What can I do with a major in chemistry?

Areas

Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Consulting
Environmental
Forensics

Employers

Federal, state, and local government
Federal agencies including: National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Manufacturing firms in the following industries:

• Textile 
• Petroleum
• Food 
• Electronics 
• Glass
• Paper
• Packaging 
• Machinery 
• Cosmetics 
• Paint 
• Drug
• Chemical 

Industrial production and inspection agencies
Research laboratories and organizations
Environmental protection organizations
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

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

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting

Employers

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

Sample occupations

Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.

Areas

Environmental Remediation
Research & Development
Analysis & Testing

Employers

Research laboratories and organizations
Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
Federal and state government
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

Take geology & environmental science electives.

Areas

Research
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting

Employers

Environmental organizations
Water processing plants
Natural resources organizations

Sample occupations

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

Areas

Analysis & Testing
Research & Development

Employers

Industries involving textiles and plastics

Sample occupations

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

Areas

Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting

Employers

Research laboratories and organizations
Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
Federal government
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

Take related courses in social sciences and economics.
Develop strong mathematical background.

Areas

Teaching
Research
Administration

Employers

Private and public secondary schools
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

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

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Writing
Editing

Employers

Research product development departments and organizations
Publishing firms including:

• books
• scientific and research journals
• technical press
• large newspapers
• wire services 

Internet sites

Sample occupations

Take advanced technical writing courses.
Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.

Areas

Patent Law
Legislation and Lobbying

Employers

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

Sample occupations

Obtain law degree to become an attorney.

Areas

Employers

Special libraries
Research organizations
Colleges and universities
Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Sample occupations

Obtain a master's degree in library/information science.
Develop computer retrieval skills.
Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.