Chemical engineers use their analytical skills and aptitude for chemistry when working with ground-breaking technologies to enhance people’s lives
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.
Work experience
Work experience is a valuable way of getting first-hand knowledge of specialised industries. If you’re undecided about the area of chemical engineering you want to work in, try to get an industrial placement to find out what’s available. This may be a placement that’s part of your degree course, or one you set up yourself during the summer.
Work experience is often available in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical and food and drink industries. Check out the careers section of company websites for more information.
Typical employers
Employers cover a broad range of industrial sectors. Any company involved in large-scale conversion of raw materials into a product will require chemical development engineers.
You’ll find major employers in gas and oil extraction, oil refining, nuclear and other power generation and process industries, including pharmaceuticals, fine and heavy chemicals and agrochemicals. Other manufacturing industries that need chemical engineers include those supplying:
Many chemical development engineers work for engineering consultancy and contracting firms. There are also opportunities to work in pollution control,
Skills for your CV
In addition to specific technical knowledge, a chemical engineering degree provides a sound theoretical basis for introducing new technology and advancing existing technology. You also gain an awareness of the global and societal context in which engineering solutions are applied.
Transferable skills that would be useful in a range of engineering and business-related roles include:
