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Your Career in Chemistry:
[Presentation subtitle or presenter name]
How Can These Headlines…
•
The search for new cancer medicines continues….
•
Scientists puzzle over new methods of detection for
homeland security…
•
The need for new materials to make sports equipment
last longer heats up….
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And These Opportunities…
Wanted: Chemical Technician, background in organic synthesis,
computer-aided design. Good communication skills required.
Wanted: Analytical Chemist for the federal government, interdisciplinary
background with an emphasis in environmental testing and hazardous
waste and water testing. Field work required.
Wanted: Materials Scientist, experience with metal alloys and ability to
collaborate with a variety of R&D, commercial and manufacturing
functions a must.
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…Help you to find a career?
You are about to find out!
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Your Career in Chemistry:
A Guide to Exploring the
World of Work
in
Chemistry
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Successful Chemists Are:
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Curious
•
Problem Solvers
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Good at Math
•
Team Players
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Good Communicators
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Where the Jobs Are for
Bachelor’s Degree Chemists:
Other
9%
Government
8%
Academia
(K-University
Instruction)
25%
Analytical/clinic
al labs
11%
Chemical
Industry
11%
Other
manufacturing
23%
Pharma
13%
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
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Where the Jobs Are for
Ph.D. Degree Chemists:
Government
7%
Other
8%
Academia (KUniversity
Instruction)
35%
Analytical/
Clinical Labs
3%
Other
Manufacturing
15%
Pharma
16%
Chemical
Industry
16%
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
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Non-traditional Careers in
Chemistry
•
Sales & Marketing
•
Patent Law
•
Museums
•
Banking & Finance
•
Science Journalism/Communications
•
Chemical Information
•
Insurance
•
Elected Office
•
Public Policy/Regulation
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Planning for a Career in
Chemistry
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Examine your interests
•
Establish your goals
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Determine your education needs
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Remain Flexible
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Preparation For a 4-year Degree
Essential Classes
Optional Classes
•
Chemistry
•
Speech/Public Speaking
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Math (4 years)
•
Foreign Language
•
English (4 years)
•
Biology
•
Physics
•
Computer Skills or Programming
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Education and Career
Education Level Completed
Potential Career
High School
Chemical Technician
Community College
Chemical Technician
Chemist
Bachelor’s Degree Program
Industry, Government, High School
Teaching
Chemist
Graduate or Professional School
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Industry, Government, Teaching (all
levels), Specialized careers (doctor,
dentist, lawyer)
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Chemical Technicians
Education
Associate of Applied Science degree, in-house
training
Skills
Sampling/handing chemical materials, analysis,
synthesis
Work Environment
Research and development labs, analytical labs,
manufacturing plants
Responsibilities
Operate and maintain equipment in labs and
plants, collect samples, analyze materials,
perform experiments
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Bachelor’s Degree Chemists
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a chemical science
Skills
Chemical analysis, synthesis, interpretation of
data, oral and written communication
Work Environment
Industrial, government, hospital lab; H.S.
classroom
Responsibilities
Perform experiments, communicate and work
with a research team; teach
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Advanced Degree Chemists
Education
Master’s, Ph.D degree in chemical science or other
professional degree (M.D., J.D.)
Skills
Management, experiment design, communication,
specialized skills
Work Environment
Industrial, government lab; classroom
Responsibilities
New product development, manage teams or
projects, teach, mentor
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Work Experience
•
Summer Jobs
•
Undergraduate Research
•
Cooperative education
•
Study/work abroad
•
Internship
Prior Experience
B.S.
M.S.
Ph.D.
Less than 12 months
$36.7
$48.0
$75.0
$38.6
$47.0
$70.0
$40.0
$64.0
$60.0
12-36 Months
More than 36 months
Source: ACS News, C&EN 2008
Median annual salaries $ in thousands, 2007 starting salaries
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Hot Jobs
•
Biotechnology
•
Hazardous Waste Management
•
Chemical Business
•
Interdisciplinary Fields
•
Chemistry & Electronics
•
Materials Science
•
Environmental
•
Nanotechnology
•
Forensic Chemistry
•
Specialty Chemicals
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ACS Education Division
For more information
Contact:
ACS
1155 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
education@acs.org
1-800-ACS-5558
Or visit us on the web:
www.acs.org
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