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05.12.2024 Today’s Insights Into Chemistry-related Career Options, from Medium and Indeed

05.12.2024 Today’s Insights Into Chemistry-related Career Options, from Medium and Indeed
Dear Students,
 
Were you the kind of teenager who loved chemistry lab projects? Who showed up excitedly on “lab day” to gather and prepare the team’s supplies? (Confession: that was definitely not me).
 
While college enrollment in chemistry is actually on the decline (in both the US and the UK), the US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that “Jobs in chemistry and material scientists are projected to see 6% growth through 2032, higher than average.” What’s more, it’s interesting to note that according to the American Chemistry Society, “Of the doctoral students in responding Chemistry programs… 42.3% are international students.” 
 
For young STEM-inclined professionals (maybe even you?) who “love the lab,” it’s nice to know that there are many types of careers where you can “cook up” a promising commercial trajectory. Medium outlines 30 of these choices here: https://medium.com/teach-chemistry/30-careers-in-chemistry-22795b3952c0.
 
According to Indeed, there is also a specific suite of skills that predicts success in this diverse field (details here: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/industrial-chemist-skills). It’s no surprise that along with solid math and tech-related abilities, lab safety knowledge, legal and regulatory knowledge (the latter of which can be learned on the job), aspiring talents like you and your friends, who will ultimately make meaningful contributions within this space, also exhibit a range of power skills. According to experts interviewed by Indeed, these include those that follow:
 
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical ability
  • Strong communication (written and verbal)
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking
  • Teamwork (which encompasses collaboration, influence, persuasion and negotiation)
  • Leadership, and
  • Multitasking (which encompasses time management and organizational skills)
Of course, general business knowledge is also a valuable precursor.
 
And, while chemistry was not considered a “proper science” until the 18th century, it’s just as important, if not more so, today than it was 3 centuries ago.
 
Here’s to interns and new grads like you “experimenting” with the thought of undertaking such intriguing careers!
 
Best,
 
Amy-Louise