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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.
ANALYTICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Consulting
Environmental
Forensics
EMPLOYERS
Federal, state, and local government
Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass,
paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
Industrial production and inspection agencies
Research laboratories and organizations
Environmental protection organizations
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application
processes.
Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
Take electives in your area of interest.
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BIOCHEMICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Consulting
Quality Control
Medical
Environmental
Industrial Health & Safety
Hospital Administration
EMPLOYERS
Research laboratories and organizations
Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
Biotechnology firms
Plant and animal breeders and growers
Food processors
Industrial production and inspection agencies
Environmental protection organizations
Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics,
cytology, and physiology. Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
Get involved with undergraduate research with professors. Join related professional
organizations. Complete a related internship with an organization in the area
of your interest.
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ORGANIC
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
EMPLOYERS
Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and
food
Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
Research organizations
Federal and state government
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer
jobs. Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
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GEOCHEMISTRY
Environmental Remediation
Research & Development
Analysis & Testing
EMPLOYERS
Research laboratories and organizations
Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
Federal and state government
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Take geology & environmental science electives.
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INORGANIC
Research
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
EMPLOYERS
Environmental organizations
Water processing plants
Natural resources organizations
STRATEGIES
Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area. Develop additional laboratory
skills and experience.
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POLYMER CHEMISTRY
Analysis & Testing
Research & Development EMPLOYERS
Industries involving textiles and plastics
STRATEGIES
Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer
jobs.
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PHYSICAL
Research
Development
Analysis and Testing
Quality Control
Consulting
EMPLOYERS
Research laboratories and organizations
Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
Federal government
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Develop strong mathematical
background.
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EDUCATION
Teaching
Research
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Private and public secondary schools
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master's
degree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
Take courses in public speaking
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BUSINESS
Technical Sales/Marketing
Pharmaceutical Sales
Management
Consulting
Industrial Quality Control
Research & Development
EMPLOYERS
Manufacturing firms
Drug stores
Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging,
machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
Agricultural product companies
Environmental management organizations
Waste management firms
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STRATEGIES
Obtain a minor in business. Develop strong verbal and written communication,
interpersonal, and organizational skills. Hold leadership positions in campus
organizations. Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing
Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society
of America, etc.
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TECHNICAL WRITING
Writing
Editing
EMPLOYERS
Research product development departments and organizations
Publishing firms including books, scientific and research journals, technical
press, large newspapers, and wire services
Internet sites
STRATEGIES
Take advanced technical writing courses. Develop word processing and desktop
publishing skills.
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LAW
Patent Law
Legislation and Lobbying EMPLOYERS
Manufacturing firms
Research and development firms
Law firms
Private practice
Environmental agencies
STRATEGIES
Obtain law degree to become an attorney.
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INFORMATION SPECIALISTS/TECHNICAL LIBRARIES
EMPLOYERS
Special libraries
Research organizations
Colleges and universities
Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals
STRATEGIES
Obtain master's degree in library and information science. Develop computer
retrieval skills. Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.
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