r/ChemicalEngineering • u/[deleted] • 20h ago

Student I’m starting my chemical engineering degree soon and I’m already so terrified I won’t get a job

[deleted]

8 Upvotes
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65% Upvoted

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27

u/Ells666 Pharma Automation | 5+ YoE 19h ago

That's 6 years in the future? For perspective COVID wasn't yet a thing 6 years ago. No one can tell you what the world will look like then.

11

u/jesset0m 19h ago

Such is life. If we can all predict the future, we'd all be millionaires.

10

u/hysys_whisperer 19h ago

Go to the fall career fair with 100 resumes.

Hand one to literally everyone there.

If you want to switch industries after a year or 2, you can, but not if you don't already have a job.

4

u/AfraidAvocado 19h ago

As a 2020 grad who has yet to work as an engineer, if you think you’ll enjoy the material then go for it. If you’re just in it for the money, it might be worth it to consider something else. It’s anybody’s guess what the job market will look like in the coming years

5

u/ElFanta83 19h ago

You'll be fine. ChemEng has a lot of options to offer, you'll do well, dedicate to study, get your degree and you will get a job soon after finishing college. Now focus on doing well and learn the good basics

2

u/ric2333 16h ago

i would like to work 100% online as a chemE, is it possible?

1

u/CockroachPowerful387 16h ago

Why are you asking me😭 I don’t think so though

1

u/ric2333 15h ago

Haha, i saw on internet, in the future IA, databases and data science would be completely integrated on chemE. I am focusing on automatic control and simulation. I think it would be great for you too. I am searching for advice of someone working 100% online on chemE🥺.

2

u/RanmaRanmaRanma 10h ago

You're STARTING and you're worried about Jobs? My brother/sister there is so much more you gotta wade through to get to that point.

My simple advice is get a good resume and start handing out them as much as you can when you can. But worry about your program first. It's a ton of math and application, and it's a tough road, probably top 10 ish hardest degrees you can get as an undergrad with Physics, Aerospace, Nursing (not necessarily the content but volume of it and standards), among them in there. It'll push you. EVEN if you're smart, the tax is steep.

2

u/Loraxdude14 17h ago

I'd recommend switching to Civil. That's where the jobs are, if there are any. It's tough.

1

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1

u/EntertainmentOwn5866 12h ago

I am junior and I don’t know where to search for internships. My professor told us to do coops and internships that’s what I think helps the most. Or applying to others areas and then move later. Getting certifications and additional education if it’s research and development.

1

u/Half_Canadian 9h ago

That’s because it’d be tacky for the rest of this subreddit to brag about the jobs that they got compared against the minority still looking for jobs.  Demand for ChemE’s is only going up

0

u/NUSWannabeSWE 8h ago

Sorry but many of the industries involved with Chem E are sunset industries

OP, adding a background in mechanical or electrical would be highly advantageous

1

u/Limp-Possession 7h ago

The good news is it’s a degree that’s impressive to a lot of people. I went to a smaller non target school with no Co-op or internship opportunities and graduated with 12 ChemEs. I have classmates working in finance in NYC and Chicago, one who was at Amazon and now runs 2 non-profits, 2 doctors, and a college professor… if you work hard and adapt to what life throws at you you’ll be fine.

1

u/MuddyflyWatersman 7h ago

I'll say it..... people with top grades and good engineering schools..... in good ChR programs...have no problem getting jobs.....or internships. Your current school grades as well as your college choice....should guide your thinking with respect to this.

1

u/Pickled_doggo 7h ago

The people who have the worst experiences tend to be the loudest. Most chem e’s end up with decent jobs in manufacturing, O&G, environmental, design, consulting, or eng sales, and there’s really not much of a reason to go on Reddit to talk about being moderately successful lol. 

Chem E is still one of the best engineering degrees to get because it qualifies you for a lot of different types of engineering roles and industries. You won’t be pigeonholed and there’s a lot of mobility in your early career to find the area that you like. Once you get your first job, it’ll be smooth sailing.