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What career paths are there for a chemistry major?

I am an incoming freshman at Northwestern University. I have taken Organic Chemistry I and II and Purdue already, and am looking to continue in the field.

college-major career-paths chemistry
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Robert’s Answer

Just to reinforce what others have said: there are so many, and you can make up your own as well. I started out teaching chemistry, then got into writing chemistry textbooks, and now fix scientific instruments and invent stuff. Friends do everything from measuring the THC content in pot or the nitrogen content in sewer effluent to coming up with names for new drugs and calculating how well a potential drug might work or actually coming up with ways to synthesize promising chemicals (in a lab, or in bulk...but the latter is chemical engineering).
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annette’s Answer

I have Chemistry degree: I started working in agricultural labs, pharmaceutical, medical diagnostic, paper chromatography manufacturing company checking clients for cholesterol and HIV, there are many positions out there you can work. you will find out which job with Chemistry degree you will enjoy. I end up getting project management and worked cooling rack for computers in the IT company which i enjoyed because you will get involved how to use water and filters to cool data center. I hope this little note will help you.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Jonathan,

Chemistry is such a broad field, you don't know yet where it might take you. Maybe you'll work in a lab, but maybe you'll be a computational chemist and work on a computer. You might end up in environmental chemistry and analyze soil and air samples. You might end up in toxicology and help solve crimes. You might end up in cosmetic chemistry and launch your own skincare line. You might end up a materials chemist and develop new materials that can replace plastics and help save the environment. You might end up in pharmaceutical chemistry and develop new cures for diseases. You might use your degree in chemical sales or become a product manager for analytical equipment. You might go into scientific communications and write about the newest discoveries. There is no end to the opportunities. It's all about finding you niche. I left some links for you below.

I hope this helps! All the best to you!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences.html
https://research.com/careers/chemistry-careers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/careers-in-chemistry
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Brian’s Answer

Chemistry provides a strong base for various careers. I have used my chemistry degree to excel in important business roles by applying the analytical skills I gained from studying reactions and doing experiments. Chemistry teaches you to see the big picture of a process while also understanding the details. This way of thinking is valuable in many top business jobs.
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