Analytical

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and testing
• Consulting
• Environmental
• Forensics

Employers

• Federal, state, and local government
• Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• 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

Information & Strategies

• Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application process.
• Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
• Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
• Take electives in your area of interest.

Biochemical

• Research
• Development
• Analysis and testing
• Consulting
• Quality control
• Medical
• Environmental
• Industrial health and 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 (CDC)
• Colleges and universities

Information & 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.

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

Information & Strategies

• Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
• Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.

Geochemistry

• Environmental remediation
• Research and development
• Analysis and testing

Employers

• Research laboratories and organizations
• Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
• Federal and state government
• Colleges and universities

Information & Strategies

• Take geology and environmental science electives.

Inorganic

• Research
• Analysis and testing
• Quality control
• Consulting

Employers

• Environmental organizations
• Water processing plants
• Natural resources organizations

Information & Strategies

• Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
• Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.

Polymer Chemistry

• Analysis and testing
• Research and development

Employers

• Industries involving textiles and plastics

Information & Strategies

• Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.

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

Information & Strategies

• Take related courses in social sciences and economics.
• Develop strong mathematical background.

Education

• Teaching
• Research
• Administration

Employers

• Private and public secondary schools
• Colleges and universities

Information & Strategies

• Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools.
• Acquire a master's degree for community college teaching and a PhD for colleges and universities.
• Take courses in public speaking.

Business

• Technical sales/Marketing
• Pharmaceutical sales
• Management
• Consulting
• Industrial quality control
• Research and 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

Information & 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.

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

Information & Strategies

• Take advanced technical writing courses.
• Develop word processing and desktop publishing skills.

Law

• Patent Law
• Legislation and lobbying

Employers

• Manufacturing firms
• Research and development firms
• Law firms
• Private practice
• Environmental agencies

Information & Strategies

• Obtain law degree to become an attorney.

Information Specialists,

Technical Libraries

Employers

• Special libraries
• Research organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Large manufacturing firms, especially chemicals and pharmaceuticals

Information & Strategies

• Obtain master's degree in library and information science.
• Develop computer retrieval skills.
• Join Special Libraries Association, Chemistry Division.