I'm a junior in high school, and I have started to think about what I should become in the future. Also, I'm starting to look into different colleges and majors. First of all, I want to say that I LOVE chemistry. period. I can't really point out which part of it I like, but I like it better than biology and physics. I am so confused on what major I would like to do at college. I was considering Pharmacy, but it seemed like Chemical Engineering would be so much more fun. I know that both will lead to high-salary careers, which is somewhat important to me. I know money should not be a key deciding factor, but I might as well choose a chemistry-major that leads to high-salary careers. Which major/career would be more fun and has more room for advancement? Are there other majors/careers I should consider? Also, is the workload for Chemical Engineering as bad as other people on this site have said to be?
2006-12-27 17:02:10 · 5 answers · asked by feelthebass10 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Thoughts from a chemistry grad student..
I considered both chemical engineering and pharmacy when I was about your age, and after wasting of lot of time in bio classes, I realized it wasn't right for me and that physics, which is loaded with fun just like chem, involved too much math to explain the simple things. Chemistry allowed me a chance to balance my math with abstract thinking (go organic chem!). Ironically, depending on the area of chemistry you go into, you may never have to work with chemicals (pure math/physics, almost) OR you may go in to an area where taking a swig of methylene chloride may be part of your daily routine. It's a great major where you can mix whatever other science you want in and specialize (personalize I guess) in a certain area. Hell, you could probably make your own specialty if you were technical enough with your studies. But ultimately, as already recommended talk to others about what your goals are and pay close attention to your level of enjoyment with what you do; you may have to take a couple courses to find out your interests. And I would highly recommend not getting discouraged. A chem. major is not easy, but for me the effort I put out is well worth the happiness I have from doing what I do. I wouldn't focus on money; I know some pretty intelligent chemists who make very very little and I know some dingbats who make a generous amount. The money you make will be based on your skills ( usually, unless you're a smooth talker then you'll make more than you deserve), not just a large company saying, "Oh, you're a chemist. Let's dump 80K a year on you!" You'll make the big bucks when you prove yourself; if money's your goal then you'd better be willing to sacrifice yourself for it, otherwise just be a car salesman, they make good money quick I hear. Good luck in your studies!
2006-12-27 18:56:17 · answer #1 · answered by That Guy! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a chem engineering degree, be ready to do a lot of math and spend a lot of time in the labs. Chem engineering involves a considerable amount of understanding of the physical properties of matter so you will need some physics along with calculus and differential equations. If you are clever at solving math problems and have a good understanding of chemistry, you should consider a degree in chem eng. If you prefer understanding the mechanisms of how medicines and drugs affect treatment and the cure of disorders in people then pharmacy or MD would be other uses of chemistry. Be sure to take as much math and physics in HS as you can. If your school has AP courses then take those to help prep you for college. Start thinking about what university or college you would like to attend and write for a catalog of the courses. Each course will have a brief description along with the courses you should have before taking it (prereqs). Last piece of advice, talk to a Chem engineer and a pharmacist to gain a more practical view of the degree.
2006-12-27 17:15:19 · answer #2 · answered by docrider28 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I haven't started college yet but here is a quick glance at what I have considered in the last 6 moths (there is a list and I'm not putting them all up here :P ) Primary teacher, secondary teacher, university proffessor, writer, biochemist, pharmacist, geneticist, physicist, mechanical engineer, mechatronic engineer, biomedical engineer, areospace engineer, astrophysicist, ancient hostorian, doctor, paramedic, scientist, architect...and the list goes on. I have always had this problem. In senior classes I couldn't decide what I wanted to do, so I just did as many classes as I could in different things. It didn't help. I have 1 week to sign up for university...and I STILL don't know. