even food industries among other things.
A chemical engineer is someone who consults on the use of chemicals and helps society by monitoring the manufacturing of most goods sold on the market. Chemical engineers mainly work for large corporations and like any other engineer they have to be subjected to a rigorous set of academic requirements.
It is therefore crucial that one should prepare well in advance to become a chemical engineer. This has to start at high school where one should study maths and all major science subjects that include physics and chemistry. One should continuously maintain high marks to secure a place to study for the degree. A good academic performance will also make it easier to transition between high school and university.
After passing high school the biggest challenge will begin when one enro;ls for a Bachelor degree in chemical engineering. Studying for the degree will take about four years to complete. Most universities divide the course into two major sections. The first two years are mainly for basic engineering studies. One will be expected to study core courses that have a strong emphasis on mathematics and science. One should be aware that they will be expected to study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus as well as general engineering courses.
In the second part, one will learn courses that will be directly related to the study of chemical engineering. One will study advanced engineering, thermodynamics, chemical reactions, designing, biological applications as well as environmental safety .These courses will vary depending on the university. During this period it can also be helpful to get practical experience by seeking work during vacations. Upon graduation there are a lot of job opportunities available to chemical engineers. Manufacturing, chemical and food companies offer highly attractive job opportunities for entry level jobs.
In the United States of America, the Bureau of Labor statistics requires all that chemical engineers who offer their services must be licensed. So as one draws closer to the graduation date students should sit for one of the two exams they have to pass in order for them to be registered. If one passes the Fundamentals of engineering exam they have to work for at least four years before completing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. If the exam is passed one is then a fully licensed chemical engineer.
Those graduates who want to pursue their education can study for a graduate degree. While most chemical engineering jobs require a degree those who are targeting management positions would do well by studying for either a masters or a doctorate degree. This can also open up opportunities which include going into research and development or an academic career at the universities. A master’s degree usually takes one to two years to complete while for a doctorate one would have to study for at least five years.
Besides the education one should also possess essential characteristics. The engineer must have an eye for attention to detail, must be always accurate, a quick problem solver and have the ability to communicate at all levels.
Despite the difficulties of studying to be a chemical engineer there are a lot of benefits that can be accrued. There are always jobs available in this field and opportunities for career growth are immense. The chemical engineer's salary is high with an entry level job giving one a minimum of $50,000 per year. In the engineering discipline it is also one of the best-paying jobs.
The websitewww.engineeringdegrees.comrates chemical engineering as the fifth-most paying engineering job with a median salary of $84,600 out of fifteen engineering disciplines listed. This illustrates the main benefits of being a chemical engineer.
