3 answers
Katelynn
Student
Carlyle, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best companies to get chemical engineering internships with?
I'm currently a freshman in college, so this isn't a massive concern for me right now, but the job I work in the summer pays more than most internships, and I can't afford the pay cut.#
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3 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Dear Katelynn,
Your decision to persue university education is a great move.
An internship in chemical engineering gives you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications & develop your skills in a professional setup.
In this role, you will have a chance to: a) assist in the design and development of chemical processes & solutions. b) conduct experiments & analyze data in order to optimize process efficiency. c) gain exposure to industry standard tools & software used in chemical engineering. d) partner with cross-functional teams that support product development & improvement. e) learn about safety regulations & industry best practices.
Through hands-on learning experiences, global exposure, networking & professional development, interns get involved in shaping the future. Therefore, you get the chance to work alongside technical experts, lead initiatives that refine your technical skills, have prestigious mentorship & growth opportunities that enrich your career.
Regarding your current summer job, you need to weigh the partial pay cut from your summer job against the additional pay that accrues when you get substantive placement as a qualified chemical engineer. There is a very good chance that your loss of income in the short run will be more than offset by the growth of your income in the long run.
Your decision to persue university education is a great move.
An internship in chemical engineering gives you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications & develop your skills in a professional setup.
In this role, you will have a chance to: a) assist in the design and development of chemical processes & solutions. b) conduct experiments & analyze data in order to optimize process efficiency. c) gain exposure to industry standard tools & software used in chemical engineering. d) partner with cross-functional teams that support product development & improvement. e) learn about safety regulations & industry best practices.
Through hands-on learning experiences, global exposure, networking & professional development, interns get involved in shaping the future. Therefore, you get the chance to work alongside technical experts, lead initiatives that refine your technical skills, have prestigious mentorship & growth opportunities that enrich your career.
Regarding your current summer job, you need to weigh the partial pay cut from your summer job against the additional pay that accrues when you get substantive placement as a qualified chemical engineer. There is a very good chance that your loss of income in the short run will be more than offset by the growth of your income in the long run.
Andisheh Karambakhsh
8
Answers
Qazvin, Qazvin Province, Iran
Updated
Andisheh’s Answer
Hi Katelynn,
Great question! Here’s a quick guide to help you balance gaining experience and maintaining income:
1. Top Companies for Internships
Consider applying to companies like ExxonMobil, Dow, Chevron, Shell, or 3M. These firms offer valuable experience, though pay may vary.
2. Addressing Pay Concerns
- Co-op Programs: Paid, long-term work opportunities that alternate with school semesters.
- Summer Research: Look into NSF REU programs or university research assistant roles, often with stipends.
- Online Learning: Use free resources like Coursera, edX, or AIChE webinars to build skills if you stick with your current job.
3. Build Your Profile
Join AIChE, participate in competitions, or work on personal projects (e.g., process simulations). Networking and skill-building can compensate for not taking an internship every summer.
Internships are investments in your future—try to dedicate at least one summer to gain direct industry experience. Best of luck!
Great question! Here’s a quick guide to help you balance gaining experience and maintaining income:
1. Top Companies for Internships
Consider applying to companies like ExxonMobil, Dow, Chevron, Shell, or 3M. These firms offer valuable experience, though pay may vary.
2. Addressing Pay Concerns
- Co-op Programs: Paid, long-term work opportunities that alternate with school semesters.
- Summer Research: Look into NSF REU programs or university research assistant roles, often with stipends.
- Online Learning: Use free resources like Coursera, edX, or AIChE webinars to build skills if you stick with your current job.
3. Build Your Profile
Join AIChE, participate in competitions, or work on personal projects (e.g., process simulations). Networking and skill-building can compensate for not taking an internship every summer.
Internships are investments in your future—try to dedicate at least one summer to gain direct industry experience. Best of luck!
Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
86
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Robert’s Answer
If you really can't afford a pay cut you will have to restrict your consideration to an internship that pays well, but examine that imperative closely. There are lots of different things you can prioritize when choosing an internship, but I don't recommend putting how well it pays at the top of that list. Consider the prospect of working for the company after graduation, the experience you will get, how well the internship is run (and so how much help they give you with housing, how much mentoring, etc.), and what kind of connections you might make. These could well offset getting paid a bit less. There are good reasons students flock to internships even though they could earn more money with other work!