CHEMISTRY What can I do with this degree? AREAS
EMPLOYERS
STRATEGIES
ANALYTICAL Research Development Analysis and Testing Consulting Environmental Forensics
BIOCHEMICAL Research Development Analysis and Testing Consulting Quality Control Medical Environmental Industrial Health & Safety Hospital Administration ORGANIC Research Development Analysis and Testing Quality Control Consulting
Federal, state, and local government Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries Industrial production and inspection agencies Research laboratories and organizations Environmental protection organizations Colleges and universities
Learn federal, state, and local government job application process. Gain experience in a laboratory. Become proficient with high-tech scientific equipment. Take electives in your area of interest.
Research laboratories and organizations Pharmaceutical and medical research firms Biotechnology firms Plant and animal breeders and growers Food processors Industrial production and inspection agencies Environmental protection organizations Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control Colleges and universities
Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes Research organizations Federal and state government Colleges and universities
Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
(Chemistry, Page 2)
AREAS GEOCHEMISTY Environmental Remediation Research & Development Analysis & Testing
INORGANIC Research Analysis and Testing Quality Control Consulting
EMPLOYERS
STRATEGIES
Environmental organizatoins Water processing plants Natural resources organizations
Take Geology & Environmental Science electives.
Research laboratories and organizations Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials Federal and state government Colleges and universities
Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area. Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
Industrial & commercial organizations such as textiles and plastics
Gain research experience.
Research laboratories and organizations Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy Federal government Colleges and universities
Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Obtain strong mathematical background.
Private and public secondary schools Colleges and universities
Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master's degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities. Take courses in public speaking. Obtain a minor in business. Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Hold leadership positions in campus organizations. Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.
POLYMER CHEMISTRY Research & Development Analysis & Testing PHYSICAL Research Development Analysis and Testing Quality Control Consulting EDUCATION Teaching Research Administration
BUSINESS Technical Sales/Marketing Pharmaceutical Sales Management Banking/Finance Advertising/Public Relations Consulting Industrial Quality Control Research & Development
Manufacturing firms Drug stores Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals. Agricultural product companies Environmental management organizations Waste management firms
(Chemistry, Page 3)
STRATEGIES
EMPLOYERS
AREAS TECHNICAL WRITING Proposals Specification Manuals Writing Editing
LAW Patent Agents Patent Attorneys Legislator/Lobbyist
INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/TECHNICAL LIBRARIES
Research product development departments and organizations Publishing firms including books, scientific and research journals, technical press, large newspapers, and wire services
Take advanced technical writing courses. Become proficient with word processing and desktop publishing.
Manufacturing firms Research and development firms Law firms Private practice Environmental agencies
Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
Special libraries Research organizations Colleges and universities Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Obtain master's degree in library and information science. Develop computer retrieval skills. Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
• Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching. • Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for • • • • • • • • •
research positions in industry, universities and government. Advanced degrees help speed career advancement. Develop strong computer, mathematics and science skills/knowledge. Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience. Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data. Maintain excellent grades. Complete an undergraduate research project. Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing. Join related student professional organizations. Read related professional magazines and journals. Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer
(1995, Revised 2000)