Why Study Chemical Engineering? #INWED17

It's International Women in Engineering Day!

I'm a Chemical Engineer; I've worked for four years now since graduating in 2013 in the Oil and Gas industry in Aberdeen. In my experience, there are more female engineers than you think, and the number is growing every year.

What is Chemical Engineering?

Let's ask the Institution of Chemical Engineers:

Chemical engineering is all about change - chemical and biochemical engineers create and develop processes to make useful products from raw materials, in a cost effective and safe manner. Chemical engineers are trained to apply fundamental engineering principles, maximise economic returns and reduce environmental impact. Chemical engineers need to work as part of a team and develop good communication skills. Strong problem solving and analytical skills are also a bonus. The choice of work available is exceptionally wide. Chemical engineers work in large international companies, as well as smaller companies; in sectors as wide ranging as chemicals, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, biotechnology and water. They are also highly sought after in business and finance.Chemical engineers take chemists’ laboratory discoveries and figure out how to use them to make a useful product safely and cost-effectively on a large scale. For example chemists might develop a new drug, but the chemical engineer is responsible for designing a process to make millions of tablets of this drug which all contain exactly the right amount of drug, so that it is safe. They must also do this in the most cost-effective way to avoid waste and help their company make a profit.

'Fundamental engineering principles'? 'Maximise economic returns'? It all sounds a bit heavy. But remember - you don't learn these things overnight.

The main thing to consider - do you enjoy science and maths at school? Yes? Then let's get cracking. 

Why study Chemical Engineering?

1. It's not all about spanners and hard hats. I have worked as a Chemical Engineer for four years in the Oil and Gas industry, and my work is office-based. I've done my fair share of site visits, but the reality is that working as a Chemical Engineer is about analysis, design, and team-work. I've not used a single spanner, and I definitely don't know how to fix my car. As this blog is proof of, you can be 'girly' and be an engineer if you want to, or get those coveralls on and get out on the plant, your choice.

2. You can go into a range of careers. Think about the type of career you would like, and then consider that chances are engineering is a route into it! With an engineering degree you can wear a suit in an office or coveralls on a processing plant, it’s up to you. You can become a technical specialist, or go into management and lead a team of people, all doors are open. Even if at the end of your degree you decide engineering isn’t for you, many graduates move into other industries such as finance, project management etc as the problem solving skills you develop at University are sought after.

3. It's well paid - high graduate starting salaries and high earning potential. Chemical Engineers are good candidates to reach managerial positions quickly.

4. You can travel the world. Large engineering companies have a presence in many countries globally, and becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer is your passport to working in countries where your skills are in demand. 

5. Why not? Give me one good reason why you shouldn't, if you have an interest in science, maths and problem solving. Being a girl isn't a good excuse I'm afraid.

Get in touch with any questions through Twitter, Instagram, Email or comment on this post. Ask me anything!

For more info check out International Women in Engineering Day, and Why Not Chem Eng?, or follow #INWED17 on Twitter.