Career questions tagged chemistry
Chemistry plays a significant role in understanding diseases and their remedies. Popular careers for a chemist involve pharmaceutical sales, food and flavor chemist, water quality chemist, and many more. Please read below. Read more Show less
What do I do for my future?
Hello, I am a highschool student currently entering 12th grade and extremely confused and concerned for my future. I live in UAE and I am unsure whether to continue my life here and study here or move to the US and get my degree there. I also have no clue of what I want to major in. I do know I have a strong passion towards chemistry! I enjoy the thought of lab work. I enjoy math but I wouldn't say id base my whole future on math, although my math grades are decent. I used to like biology and I even thought of becoming a doctor but then, I actually got into the biology course and got well.. screwed! I passed but it was a struggle. I still feel like biology is a big part of my interests but it has definitely moved down the chart especially because of that humbling grade and humbling experience which genuinely bummed me out. I did think about pharmacy but I feel like that has too much biology and its too niche (this is my preference) I also thought about being a biomedical scientist but idk don't get me wrong its a great career but I just want to do something which has people in AWE like wow she did that! The pay also matters a lot to me. I also struggle with anxiety and some other sort of stuff I can't seem to figure out which is making everything 10x times harder so id really really appreciate some support :) Thank you.
Would a BSc in Chemistry from an Ivy League be more attractive to employer & PhD programs than a BSc (BSPS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from another good school?
As it stands, I have a few great schools in mind for a BSPS that I think I stand a good chance of getting into (ex. Northeastern University, University of Pittsburg, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor). However, I've hesitated to add any Ivy Leagues to my college list because none of them offer a BSPS in undergrad. Although, for my future of plans of pursuing a PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry (with the ultimate goal of doing R&D for big pharma), a BSc in Chemistry with an organic focus would suit my purposes quite well---and all Ivy Leagues certainly offer that. But from what I know, general STEM degrees like Chemistry do not offer much in the way of high-paying jobs. While I don't plan to work immediately after my undergrad (I would like to enter a PhD program right away), unforeseen circumstances may arise, and I want to be sure my degree qualifies me for a job that could support me in the meantime. All of this to ask: would a BSc in Chem from an Ivy League secure me a well paying job ($60k+), or is it not worth it to apply since that isn't my major of choice? Would it be worth it for other reasons? For context, I don't have any school in mind to apply Early Decision for, but if the Chem degree is worth it, I would do it for an Ivy. Is that a safe decision with all I have in mind?
Is BSPS + Organic Chem PhD a strong profile for Big Pharma Work?
What are the logistics of doing a BSPS followed immediately by a PhD in Organic Chemistry? Would an OrgoChem PhD would be more advantageous than a MedChem PhD towards securing a bench job in big pharma? Is a BSPS a good undergrad degree to support that? I'm inclined towards it in order to leave my options open for other grad school paths, like PharmD ( strongly opposed to the idea of working pharmacy right now, but I may feel differently in 4 years and I want to have it on the table in case). I hear the hands-on experience you acquire in undergrad is more important than the name of your degree when it comes to being accepted in any PhD program. What can a first year do to set themselves up for success in that regard?
How can I start earning money in my first year of college?
I read books in my free time. I follow trends on instagram but don't post it. I am going to start my college in July ending. My major is in Biotechnology and minor in Chemistry.
Which degrees would you recommend for someone who's interested in Chemistry and the Beauty / Luxury Goods Industry (Cosmetics/Pharmaceuticals/Textiles...) ?
I'm applying for Chemical Engineering in uni - I’m choosing this path because I love chemistry and I want a degree that leads to a high earning career, specifically in the beauty and cosmetics industry (like L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, etc.). However, I've been told by current students that the math and physics are really hard, and I'm scared that I will drop out since I'm not the best at these subjects. Also, they claim that there isn't much chem in the degree anyway. I'm mainly choosing ChemE for the salary (as opposed to a regular chem degree), and for it being a 'general' engineering degree which allows for branching out into varying industries. I would like to work in a fun, sensory, and creative environment, collaborating with marketing and design teams, rather than sitting behind a computer doing stressful heavy simulation or structural modeling... Yet I feel like that's incompatible with the salaries I want. So which degree or studies would you recommend for me? Thanks!
How do I do harmless chemistry expiriments at home?
I like to learn more about chemistry and i want to make some at home so just materials and guid lines in how to do them at home.
If I have many options in mind to study,what can I do to choose the best one?
I am in grade 8, some of my options are medicine, bussiness,biology,chemistry,space things ect.
What experiences or skills do I prioritize and how do you suggest developing them during college to become truly valuable in a research lab and contribute to research that has real-world impact?
I will be a college freshman next year, majoring in molecular biology and biochemistry with a minor in chemistry. As a freshman I look forward to working working in a lab and building my research experience. #Spring26
What are some of you best study methods for majoring in Chemistry or Biology? What is your best study method for preparing for the DAT, and when to start preparing?
