Job Responsibilities
My major responsibilities include developing new technologies
which involves some laboratory work and supervision, developing
new market opportunities in the biorefining industry (product
analysis & development), and internal consulting within the
company on technical issues pertaining to my expertise. These
activities involve collaboration with many groups within the
company, as well as external networking to properly access
outside expertise.
An approximate breakdown of my weekly activities looks like:
25% - Planning & analysis of experiments
15% - Report & memo writing
20% - Meetings, phone calls, etc. on the various projects
20% - Keeping up on the state of the art for the industry
(technologies, intellectual property, business activities,
competition, etc.)
20% - Required "overhead" for the job (mainly e-mail!)
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Job Requirements
I received my B.S. in chemical engineering from Notre Dame, and
then my Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of
Minnesota. Both of these programs were extremely challenging
(Minnesota is the top-rated graduate department in chemical
engineering).
Chemical-engineering education is intense and not for someone
looking for an easy way to make a lot of money. Be prepared for
tough classes and an expectation that you will spend a LOT of
time studying. In grad school, after the first year or two of
classes, you transition into your thesis project. This is
similar to a research job except that (1) you are paid very
little (<$20,000/yr) and you work many hours (60-100/wk).
Obviously it's an NPV argument, that you are investing in your
future earning potential. But only do it if you have a passion
for chemical engineering and/or your research project and field!
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Uppers
As a Ph.D. chemical engineer, you do get a lot of instant respect due to the
academic rigor inherent in the achievement. As such, you will generally be given
many responsibilities early in your career - especially if at a small company.
There is a great deal of autonomy in this job. It's not really a 8-5 job -
there's a lot of work to get done and it can be done in a variety of settings,
including occasionally working from the home office or a coffee shop. If you
work at a large chemical company they may want you to focus on a specific area
related to your doctorate degree; however, at a small company there is so much to
get done with few people that you end up getting involved in many aspects of a
company, including the business side.
People will come to your for advice and you will have many opportunities to
showcase your talents and knowledge of the subject matter.
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Downers
Assuming you went to graduate school for the right reasons and
have found a good employer, there are not any major downers for a
Ph.D. engineer. The work load is typically reasonable (45-50
hr/wk) and compensation is good.
One possible downer is that you may be perceived as having a
niche in some technical area and in fact you want to expand your
range of knowledge (and thus your pipeline of future
opportunities).
Another downer I have seen is that some will think you are paid
too much for what you do. You might start out making more than
someone at the company for 10+ years, and they might be resentful
for that.
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Lifestyle
The lifestyle is something between the classic picture of an engineer with
pocket protector and the high-flying lawyers or consultants of the world. There
will likely be some travel, but mot too much as corporate travel budgets are
generally tight. Travel is usually enjoyable and good for your career (e.g.,
conferences that expand your network).
There are many dinners with out-of-town visitors and it helps to have
flexibility with your private obligations.
Dress code is usually business casual (I haven't wore a tie at work since my
interview!).
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Compensation
The average starting salary for this position across the chemical
industry is about $80,000 with a signing bonus of about $10,000.
Many companies also have year-end bonuses in place and you can
expect a total compensation package of approximately $100,000
after a couple years. However, the salary curve for this
occupation quickly levels off and, even with promotions, your
salary progress will be limited unless/until you approach the
ranks of executive management. Stock options may be available,
depending on the company, and that could add significantly to
your package.
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Advice to Jobseekers
The job outlook for chemical engineers is excellent. One
decision you will have to make is whether it makes sense to
forego the $60,000/yr (starting) you can make with just a B.S. in
chemical engineering and instead spend 4-5 years in graduate
school for the Ph.D. Depending on what you ultimately want to
do, keep in mind that an MBA shaves 2-3 years off your total
education but gives you a similar (or higher) starting salary.
Again, don't do a Ph.D. for the salary potential alone, but only
if it is consistent with your career and personal goals.
As chemical engineers, you are equipped for almost any industry
or career. Chemical engineering can serve as the platform for
not only a career in the process industries but also medicine,
law, business, education, sales, or anything else. You are able
to add a lot of value to society in many different ways. As the
best college degree money and time can buy, chemical engineering
really is a launching pad to success. Maybe your goal is top
management, or you have entrepreneurial aspirations and want to
start your own gig. Pursue your dreams!
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