Chemistry - using your degree
From CareersWiki
Contents |
Introduction
A degree from Scotland's first university is an excellent start to any future career. St Andrews has a reputation for excellence and the ability to attract the brightest students world wide. With this as a starting point you are well on the way to impressing future employers.
| Print friendly leaflet on What can I do with Chemistry |
What do chemists do?
Chemists make medicines that help in the fight against cancer and AIDS; improve the colour and taste of foods; investigate the formulations for cosmetics; measure the alcohol content of drinks; improve the way that new materials are used in, eg, roller blades and mountain bikes; and protect the environment for future generations.
More specifically chemists and chemical scientists work in a vast number of key areas.
Careers in industry
We live in an age of chemistry-based technology, and future demands will require chemical expertise in many areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. There are many different areas you could work in for example; Research and development, Production, Marketing and sales, Management, etc.
Careers in commerce
After the chemical industry, the commercial sector is one of the largest employers of chemistry graduates.
A chemistry degree is a good training for the world of commerce and employers recognise the key skills of numeracy, problem-solving and communication that are an integral part of all chemistry courses. Whether in accountancy or banking, a chemistry degree can open the door to a successful career in the financial world.
Teaching and lecturing
The teaching and lecturing professions have much to offer. They present you with challenges and rewards that few other jobs can offer - including variety and constant intellectual stimulation. You should have an in-depth subject knowledge and be able to use a range of suitable teaching techniques which help your students to learn in a stimulating environment.
Science Journalism
Science journalists have a role to play in acting as intermediaries between science and the public. They have a crucial role in explaining technological innovations and the complex technicalities of the latest discoveries in pure science, whether working in television, radio, newspapers or specialist science magazines.
Careers in law
Patent agents are professionals who have a grounding in science and are trained in specialist areas of law.
The majority of students that qualify as solicitors do so after having studied law at university or college. However, there are opportunities available for non-law graduates and non-graduates to enter the profession.
The Careers Centre can provide information on a comprehensive range of careers including those detailed above. There are specialist advisers for different occupational areas. We offer 20 minute drop-in sessions on a first come, first served basis. Drop-in is available for all students and recent graduates of the University of St Andrews on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Students who are in their penultimate or final year and those studying for a Masters or Phd, can book an appointment with a careers adviser. Booked appointments generally last up to 30 minutes. Visit Careers advice for further details.
Where Our Graduates Go
| Year of Graduation | Organisation/Company | Position | Chemistry Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Inspectorate International Ltd | Chemist | Yes |
| 2011 | Loughborough University | Sustainable Development Officer | Not directly |
| 2011 | British Sugar | Improvements Engineer | Yes |
| 2010 | Aptuit | Analyst | Yes |
| 2010 | Genzyme | Technical Scientist | Yes |
| 2010 | Silberline | Laboratory Technician | Yes |
| 2010 | Charles River | Assistant Scientist | Yes |
| 2009 | Exova | Laboratory Analyst | Yes |
| 2009 | University of Bristol | Postdoctoral Researcher Organic Chemistry | Yes |
| 2009 | University of St Andrews | Research Fellow | Yes |
| 2009 | Northumbrian Water (Scientific Services) | Microbiology Analyst | Yes |
| 2009 | Allied Tech Centre | Scientific Advisor | Yes |
| 2009 | Microfisk | Research Assistant | Yes |
| 2009 | KPMG | Chartered Accountant | Not directly |
| 2006(CAN) | ICIQ Spain | Postdoctoral Research | Yes |
| 2005(CAN) | Unilever | Ice Cream Technologist | Yes |
| 1998 (CAN) | Met Office | Forecaster | Yes |
| 1998 (CAN) | Manchester Royal Infirmary | Specialist Registrar | Yes |
| 1995 (CAN) | The Clorox Company , USA | Procurement Director | Yes |
| 1999 (CAN) | RGB Research , London | Development Manager | Yes |
| 1993 (CAN) | SynOil Fluids, Canada | Vice President of Research | Yes |
| 1990 (CAN) | Keeble Hawson | Senior Solicitor | Not directly |
Careers Alumni Network (CAN) indicates these alumni are willing and keen to be contacted to help St Andrews students with their careers search.
Where Our Postgraduates Go
| Year of Graduation | Organisation/Company | Position | Chemistry Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science | JSPS Fellow | Yes |
| 2010 | Jaguar-Landrover | Hybrid Battery Subject Matter Expert | Yes |
| 2010 | Royal Society of Chemistry | Publishing Editor | Yes |
| 2010 | Medical Research Council | Career Development Fellow | Yes |
| 2009 | Ministry of National Education | Teacher | Yes |
| 2009 | University of St Andrews School of Chemistry | Post Doctoral Fellow | Yes |
| 2009 | IPEN - Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas E Nuclea | Post Doctoral Researcher | Yes |
| 2009 | Renishaw Diagnostics | Graduate Chemist | Yes |
| 2009 | Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research | Post Doctoral Researcher | Yes |
Popular Jobs for Chemistry Graduates Nationally
In 2010, six months after graduation, around 43% of chemistry graduates were in paid employment in the UK or overseas. Of these, 17.9% entered scientific research, analysis and development roles. Visit Prospects for a breakdown of the types of work chemistry graduates went into.
