There are good reasons why you might want to pursue a career in chemistry. Working as a chemist stretches beyond the boring and repetitive lab-based jobs. For instance, you could work as a field service representative and therefore travel the world as part of your job. You could also find plant-based operations job openings. Eventually, you could choose a teaching career and educate future generations of chemistry specialists.
If polymers, coatings, catalysts, colours, and fumes are your cup of tea, find out what you need to get into a career in chemistry.
Adequate Qualifications
Most chemistry-related jobs require at least an A to C grade in Science and Maths, which is the equivalent of a 9-4 on the GCSE grading scale. Most chemistry jobs require excellent math skills, in order to tackle measuring out various substances and working out proportionate yields. Furthermore, chemistry knowledge relies on a good understanding of maths. If you are looking for an immunoassay company then see here.
In-Depth Study
In order to comply with the latest education-related legal requirements in the UK, you have two options: to enrol in a 6th form or college or to start a traineeship or apprenticeship.
If your choice is to stick to traditional education, your best option would be a chemistry A-level. Choose maths or physics as supporting subjects. Should you prefer the apprenticeship approach, seek such opportunities with chemical manufacturing companies or other firms that may help you gain transferrable skills.
You also have the opportunity to pursue a University career in chemistry or even to embark on a master’s degree or a PhD. Even though such qualifications are not mandatory to find a career in chemistry, there are a few niche areas where employers prefer candidates with master or PhD degrees.
Work Experience
Good knowledge of chemistry and adequate education can help you land a career in your desired field. Nevertheless, work experience is the golden driver that can allow you to progress and take your career to the next level. Our recommendation is that you welcome any opportunity to get your feet wet in the industry, whether you’d only need to shadow a reputable professional, volunteer, or take temporary work during your university years. While major industry players value solid education, they also consider experience as being one of the strongest assets of various candidates. Being able to show voluntary experience can help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job sooner rather than later.
Last but not least, try to keep an open mind and to be flexible in regard to the opportunities you may come across. As there’s a wealth of opportunities to build a successful career in chemistry, it doesn’t make sense to fixate on becoming a New Product Development Expert within polymer-based adhesives for a specific industry or sector. Try to gain work experience in various areas to start with, and then apply in full confidence to the job openings you want. This approach should help you feel more at ease and confident, on the one hand. On the other hand, it could help you discover new and exciting career opportunities you may have never heard of otherwise. Chemistry is such a vast area of activity, that work and career opportunities are virtually endless.
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