Category: Careers

Careers in Chemical Engineering

5/14/2021

Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design of processes to manufacture, transport, and transform materials. Chemical Engineers accomplish this by designing the chemical reactions so the raw material can be transformed into something usable. They use knowledge from multiple disciplines like biology, chemistry, material science, physics and math to perform their jobs.

A traditional career path for chemical engineers may start in oil and gas, specialty chemicals, or pharmaceutical industries. Entry level jobs include positions in research and development or production engineers. Chemical engineers in R&D groups help develop and research procedures that can then be implemented industrially and commercially. Chemical engineers have a hand in helping develop new materials as well as processes that are used to make materials on a larger scale. As a production engineer, a chemical engineer is responsible with implementing new processes, designing equipment, planning production runs, and scaling up processes.

For many chemical engineers, a shift in roles is common. Many chemical engineers become project managers. As project managers they oversee the implementation and budgets of projects. Some chemical engineers shift into a leadership role, as a leader they oversee people and budgets at a more strategic level.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in chemical engineering are predicted to grow from 2019-2029 by 4%. The median annual wage for chemical engineers as of May 2020 is $108,540, the lowest 10% of chemical engineers earned $68,430.

Chemical engineers can work across many industries such as:

Advanced materials- such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and nanomaterials where they help develop materials with improved properties. Additional, they help develop methods for implementation on larger scale production.

Biotechnology- develop and design processes to produce antibiotics, insulin, etc.

Chemical process industries- oil and gas, specialty chemicals, catalysts, cosmetics, plastics where they help develop the processes to make and isolate chemicals.

Design and Construction- work closely with construction industry to design efficient plants, design new equipment, and manage projects.

Energy and fuels- develop alternative energy sources and develop processes for production of fuel.
Environmental, Safety, and Health- chemical engineers help minimize production byproducts, find uses for byproducts, design more efficient processes, develop a waste treatment plan, and ensure process safety.

Food- chemical engineers develop new packaging materials, ingredients for enhanced flavor, or develop new ways to preserve food and drinks.

In addition to the industries listed above, chemical engineers can pursue a career in government (working at agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy), education, and law as intellectual property lawyers, and business.

https://chbe.rice.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/where-do-chemical-engineers-work
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm

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April 19th, 2021

4/19/2021

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Careers in Materials Science

Material scientists are at the forefront of research in developing new materials for applications in infrastructure, transportation, technology, and much more. A degree in materials science allows for a career in sectors such as manufacturing, research, aerospace, coatings, biomedical systems, and technology. Changes in the chemical and atomic structure leads to new materials with improved properties such as toughness, flexibility, hardness, etc. Materials science research also pushes the processing and synthesis of materials to make them more reliable, sustainable, and economic.

Since materials science combines the study of chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and biology, careers in materials science include product/process development scientist, design engineer, and technical sales engineer.

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries with the highest levels of employment in materials science are Scientific R&D service and chemical manufacturing. The mean annual wage is $104,450 with the highest materials scientists employed in Massachusetts and Washington.

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Careers in Biomedical Sciences

3/29/2021

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Biomedical sciences combines the study of human physiology, human pathology, and pharmacology to advance health problems facing society. Biomedical science encompasses biochemistry, cell biology, and medicinal chemistry to name a few disciplines. Those who pursue a career in biomedical sciences go on to develop new prosthetics or the next cancer treatment.

While pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences, one will take courses that include genetics, nutrition, microbiology, human anatomy, and kinesiology. A degree in biomedical sciences opens the doors for careers in the fields of science and medicine as well as positions that combine the two.

A degree in biomedical sciences can also be used for a career as a forensic technologist. A forensic technologist is an expert in DNA, hair, etc. and consults with legal officials on crimes. Many toxicologists have studied biomedical science. Toxicologists study the safety and biological effects of drugs, chemicals, and substances on living organisms. A degree in biomedical sciences can serve as a launching point for an advanced degree in public health. A Masters in Public Health can lead to a position in developing and implementing health policy at all levels- local, state, and federal.

Biomedical research is an important career for those who pursue a degree in biomedical sciences. While many people picture a scientist in a white coat when they hear biomedical research, current research takes place not only in the lab of colleges and universities, but in the community. Researchers work with schools and community clinics to conduct research in communities. Biomedical scientists are also vital in medicinal chemistry. They conduct research to create chemicals and compounds that are used in drug development and how they behave in the human body. Additionally, this research is also conducted in the field of zoology to study how drugs and diagnostics can be used in animals.

