Unlocking Great Opportunities in Chemical Engineering Career
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical Engineering Career is that discipline that is concerned with the manufacture of products from raw materials and the chemical processes such as refining, and mixing of compounds. They also have great input in the design of the equipment involved in the total cycle. Their work is not limited to the design and creation of new products, but also expands the improving existing processes and product to achieve a better value. They manage resources in such a sustainable fashion as to protect the environment, and maintain health and safety of people.
This discipline was made public by George Davis in the late 19th century, when he published a comprehensive book that provides a detail description into the theories and practice of Chemical Engineering. This book was a collection of his lecture series at the Manchester School of Technology which is now the University of Manchester. This Handbook of Chemical Engineering is currently regarded as the fundamental text of this chemical engineering course.
In Chemical Engineering career, the principles of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths are applied to proffer solutions in the areas of production of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food and many other products. Chemical Engineers have the capacity of working a wide variety of industries due to the versatile nature of their discipline. A Chemical Engineer can work in a fertilizer company to produce ingredients such Ammonium and Nitrate; Beauty and Skin Care company to produce constituents for body lotion, spray and many others. He/She can also work in the Petroleum Refinery to facilitate the transformation of crude oil to its various finished products.
Requirements for the Study of Chemical Engineering
If you are planning to build a Chemical Engineering Career, you must give enough attention to Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Most of these subjects/courses are interconnected and demand a balance understanding to make a reasonable advancement. After a mandatory secondary or high school level, it is necessary to proceed to the University for a Four or Five year academic program in the department of Chemical Engineering. This is where you will be guided into more understanding of work and demands in the laboratory and large industrial equipment involve in the productive activities. A Master degree is optional, as work experience count more.
Apart for the classroom demands of this discipline, it is also necessary to continuous learning and self-development. A lot of care and self-discipline and courage are among personal traits needed to excel in the profession.
Chemical Engineering Career
According to Career trend portal, the growth trend for this chemical engineering career is expected to grow by 2% in the next ten years, showing a deepening curve in the employment opportunities, when compared with average for all other occupations. This trend is largely dependent on the increase in manufacturing industries and their expansion activities. This growth trend reflects the demand for the services of a chemical engineer and their income prospect.
Chemical Engineers spend more time in the office and laboratories, except for a few who are supervisors in the process sector, who regulate field equipment and monitor their environmental conditions.
Chemical Engineering Salary
The annual earnings of Chemical Engineers depend on their location, industrial sector, and years of experience. In Nigeria, they earn an annual salary of about N1,900,000. In United States per year is about $108,770. Those working the petroleum and coal manufacturing earn the highest ($119,010), while those in the Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing earn the least ($98,160). Those in wholesale trade earn $100,510, while those in engineering services sector earn $112,290. Those in the research and development sector record the second highest in annual salary ($116,250).