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Chemistry and Biochemistry

The list below contains a sample of some of the common career paths chosen by chemistry majors. The skills you develop as an undergraduate (i.e., communication, analytical/problem solving, teamwork) may be used in many different occupations. However, most chemistry majors tend to seek work in the science/health fields (some fields may require additional education).

COMMON CAREER PATHS:

Health Fields
Physician
Pharmacist
Optometrist
Nurse
Dentist
Nutritionist
Epidemiologist
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Cardiorespiratory Therapist
Physician Assistant
Nurse Practitioner
Chiropractor
Veterinarian
Medical Technologist
Public Health Specialist

Environmental
Environmental Policy Planner
Hazardous Waste Specialist
Impact Specialist
Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Hydrologist
Toxicologist
Chemical oceanographer
Soil Chemist
Wastewater Treatment Chemist

Government
Research
Science Policy
Regulation

Teaching
High School Teacher
Community College Teacher
Professor

Research/Development/Manufacturing
Analytical Chemists
Organic Chemists
Inorganic Chemists
Physical & Theoretical Chemists
Macromolecular Chemists
Medicinal Chemists
Materials Chemists
Biochemists
Polymer Chemists

Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical
Research Scientist
Clinical Trials Director
Marketing/Sales

Technical Writer

Patent Attorney

SAMPLE EMPLOYERS:

Government
Agriculture Department
NASA
Environmental Protection Agency
National Science Foundation
Manufacturing
Centers for Disease Control
Department of Defense

Forensic Labs
Petroleum Companies
Cosmetic Companies
Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Firms
Textile, Wood, Plastic Manufacturing
Electronic Firms

INFORMATION WEBSITE:

Occupational Outlook Handbook

JOB WEBSITES:

Hire Life Science
Chem Jobs
Chemistry Jobs
Nature Jobs
Organic Chem
Hire Chemists
Science Jobs
The New Scientist
Medzilla
Biospace
BioView

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (includes job opportunities)

These are only a few of the associations for chemists. For a complete listing, go to the UCSC McHenry website, click on “online journals” under Quick Links, type “Associations” in the journal search, and click on Encyclopedia of Associations. Many professional organizations have student memberships for a very reasonable fee ($20-$25 annual membership).

American Chemical Society (job listings for members)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (job listings for members)
Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers
Americana Association for Clinical Chemists
American Institute of Chemists

JOB PREPARATION STRATEGIES

• Develop public speaking skills and writing skills
• Obtain lab and field experience via coursework and internships
• Get involved in a faculty lab or complete an independent research project (Chem 180)
• Develop strong computer skills
• Obtain an internship, summer or volunteer work (see Internship database)
• Learn about federal, state and local government job applications process
• Join a student branch of a professional association