3 answers
Renee
Student
San Ramon, California
1
Question
Updated
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For an aspiring chemical engineer, what should I aim to complete in my undergraduate years to build the best resume for hiring ?
I will be starting at Rice University as a chemical engineering major! #Spring25
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3 answers
Katie Burell
North American Quality Management Director at ASR Group
62
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Your time at Rice University can do more than help you build a resume; it can also help you figure out how you want to use your degree.
Internships are a good way for you to gain experience in the workforce and determine if the industry/area of focus is a good fit for you. Start researching how your school supports internship programs including the deadlines for applying.
Participate in activities with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and similar organizations. They will often have guest speakers from industry who may talk working in their industry or give general career advice.
Take advantage of the career services your school may offer including but not limited to resume review, interview workshops, and mock interviews. Attend career fairs to learn about what companies are looking for in their candidates.
Internships are a good way for you to gain experience in the workforce and determine if the industry/area of focus is a good fit for you. Start researching how your school supports internship programs including the deadlines for applying.
Participate in activities with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and similar organizations. They will often have guest speakers from industry who may talk working in their industry or give general career advice.
Take advantage of the career services your school may offer including but not limited to resume review, interview workshops, and mock interviews. Attend career fairs to learn about what companies are looking for in their candidates.
Thank you so much!
Renee
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
86
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Get the best grades possible #1
Participate in AIChE events and meet practicing chemical engineers. Ask questions and engage in dialogue.
Participate in AIChE events and meet practicing chemical engineers. Ask questions and engage in dialogue.
Stefan Knaack
Consultant
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Stefan’s Answer
Hi Renee,
I was part of the first graduating class at DVHS! I wanted to share some tips to help you with your chemical engineering career.
Building a Great Resume for Chemical Engineering
To boost your chances of landing a job, focus on doing well in school, gaining hands-on experience, learning technical skills, and developing leadership abilities. Here's how:
1. Do Well in School
Keep Your GPA High: Employers often look at your GPA first. Aim for at least a 3.0, but higher is better.
Choose Tough Electives: Pick courses like process control, materials science, biotechnology, or environmental engineering to expand your knowledge.
Get Involved in Research: Join research projects with professors to show initiative and gain real-world experience.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Do Internships: Try to complete at least one internship in industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, or manufacturing.
Explore Different Roles: Work in various sectors or roles, such as process engineering or quality control, to show your versatility.
3. Learn Technical Skills
Master Software: Learn tools like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, ChemCAD, or AutoCAD.
Get Comfortable in the Lab: Know how to use lab equipment and follow safety protocols.
Keep a Portfolio: Document your lab reports and design projects.
4. Build Leadership and Team Skills
Join Clubs: Get involved with groups like AIChE and take on leadership roles if you can.
Work in Teams: Show your ability to collaborate in class projects and extracurricular activities.
5. Improve Communication
Practice Writing: Take courses that focus on writing or volunteer to write for student publications.
Present Your Work: Participate in poster sessions or conferences to improve public speaking.
6. Get Certifications
Consider Safety Certifications: OSHA certifications are valued in the industry.
Pursue Minors or Certificates: A minor in business or computer science can make you stand out.
7. Network
Attend Career Events: Meet recruiters and professionals at career fairs and conferences.
Find Mentors: Connect with professors or industry professionals for advice.
8. Work on Projects
Choose Important Capstone Topics: Pick projects that match your career goals and solve real problems.
Start Independent Projects: Work on side projects related to your interests, like sustainability.
Sample Resume Highlights
- Completed a process engineering internship, improving reactor yield by 10%.
- Led a team to develop a cost-effective water purification system.
- Proficient in Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and ChemCAD; OSHA 10-hour safety certified.
- Presented research at the AIChE regional conference.
- Treasurer of the campus AIChE chapter, organizing networking events.
Final Tips
Customize your resume for each job, highlighting relevant experiences.
Include numbers to show achievements, like "reduced waste by 15%."
Keep learning about industry trends and new technologies.
If you haven't done so, see what options they have for you to attend on site visits to Lawrence Livermore Labs so you could get some one on one time with professionals in that field that are local. If you or your parents have a LinkedIn account I suggest looking there, as most professionals have their up to date and can find local employees that would be happy to show you around.
Â
I hope this helps, and go Wildcats!
Best,
Stefan
I was part of the first graduating class at DVHS! I wanted to share some tips to help you with your chemical engineering career.
Building a Great Resume for Chemical Engineering
To boost your chances of landing a job, focus on doing well in school, gaining hands-on experience, learning technical skills, and developing leadership abilities. Here's how:
1. Do Well in School
Keep Your GPA High: Employers often look at your GPA first. Aim for at least a 3.0, but higher is better.
Choose Tough Electives: Pick courses like process control, materials science, biotechnology, or environmental engineering to expand your knowledge.
Get Involved in Research: Join research projects with professors to show initiative and gain real-world experience.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Do Internships: Try to complete at least one internship in industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, or manufacturing.
Explore Different Roles: Work in various sectors or roles, such as process engineering or quality control, to show your versatility.
3. Learn Technical Skills
Master Software: Learn tools like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, ChemCAD, or AutoCAD.
Get Comfortable in the Lab: Know how to use lab equipment and follow safety protocols.
Keep a Portfolio: Document your lab reports and design projects.
4. Build Leadership and Team Skills
Join Clubs: Get involved with groups like AIChE and take on leadership roles if you can.
Work in Teams: Show your ability to collaborate in class projects and extracurricular activities.
5. Improve Communication
Practice Writing: Take courses that focus on writing or volunteer to write for student publications.
Present Your Work: Participate in poster sessions or conferences to improve public speaking.
6. Get Certifications
Consider Safety Certifications: OSHA certifications are valued in the industry.
Pursue Minors or Certificates: A minor in business or computer science can make you stand out.
7. Network
Attend Career Events: Meet recruiters and professionals at career fairs and conferences.
Find Mentors: Connect with professors or industry professionals for advice.
8. Work on Projects
Choose Important Capstone Topics: Pick projects that match your career goals and solve real problems.
Start Independent Projects: Work on side projects related to your interests, like sustainability.
Sample Resume Highlights
- Completed a process engineering internship, improving reactor yield by 10%.
- Led a team to develop a cost-effective water purification system.
- Proficient in Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and ChemCAD; OSHA 10-hour safety certified.
- Presented research at the AIChE regional conference.
- Treasurer of the campus AIChE chapter, organizing networking events.
Final Tips
Customize your resume for each job, highlighting relevant experiences.
Include numbers to show achievements, like "reduced waste by 15%."
Keep learning about industry trends and new technologies.
If you haven't done so, see what options they have for you to attend on site visits to Lawrence Livermore Labs so you could get some one on one time with professionals in that field that are local. If you or your parents have a LinkedIn account I suggest looking there, as most professionals have their up to date and can find local employees that would be happy to show you around.
Â
I hope this helps, and go Wildcats!
Best,
Stefan