 It
would take too long to list all the products that are impacted by
chemical engineers, but knowing what industries employ them may help you
comprehend the scope of their work. Chemical engineers work in
manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction,
pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals,
polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries,
among others. Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on
their knowledge of mathematics and science, particularly chemistry, to
overcome technical problems safely and economically. And, of course,
they draw upon and apply their engineering knowledge to solve any
technical challenges they encounter.
 Don't make the
mistake of thinking that chemical engineers only make things, though.
Their expertise is also applied in the area of law, education, publishing,
finance, and medicine, as well as many other fields that require technical
training.
 Specifically,
chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems
involving the production or use of chemicals and other products.
They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical
manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and
treating byproducts, and supervise production.
Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing
industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those
producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. In
addition, they work in healthcare, biotechnology, and business
services. Chemical engineers apply principles of physics,
mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as
chemistry. Some may specialize in a particular chemical process,
such as oxidation or polymerization. Others specialize in a
particular field, such as nanomaterials, or in the development of
specific products. They must be aware of all aspects of chemical
manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the
environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
Chemical engineers face many of the same challenges that other
professionals face, and they meet these challenges by applying their
technical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills, the most
up-to-date practices available, and hard work. Benefits include financial
reward, recognition within industry and society, and the gratification
that comes from working with the processes of nature to meet the needs of
society.
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Chemical Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Profiles of
Chemical Engineers:
Interviews of Professionals |
Overview:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering |
Preparation:
Undergraduate Courses, Electives, Computer Literacy,
Coops/Internships, Graduate School |
Day in the Life:
What to expect; typical job functions |
Earnings:
Salaries and salary data |
Employment:
Geographic concentrations, international experience |
Industries:
Industries employing chemical engineers |
Professional Development:
Advancement, Mentors, Networking, Licensing |
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions |
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
Podcast:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering |
Internet Resources:
 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
AIChE
Student Chapters
Canadian
Society for Chemical EngineeringEuropean
Federation of Chemical Engineering
Institution
of Chemical Engineers |
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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