I'm a college undergraduate, planning to major in Chemistry with an end goal of Orthodontology or something regarding dentistry.
What is the best way to experiment with jobs to find what career best fits you?
I am a chemistry major and am unsure of where to start. There is so many different career options, and shadowing is difficult to find where I am from. #Spring26
What Steps Should I Take to Build a Career in Cosmetic Product Development?
What career paths would best lead me toward working in the beauty industry as a product developer or cosmetic chemist, especially as someone who is currently a cosmetology student with a strong interest in skincare, makeup, and inclusive beauty? I am passionate about creating products that work for diverse skin tones and backgrounds, and I also want to understand how I can combine my hands-on cosmetology experience, leadership roles, and interest in science and culture into a strong college and career path. What steps should I take in high school and college to build experience, stand out in the industry, and eventually work for a beauty brand in places like New York City or with global companies?
Does anyone have advice on pursuing, balancing, and combining double majors in two very different academic spectrums such as Chemistry and Theatre?
I’m very interested in both the arts and science, and wish to pursue both in college. I’m concerned on what this will mean in course load, and future career planning.
How did you gain experience throughout college, clubs; internships; research, in order to have skills and helpful experience for internships and jobs?
I am a first-year in college looking to develop the necessary skills to prepare for internships in the clinical research and pharmaceutical industry. #Spring26
How do you motivate to keep going even when you feel like you can't?
It is so hard to find motivation to do assignments during college especially a major that's very science heavy and requires a lot of writing and research, any tips?
How do I know if the major I have is right for me ?
I am a Marine Science student concentrating in Oceanography with a double minor in Biochem and chem, attending the University of New England. I am a first year and this would be my fourth time switching my majors and minors around. I have always been interested in the ocean, but there is a part of me that is still interested in criminology. My original plan was Marine Science and Political Science, but that didn't work out. So how do I know if I am choosing the right path, if I'm enjoying my classes and helping with oceanography research? #Spring26
Is one C in chem for 3rd grading period and the rest Bs going to affect my chances of getting into a good college. I have all final grade As besides that.
Im a sophomore and took my SAT early got a 1250. Also Im in AP pysch and AP Art History and last year took AP world and got a 4. My gpa weighted is 4.8 and I'm in a varsity sport and I'm also getting my eagle scout award. Am I ok?
What was the most important thing you learned about yourself in college and how did it shape your career choices?
I'm a nontraditional student that's transferring from a 2-year to a 4-year school this fall. I know academics are important but I've also seen a lot of growth in myself. I've learned a lot about how I am as a person and want to learn from others' experiences.
What classes should you be taking in high school or college for STEM related jobs?
I want to know if I meet the requirements
What career involves a love for science, favourite being chemistry, and biology/medicine and lab work?
I am trying to figure out what career path best suits me.
Science classes for chemical engineering?
What classes should I take if I am interested in chemical engineering?
What are the best subjects to take to get involved in laboratory sciences?
I just wrote my IGCSE and I’m considering taking up the 6th form
What real world industries are hiring college graduates with Chemistry or Chemical Engineering degrees in today's economy?
I am a high school senior that has developed an interest in Chemistry. I would like honest opinions from professionals on what the job opportunities truly look like in this field, what industries are hiring graduates and what the day to day job duties entail.
What can I do when whatever I do, I cannot make good enough grades in science?
Since my first semester of college, I've noticed that I am struggling with making good grades in my science based courses. Considering I am a science major, the toll that this has taken on me is grave. I have looked up and tried many study habits and methods and feel like nothing is working for me. It's frustrating putting so much effort into something that you want so bad, that nothing is working. It has gotten to the point where my advisor is asking me to consider another major. Knowing that being in medicine is truly my passion it is disheartening to hear. #Fall2025
What type of engineering major has the most opportunities outside of it specific major in the real world?
I'm still unsure on what engineering major to pursue because all of them sounds genuinely interesting to me. I really enjoy the subject of math, biology, and chemistry. So I'm leaning more towards pursuing a career of biochemical engineering but I'm concerned about the possible negative effects that AI will bring to the industry. I know that I want to do engineering because of the heavy amount of math that's involved. But I also want to know what type of engineering has the most job security and will allow me to pursue the most number of careers. Especially in the time of AI and the possibility of AI replacing humans in engineering positions.
What can I expect to do on a daily basis with a career in genetic engineering?
Such as tasks, types of reports, what you could work on (human, animal, plant genetics), what hours are like, etc.
Should I major in chemistry for my bachelor's degree and then narrow the field of study for postgraduate education?
I am torn between going into a specific major relating to chemistry, like chemical engineering, or just going into a general chemistry major. On the one hand, I would have a little bit of a head start in graduate school, but on the other hand, I would have more flexibility if I realize I do not want to study chemical engineering. #Fall25
What are the best-paying jobs you can get with a chemistry degree straight out of college?
My degree isn't specialized and I'm looking for something hopefully in a laboratory setting that I could do in Utah, but I'm open to anything.
