So, you want to be a chemical engineer, huh? If you’re somewhat of a nerd but need a practical way to make a living, this might suit your needs. Let’s start with what it takes to get there. The educational foundation of a chemical engineer allows us to be at the forefront of innovation, where science meets creativity, and theories become tangible realities. Welcome to the world of chemical engineering – a discipline that combines the principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and math to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and more.
As a chemical engineer, you could be behind the next groundbreaking discovery in sustainable energy, the architect of cutting-edge manufacturing processes (what are we going to do with all these EV batteries in 15 years?), or the pioneer of lifesaving medical devices. The possibilities are as diverse as they are exciting. This article will guide you through the steps to becoming a chemical engineer, from high school preparation to obtaining professional certification. It’s a journey that requires dedication, passion, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. But for those who dare to dream and strive, the rewards are immense. So, let’s explore the path that could lead you to shape the future of our world.
High School:
This is a great time to prepare. For the traditional university student, high school is the beginning of your chemical engineering journey. Focus on excelling in math, science, and technology courses, particularly calculus, as these subjects form the basis of engineering principles. It doesn’t hurt to come into college with as many additional credits as you can handle as chemical engineering is one of the most demanding majors you can pursue (I took over 200 credits in my undergrad). I understand that there are many alternative approaches to education and many of these can also give you a great head start (for example, my high school didn’t have many classes for college credit (also I’m just a dumb guy) but what I did get out of my courses in high school put me ahead of most of my classmates in college and made my first two years a breeze. Extra free time in the first two years of university gives you the time to make some money while in school, think about careers after, and possibly go to college for free? – more on that later.
School of Chemical Engineering:
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is the first major step. This degree typically covers key areas such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, material science, chemical kinetics, process control, and process design. It usually takes four years to complete – just five years if you don’t hate yourself.
Chemical Engineering Internship or Cooperative Education Program:
Practical experience is invaluable in the engineering field. Many employers prefer candidates who have participated in internships or cooperative education programs. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Co-ops are definitely a great way to go, but it’s not necessary or a guarantee you’re going to get a job. Another example: I didn’t want to do a co-op because I didn’t want to extend my time in college. I got a job as a research intern over the summer after my freshman year (I also used this time to take an extra course since I was on campus anyways). This was another notch on my resume and helped me land a remote internship during my senior year! This was a convenient way to finish up my education while getting paid to do real engineering work.
Engineering Certifications:
There are loads of tests and certifications you can acquire near graduation, but are any of them worth it? Well, it’s complicated. You have the option to get your Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). After obtaining your FE, land a job, stay at that job, find a mentor at that job that is a professional engineer (PE), and work under that PE for around 5 years, then, you can apply for your PE certification. I think these are all fine and great, and if you have the opportunity it can’t hurt (anyone chime in below. If you got your FE or PE: What’s the path? And the details: How much more money did it make you in the end?) I obviously didn’t get any of these certifications, but I didn’t have any PEs at my facilities to work under. As a chemical engineer, the real benefit I see to obtaining these certificates is that the credentials would be helpful in starting your own engineering business or starting to work on a contract basis (Again, there are tons of ways to make a living as a chemical engineer that others can chime in).
Master’s of Chemical Engineering & More:
While not always required, a master’s degree can enhance your career prospects. Many employers prefer chemical engineers with graduate-level degrees for certain positions. This degree can take an additional 2 or more years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. The good news is that I’ve heard of many chemical engineers getting their master’s and PhD in four years, while receiving a decent stipend to do research. You must crunch all the numbers and really think about what you want out of life. For example, early in my career one of my colleagues had his master’s and I didn’t. We had the same job title. I got paid more. I had more experience getting things done in a demanding production environment. So, make sure that if you decide to remain in academia, pull out the excel and do some research. I would advise that if you want to continue your education, go for the PhD. (What about an MBA?).
Remember, the journey to becoming a chemical engineer requires dedication and hard work. Realistically, if you enjoy sinking your teeth into anything technical, or consider yourself a lifelong learner, then you should be fine. The duration can vary depending on the individual’s pace and the specific requirements of the program they choose. Typically, it takes between 4-7 years to become a chemical engineer.
As a chemical engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including medicine, industrial manufacturing, energy, and more. Your responsibilities could range from conducting and analyzing research for the development of improved manufacturing processes, establishing safety protocols for working with hazardous chemicals, to designing equipment for producing chemical products and processing chemical components. Maybe chemical engineering is just the foundation for what you really plan to do.