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Professional Development
Learning is a life-long endeavor. Advances in technology are constantly
changing chemical engineers' tools -- it's been estimated that the half-life
of an engineer's technical skills ranges from three to seven years.
Actively pursuing professional development opportunities in and out of the
work environment can expand your abilities and career options.
 Advancement
You, not your company, are responsible for maximizing your career
advancement opportunities. Take advantage of on-the-job or
cross-department training programs, participate in a mentor program, and
get involved with special projects and task force activities. Volunteer
with a local organization or school, read industry and professional
publications, and participate in professional associations. Always keep
current on the job market and trends.
Mentors
One
of the most effective ways to learn about a profession is to speak with
someone already working in your field of interest. This might include a
chemical engineering faculty member, a family friend or family member who
is employed as a chemical engineer, a chemical engineer employed by a
local company, alumni of your college or university, or a contact made
through a professional society, such as AIChE. Finding a
mentor to talk
with, ask questions of, and network through, can be effectively done as
early as high school. A mentor could:
- tell you about
his/her job responsibilities
- answer
questions about his/her work or industry
- help you find a
summer internship or job opening
- provide input
on your projects
- give you
exposure to the workplace
- introduce you
to other professionals in the field
- make you aware
of resources you may not have access to at school
- guide you in
developing skills and qualities that employees seek
Networking
Networking is the single best way to find a job and is a valuable
professional development tool. Networking is a two-way street that can put
you in touch with possible mentors, employers, summer internship
providers, graduate school professors, and peer professionals; but you
must also be ready, and actively look, to return the favor. Networking is
communicating with the purpose of achieving a career-related goal. It is
not asking for a job. It is asking for advice and suggestions on areas
that may include employment opportunities. Look out for possible contacts
and remember to reciprocate when the time comes.
Licensing
A professional engineer's license is required of all engineering-related
expert witnesses in legal proceedings, faculty members at some state
universities, for advancement to senior engineering positions by some
government agencies and industry employers, and consultants in private
practice. It can also add credibility to a manufacturer's work. Becoming
registered as a professional engineer has advantages, but the process
requires additional tests and takes at least four years. You should
understand the benefits of licensure, and should you decide it is
important, begin working toward it as soon as possible. The Principles and
Practice of Engineering exam can be taken after four years of experience.
The exam tests the engineer's ability to apply his or her education and
experience to the solution of engineering problems.
Success
Defining success and happiness is best left to you. Starting early to
determine what is important, however, will enable you to put yourself into
a successful position. What you do, where you live, who you work with,
your work environment, how much money you make, possibilities to advance,
opportunities to travel -- these are issues to consider seriously. Be
honest with yourself, then work toward putting yourself in a successful
situation.
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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