How to Get into Chemical Engineering

The role of chemical engineers in society is crucial. Despite not having a very well-known line of work, without them, we wouldn't have many of the needs on which we rely every day. According to reports, this profession will likely remain in high demand for the foreseeable future. We hope that this piece will be a helpful resource for anyone with an interest in chemical engineering.

Why work as a chemical engineer?

Chemical engineers design the equipment and procedures that are used to manufacture pharmaceuticals, polymers, and essentially everything else we use today. Of course, it is far more difficult than that. In addition to the refinement of gas, oil, different minerals, and other basic materials, they create the machinery and procedures that transform raw materials into food. Additionally, they are actively engaged in research and development. Chemical engineers frequently do things like:

• Testing new ways to create products in the lab
• Create computer simulations to work out safest and most cost-effective designs
• Create Plans to move from testing to construction stage safely and effectively
• Develop plans to safely deal with the by-products of the manufacturing process
• Oversee the construction, implementation and day to day operation of the equipment
• Deal with any problems or faults that occur in the machinery
• Make sure that the equipment runs safely and the products are up to standard

Salary

Chemical Engineering is a very specialized and vital field. Due to this they receive generous financial compensation from their employers. Whatever company you work for you will receive a good wage, but obviously the larger the company the better the pay will be. It is one of the few careers that gives entry level workers an extremely generous salary right from the beginning.

Graduate

£28,000

Experienced

£53,000 +

Senior chartered chemical engineer

£60,000 +

Ultimately your wage is dependent upon your geographical location and what company you work for. But no matter where you are and what company you work more the pay will be generous. As well as this companies tend to hire graduates unlike many careers.

What qualifications do you need?

Although it is quite a specialized field there are multiple routes to becoming a chemical engineer. First of all, it is extremely important that you be very good at maths and chemistry. Unless you are talented at these subjects you will not make it through the course. You probably won’t even make it onto the course. Overall though, the basic requirement for the career is a degree in Engineering or chemistry. The preferred degree is a (BEng) in chemical, process or biochemical engineering accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)­­.  

Work placements

A great aspect of these courses is the work placements. It gives students the opportunity to impress potential employers. If you can show that you are a talented and capable student and able to learn on the job, it is likely that you will manage to secure a position upon graduation.

Career development

Chemical engineering offers amazing prospects for career development. The training within university is extremely vocational and you will get work placements with companies to put theory into practice. Many employers provide sponsored graduate schemes for candidates to achieve Masters in Engineering (MEeng) while working towards chartered engineer status.

Once you are working you will be learning on the job working towards achieving incorporated and ultimately chartered status. Incorporated engineers work is more practical in nature whereas chartered engineers are usually in leadership roles and have more intellectual duties. An MEng in chemical engineering is required to achieve chartered status whereas it is not for incorporated status. This could be achieved with 5 years of work experience and completion of a Masters in Chemical Engineering MEng. There are also significant possibilities for international travel either for the company you are working for, or applying to work for a different company in another country. Chemical engineers are always in demand.

As can be seen it is a career that offers great opportunities. It is a vital part of modern society and it pays a huge amount of money. But it is not for everyone and unless you are talented at maths and science it is not the career path for you. However, if you feel that you have the right attributes then why not try it.  

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