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….

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And These Opportunities…
Wanted: Chemical Technician, background in organic synthesis, computeraided 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.

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…Help you to find a career?

You are about to find out!

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Your Career in Chemistry:

A Guide to Exploring the
World of Work
in
Chemistry

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Successful Chemists Are:
•

Curious

•

Problem Solvers

•

Good at Math

•

Team Players

•

Good Communicators

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Where the Jobs Are for
Bachelor’s Degree Chemists:

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008

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Where the Jobs Are for
Ph.D. Degree Chemists:

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008

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Non-traditional Careers in
Chemistry
•

Sales & Marketing

•

Patent Law

•

Museums

•

Banking & Finance

•

Science Journalism/Communications

•

Chemical Information

•

Insurance

•

Elected Office

•

Public Policy/Regulation

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Planning for a Career in
Chemistry
•

Examine your interests

•

Establish your goals

•

Determine your education needs

•

Remain Flexible

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Preparation For a 4-year Degree
Essential Classes

Optional Classes

•

Chemistry

•

Speech/Public Speaking

•

Math (4 years)

•

Foreign Language

•

English (4 years)

•

Biology

•

Physics

•

Computer Skills or Programming

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Education and Career

Education Level Completed

Potential Career

High School

Chemical Technician

Community College

Chemical Technician
Chemist

Bachelor’s Degree Program

Industry, Government, High School
Teaching

Chemist
Graduate or Professional School

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Industry, Government, Teaching (all
levels), Specialized careers (doctor,
dentist, lawyer)

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Chemical Technicians
Education

Associate of Applied Science degree, in-house
training

Skills

Sampling/handing chemical materials, analysis,
synthesis

Work Environment

Research and development labs, analytical labs,
manufacturing plants

Responsibilities

Operate 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

Skills

Chemical analysis, synthesis, interpretation of
data, oral and written communication

Work Environment

Industrial, government, hospital lab; H.S.
classroom

Responsibilities

Perform experiments, communicate and work
with a research team; teach

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Advanced Degree Chemists

Education

Master’s, Ph.D degree in chemical science or other
professional degree (M.D., J.D.)

Skills

Management, experiment design, communication,
specialized skills

Work Environment

Industrial, government lab; classroom

Responsibilities

New product development, manage teams or
projects, teach, mentor

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Work Experience
•

Summer Jobs

•

Undergraduate Research

•

Cooperative education

•

Study/work abroad

•

Internship
Prior Experience

B.S.

M.S.

Ph.D.

Less than 12 months

$36.7

$48.0

$75.0

$38.6

$47.0

$70.0

$40.0

$64.0

$60.0

12-36 Months
More than 36 months

Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
Median annual salaries $ in thousands, 2007 starting salaries

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Hot Jobs
•

Biotechnology

•

Hazardous Waste Management

•

Chemical Business

•

Interdisciplinary Fields

•

Chemistry & Electronics

•

Materials Science

•

Environmental

•

Nanotechnology

•

Forensic Chemistry

•

Specialty Chemicals

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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

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