CHEMISTRY …

                                        CHEMISTRY
                               What can I do with this degree?
                 AREAS                        EMPLOYERS                                            STRATEGIES

ANALYTICAL
  Research                     Federal, state, and local government                Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local
  Development                  Federal agencies including National Aeronautics       government job application processes.
  Analysis and Testing            and Space Administration                         Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
  Consulting                   Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum,   Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific
  Environmental                   food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging,        equipment.
  Forensics                       machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and           Take electives in your area of interest.
                                  chemical industries
                               Industrial production and inspection agencies
                               Research laboratories and organizations
                               Environmental protection organizations
                               Colleges and universities

BIOCHEMICAL
  Research                     Research laboratories and organizations             Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry,
  Development                  Pharmaceutical and medical research firms              molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and
  Analysis and Testing         Biotechnology firms                                    physiology.
  Consulting                   Plant and animal breeders and growers               Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
  Quality Control              Food processors                                     Get involved with undergraduate research with
  Medical                      Industrial production and inspection agencies          professors.
  Environmental                Environmental protection organizations              Join related professional organizations.
  Industrial Health & Safety   Federal, state and local government, such as the    Complete a related internship with an organization in
  Hospital Administration         Centers for Disease Control                         the area of your interest.
                               Colleges and universities

ORGANIC
  Research                     Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood         Gain additional laboratory and research experience
  Development                     products, plastics, textiles, and food             through internships and summer jobs.
  Analysis and Testing         Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic        Get involved with undergraduate research with
  Quality Control                 materials and new production processes             professors.
  Consulting                   Research organizations
                               Federal and state government
                               Colleges and universities
(Chemistry, Page 2)

                   AREAS                       EMPLOYERS                                                STRATEGIES

GEOCHEMISTRY
  Environmental Remediation    Research laboratories and organizations                    Take geology & environmental science
  Research & Development       Industries involved in mining, electronics, and               electives.
  Analysis & Testing              synthetic materials
                               Federal and state government
                               Colleges and universities
INORGANIC
  Research                     Environmental organizations                               Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an
  Analysis and Testing         Water processing plants                                     area.
  Quality Control              Natural resources organizations                           Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
  Consulting


POLYMER CHEMISTRY
  Analysis & Testing           Industries involving textiles and plastics                Gain research experience through internships,
  Research & Development                                                                   part-time employment, and summer jobs.

PHYSICAL
  Research                     Research laboratories and organizations                   Take related courses in social sciences and
  Development                  Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or     economics.
  Analysis and Testing            light energy                                           Develop strong mathematical background.
  Quality Control              Federal government
  Consulting                   Colleges and universities

EDUCATION                                                                                Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public
  Teaching                     Private and public secondary schools                        schools.
  Research                     Colleges and universities                                 Acquire a master's degree for community college
  Administration                                                                           teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and
                                                                                           universities.
                                                                                         Take courses in public speaking.
BUSINESS
  Technical Sales/Marketing    Manufacturing firms                                       Obtain a minor in business.
  Pharmaceutical Sales         Drug stores                                               Develop strong verbal and written communication,
  Management                   Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies                      interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  Consulting                   Industries including textiles, petroleum, food,           Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
  Industrial Quality Control      electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery,       Join related student organizations, e.g., American
  Research & Development          cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.                   Marketing Association, Financial Management
                               Agricultural product companies                               Association, Public Relations Student Society of
                               Environmental management organizations                       America, etc.
                               Waste management firms
(Chemistry, Page 3)

                     AREAS                                                       EMPLOYERS                                                        STRATEGIES
TECHNICAL WRITING
Writing                                                     Research product development departments and                       Take advanced technical writing courses.
Editing                                                         organizations                                                  Develop word processing and desktop publishing
                                                            Publishing firms including books, scientific and                     skills.
                                                                research journals, technical press, large
                                                                newspapers, and wire services
                                                            Internet sites

LAW
Patent Law                                                 Manufacturing firms                                                 Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
Legislation and Lobbying                                   Research and development firms
                                                           Law firms
                                                           Private practice
                                                           Environmental agencies
 INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/TECHNICAL
 LIBRARIES                                                  Special libraries                                                  Obtain master's degree in library and information
                                                            Research organizations                                                science.
                                                            Colleges and universities                                          Develop computer retrieval skills.
                                                            Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals                    Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry
                                                               and pharmaceuticals                                                Division.

GENERAL INFORMATION
· Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service
        representative.
·   Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
·   Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
·   Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
·   Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Postdoctoral experience is preferred for
        research positions in industry, universities, and government.
·   Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
·   Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
·   Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
·   Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
·   Complete an undergraduate research project.
·   Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
·   Join related student professional organizations.

                             Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.   (1995, Revised 2000, 2005)
                                                           UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer