How to become a Chemical Engineer

Overview, Courses, Exam, Colleges, Pathways, Salary

Engineering & technology
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Overview

Who is Chemical Engineer ?

Chemical engineers design the processes, systems, and equipment required to produce and utilise chemical substances. They are responsible for designing the procedures, processes, and equipment necessary to manufacture, manipulate, and consume chemicals and their byproducts. In addition, they focus on the chemical, biochemical, and physical processes involved in transforming chemical substances into valuable products.

A chemical engineer`s work is necessary for producing and transporting raw materials into finished goods by applying the principles of chemistry, mathematics, biology and physics. They work on efficiently transforming chemicals for use in a safe, economically feasible, and environmentally friendly manner. They can choose to specialise in developing specific products such as nanomaterials or utilisation of specific processes such as oxidation.

Typical day at work

What does Chemical Engineer do?

  • Research and develop new or improved chemical production processes and equipment
  • Communicate the results of the analysis and research to the management
  • Devise specifications for processes, facilities, and tests
  • Establish safety procedures and standards necessary while handling potentially dangerous chemicals
  • Supervise the work of the technical staff 
  • Continually monitor the performance of the processes
  • Provide recommendations to improve industrial operations while ensuring quality and efficiency is maintained
  • Provide technical support and address any quality and safety issues that arise
  • Provide estimates of production costs to the management

Abilities and Aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Chemical Engineer?

Engineers in the chemical industry should be well-versed in analytical chemistry methods as well as process optimisation technologies, for example. Chemical engineers must have strong leadership abilities and the capacity to operate as a member of a diverse team to succeed. They should be able to write clearly and concisely to provide thorough and accurate technical reports.

Chemical engineers must have excellent communication skills to collaborate successfully with manufacturing professionals and the production team and negotiate technical requirements and budgets with upper management. These individuals will need to be able to problem-solve and think analytically to troubleshoot any safety, performance, or manufacturing process concerns as soon as they arise in order to be effective. They should be aware of the health and safety precautions that must be taken while handling chemicals and the procedures that must be followed in the event of exposure to such chemicals. For these professions, the ability to think creatively and innovatively is essential in order to investigate new materials, production procedures, and unique applications of engineering concepts.

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Pathways

How to become an Chemical Engineer?

Entrance Exam

Entrance Exam for Chemical Engineer ?

In order to enrol into a Bachelor’s program at one of the best chemical engineering colleges, aspirants are expected to clear the JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam which makes the aspirant eligible to apply at any university in India. It is a challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests. 

Courses

Which course I can pursue?



Industries

Which Industries are open for Chemical Engineer?

With a relevant educational background, appealing attributes and preferably the experience gained during an internship, aspirants may apply for the following chemical engineering jobs:

  • Combustion engineers
  • Petroleum engineers
  • smelting engineers 
  • Water treatment engineers
  • Production engineers
  • Biochemical engineers 
  • Process control engineers and 
  • Pharmaceutical engineers.

internship

Are there internships available for Chemical Engineer?

In any given field, along with theoretical knowledge, it is always an added advantage to get an on-ground experience that enhances the aspirant’s understanding of the domain. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to take up an internship, gain exposure to the latest tools, methodologies, practices, and technology, and become fluent with industrial standards. Aspirants may seek internships while studying and even after graduation. Many education boards have made it mandatory to take up at least one internship during the course of their degree program in order better to prepare the candidates for competence in the real world.

Career outlook

What does the future look like for Chemical Engineer?

Chemical engineers have a bright career outlook since their skills are in high demand due to the rise in demand for manufacturing sectors` goods, notably those in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and alternative energy usage. Chemical engineers are required by any firm that converts raw materials to a finished product on a significant scale. They may find work in various industries, including pharmaceutical and medical device production, oil and petroleum, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and electronic device manufacture. Additionally, there are chances to work for organisations that develop and construct chemical process facilities and equipment; however, this may require mechanical engineering experience.

Additionally, they may work for engineering consulting and contracting organisations. They are likely to design and commission a new plant or modify an existing one in these jobs. They are primarily employed in offices and labs and on-site places such as refineries and industrial facilities. The majority of these professionals work full-time. They may be forced to work overtime on weekends or nights to fulfil production objectives or fix manufacturing issues.

The nature of the job allows you to develop a range of abilities and deal with technical, environmental, and commercial difficulties. This enables faster advancement to senior management than is achievable in several other fields. They will first acquire experience via a range of projects, either within the same firm or by transferring companies after obtaining chartership. Following initial training, a variety of professional paths are available.

For instance, you can: Continue assisting with projects to get to the project manager level. Develop expertise in a new technique or process that is in high demand within the industry and move into research and development; transition into specialist roles such as safety and risk management or environmental management; and transition into commercial areas such as technical sales, marketing, supply chain management, personnel, finance, and information technology. Numerous big businesses and consultancies offer positions that require travel or are based abroad. You`ll have the ability to determine the technical leadership and direction of the firm once they reach a senior position. There may be possibilities to serve on the board of directors in certain circumstances.