Becoming a Chemical Engineer

Adriana | future chemical engineer

My career choice from last year has changed since attending an engineering camp this past summer. While there, I learned about the different fields in Engineering. Chemical Engineering was the one that most intrigued me.

Since I was little, I've always loved mixing up concoctions. I turned my kitchen into a lab, and every spice bottle into a "chemical vial". I often loved doing the classic, "volcanic eruption" experiment, seeing just how big of a mess I could make.

A chemical engineer's job is to create machines and processes that cause a chemical change or reaction. This means that I could possibly work at an oil and gas corporation refining oil. I could also invest my time in engineering more eco-friendly fuels. Really and truly, they strive to make life better for everyone.

I can only obtain this kind of position if I take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Also, I should get a "Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering" Degree at the least. However, if I wish to obtain a higher position, I will need either a masters or doctoral degree in this field.

The average chemical engineer earns approximately $94,000 a year, but this varies depending on your level of training and experience. In 2012, there were over 30,000 chemical engineers employed. This number is expected to grow by 4%. Though due to their extensive understanding of the sciences, many people in this field can comfortably move to new areas if need be.

I currently have plans to attend the same engineering camp next year. Even after that, I have intentions to do more career research in my spare time. If I do all this, then maybe one day, I will be able to achieve my dream of becoming a chemical engineer.