Career Ideas for a Chemistry Major

ANALYTICAL

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Environmental
• Forensics

• 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
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Consulting
• Quality Control
• Medical
• Environmental
• Industrial Health & Safety
• Hospital Administration

• 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

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

• 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

• Environmental Remediation
• Research & Development
• Analysis & Testing

• 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

• Research
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

• Environmental organizations
• Water processing plants
• Natural resources organizations

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

POLYMER CHEMISTRY

• Analysis & Testing
• Research & Development

• Industries involving textiles and plastics

Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.

PHYSICAL

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and Testing
• Quality Control
• Consulting

• 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

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration

• 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

• Technical Sales/Marketing
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Management
• Consulting
• Industrial Quality Control
• Research & Development

• 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

• Writing
• Editing

• 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

• Patent Law
• Legislation and Lobbying

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

Obtain law degree to become an attorney.

INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/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.