Chemistry Careers

Analytical

• 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

• Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
• Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
• Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
• Take electives in your area of interest.

Biochemical

• 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.
• Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
• Join related professional organizations.
• Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.

Organic

• 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.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.

Geochemistry

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
• Federal and state government
• Colleges and universities

• Take geology & environmental science electives.

Inorganic

• Environmental organizations
• Water processing plants
• Natural resources organizations

• Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
• Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.

Polymer Chemistry

Physical

• 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.
• Develop strong mathematical background.

Education

• 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.

Business

• 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

• 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.

Technical Writing

• Research product development departments and organizations
• Publishing firms including books, scientific and research journals, technical press, large newspapers, and wire services
• internet sites

• Take advanced technical writing courses.
• Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.

Law

• Manufacturing firms
• Research and development firms
• Law firms
• Private practice
• Environmental agencies

Information Specialist/Technical Libraries

• 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.