 It would take too long to
list all the products that are impacted by chemical engineers, but knowing
what industries employ them may help you comprehend the scope of their
work. Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals,
healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food
processing, specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, and
environmental health and safety industries, among others.
 Within these
industries, chemical engineers rely on their knowledge of mathematics and
science, particularly chemistry, to overcome technical problems safely and
economically. And, of course, they draw upon and apply their engineering
knowledge to solve any technical challenges they encounter. Don't make the
mistake of thinking that chemical engineers only make things, though.
Their expertise is also applied in the area of law, education, publishing,
finance, and medicine, as well as many other fields that require technical
training.
 Specifically,
chemical engineers improve food processing techniques, and methods of
producing fertilizers, to increase the quantity and quality of available
food. They also construct the synthetic fibers that make our clothes more
comfortable and water resistant; they develop methods to mass-produce
drugs, making them more affordable; and they create safer, more efficient
methods of refining petroleum products, making energy and chemical sources
more productive and cost effective.
 They also develop solutions to
environmental problems, such as pollution control and remediation. And
yes, they process chemicals, which are used to make or improve just about
everything you see around you.
Chemical engineers face many of the same challenges that other
professionals face, and they meet these challenges by applying their
technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills, the most
up-to-date practices available, and hard work. Benefits include financial
reward, recognition within industry and society, and the gratification
that comes from working with the processes of nature to meet the needs of
society.
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Chemical Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Downloads |
Profiles of
Chemical Engineers:
Video and PDF Profiles |
PDF on each profile
page |
Overview:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering |
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Preparation:
Undergraduate Courses, Electives, Computer Literacy,
Coops/Internships, Graduate School |
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Day in the Life:
What to expect; typical job functions |
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Earnings:
Salaries and salary data |
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Employment:
Geographic concentrations, international experience |
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Industries:
Industries employing chemical engineers |
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Professional Development:
Advancement, Mentors, Networking, Licensing |
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Career Path Forecast:
Predictions |
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Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
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Podcast:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering |
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Internet Resources:
 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
AIChE
Student Chapters
Canadian
Society for Chemical EngineeringEuropean
Federation of Chemical Engineering
Institution
of Chemical Engineers |
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Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
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