A degree in biomedical sciences opens up a variety of career options from research in a university setting to health policy and pharmaceutical sales. It is a versatile degree that can lead to a job in a broad number of industries.

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Careers in Aerospace Engineering

2/18/2021

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Aerospace engineers develop new technologies specific to the fields of spaceflight, aviation, and defense. Aerospace engineers are at the forefront of research and development of high-speed vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites, and lunar vehicles. Those studying to become an aerospace engineer will take courses such as Propulsion, Thermodynamics, and Aerodynamics to name a few. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aerospace engineering jobs are projected to grow 3% from 2019-2029.

Most aerospace engineers work directly in the aerospace industry. Some jobs include working as a commercial Aerospace Engineer where they focus on designing and building commercial aircrafts that are used in the airline business. In addition to designing aircrafts for commercial travel, aerospace engineers are critical to designing aircrafts for space travel. Aerospace engineers also design satellites that are sent into space and handle voice, data, and video transmission tasks daily.

A degree in aerospace engineering can also be used to be a modeler- these engineers design equipment on computers, run simulations on the equipment, and make changes for more efficient and effective equipment. Aerospace engineers are also needed as inspectors and compliance officers. They use their expertise to enforce laws and regulations and they can work for the government or for private companies to detect faults and violations before inspection. Aerospace engineers are also in charge of drawings for missiles, spacecraft, and aircrafts. They draft drawing and specification sheets so that the equipment can be built.

One of the most common careers that people think about when they hear aerospace engineering is mission or payload specialist, or astronauts. They are crew members on space missions that collect data and run experiments on space missions.  Aerospace engineers held about 66,400 jobs in 2019. Of those jobs, 36% were in aerospace product and parts manufacturing, 16% were in the federal government, 15% were in engineering services, 10% were navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instrument manufacturing, and 8% were in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering related to aerospace systems is required to become an aerospace engineer. Some universities offer a 5 year program which will allow a student to receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Aerospace engineers are at the forefront of technology. This career requires analytical skills, critical-thinking skills, and problem solving skills.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aerospace Engineers, at

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm

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Careers in Meteorology

12/16/2020

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Many people only know meteorologists as the people who gives you the daily forecast on the local news, however, the vast majority of meteorologists work at universities, private companies, and the government, where they conduct research, consult, and teach.

In order to pursue a career in meteorology, a degree in meteorology/atmospheric science is needed. In addition to meteorology courses, students should expect to take calculus, physics, and chemistry courses as well. Depending on the career path chosen after graduation , a minor in computer science, communication, geography, social sciences, physics, or math could be beneficial.. Continuing on to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is advisable, especially if students are interested in going into a specialty field in meteorology.

So, besides forecasting the weather in a news broadcast what can you do with a degree in meteorology? There are plenty of options! A list put together by the National Severe Storms Laboratory shows the variety of options available, from working for an airline company to being a research meteorologist!(https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/people/jobs/careers.php).

An operational forecaster analyzes weather conditions and issues forecasts or alerts the public of severe weather for their area.
A research meteorologist studies more specific areas of weather like severe weather or climate change. They can also develop tools like radar or weather models to help other meteorologists in their jobs.
A meteorologist in the military makes weather observations and forecasts for missions around the world.
Airlines use meteorologists to help pilots know what the weather will be like when they take-off, land,and while in the air.
Electric companies ask meteorologists if a heat wave is coming so they have enough power ready to run lots of air conditioners.
Road crews ask meteorologists how much snow might be coming so they can make sure they have enough trucks ready.
Meteorologists tell fruit and vegetable farmers to turn their sprinklers on when a cold snap is coming to help protect crops.
Meteorologists work with city managers when their town is in the path of a hurricane, if nearby rivers or streams could flood, or if a tornado is coming.
What if there is a thunderstorm headed for a football stadium full of people? Meteorologists help people in charge of stadiums, arenas, shopping malls and hospitals make critical safety decisions.
Radio and television stations use meteorologists, both behind the scenes and on the air, to analyze weather data and present it to their audience.

In addition to these positions , meteorologists are needed to teach the next generation of meteorologists as well. Deciding to pursue a degree in meteorology is the first step, once you decide to do that, you can narrow your focus by determining where your interests lie. Do you like teaching, doing research or do you prefer to be on TV and share your knowledge in front of a camera?

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Careers in Chemical Engineering

April 19th, 2021

Careers in Biomedical Sciences

Careers in Aerospace Engineering

Careers in Meteorology

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