Summer Internships & Work Experience
It can be very valuable to gain experience of work in various areas, but particularly in those areas that you are considering as a future career.
- The University Careers Centre has information on vacation jobs and internships in the US
- If you'd like to stay in St Andrews over the summer, you might want to apply for the St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme.
- Remember to network with students in more senior years, tutors, family and friends they may have suggestions and contacts.
- The Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (URIP) was launched in 2008 by the University of St Andrews. Under the URIP scheme, the University funds 20 undergraduates to carry out research over ten weeks during the summer vacation. The students work on independent projects under the guidance and supervision of a member of academic staff. Look out on the website for application forms which normally have to be returned by the end of April.
- Several penultimate year students have been successful in getting a paid summer internship with the Saltire Foundation. These are global experiences in USA, Japan, Cayman Islands and others.
- Summer Research Schools are also funded by organisations such as Nuffield, IAESTE and Carnegie.
- RSC - industrial placements database for chemistry students.
- If you are interested in teaching or other work with children the University runs schemes in partnerships with local education authorities which give students access to school pupils. To find out more contact the staff involved by e-mail, schools.access@st-andrews.ac.uk .More Schools are offering the UK Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme, which requires students to spend up to 25 hours working within a Primary or Secondary school or Science centre. The module is assessed and contributes towards the final degree outcome.
- Joining a society and/or a professional body, particularly if you take on a role of responsibility, can impress future employers and also enhance employability skills such as - team working, negotiation, event management, controlling budgets, leadership etc. Have a look at the case study from a student who made the most of his time at St Andrews through involvement in societies. At St Andrews you have a wealth of societies to choose from. Here are a few relevant examples:
Chemsoc - run by current UG and PG students]
The table below aims to give some examples of the experiences of Chemistry students.
| Organisation/Company | Position (click on link for description) |
|---|---|
| National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia | Intern in the Dept of Environmental Sciences & Engineering case study |
| CNRS Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory | Summer Research Placement case study |
Employability Profile
Over the course of your degree you develop a good mix of subject specific and transferable core skills (communication, team work, time management, presentation etc). Consider these alongside your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.
Skills
The profile below identifies the skills that can be developed through the study of your discipline based on subject benchmark statements developed by UK higher education academic communities.
This table is able to help you to identify the valuable skills that you can offer to potential employers.
| A graduate in Chemistry typically will have the ability to: |
|---|
| demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Chemistry |
| apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature |
| recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution |
| evaluate, interpret and synthesise chemical information and data |
| recognise and implement good measurement science and practice |
| present scientific material and arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences |
| apply computational and data-processing skills relating to chemistry |
| handle chemical materials safely, taking into account their physical and chemical properties, including any specific hazards associated with their use |
| conduct standard laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work, in relation to both inorganic and organic systems |
| monitor and systematically record, chemical properties, events or changes |
| plan, design and execute practical investigations, from the problem-recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings; this to include the ability to
select appropriate techniques and procedures |
| operate standard chemical instrumentation such as that used for structural investigations and separation |
| interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements. |
Chemistry Careers/Employability Link
Each School has a Careers/Employability Link who "champions" employability. Yours is Dr Finlay Morrison . If you have any information you consider important for your fellow students please let him know. Alternatively you can complete a "profile" which enables you to share your experiences with other students.
Links to Useful Resources
- Destination Statistics of St Andrews graduates
- The Higher Education Academy - Using your Chemistry degree to get a job (click on Employability Guide - Chemistry)
- Prospects contacts and resources for Chemists
- intute internet resources for Chemistry - useful websites for students, lecturers and researchers in Chemistry
- Interconnect Interconnect is the network for women studying science, engineering, technology and the built environment in Scotland. Connect with other students, qualified women and employers to start your career before you finish your studies.
Recruitment
- SRG Recruitment Consultancy recruit into the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and general science based sectors. Your can contact Gavin Gallimore 0141 353 9494 directly.
- Employers of Chemists - list compiled by Kent University
- Careers, Jobs and Employment websites - compiled by Liverpool University
Postgraduate/Research
- Careers In Biomedical Research
- Research Gate research jobs
Professional Bodies and Associations
- Royal Society of Chemistry - this site gives information on employment and further study opportunities available to chemistry graduates
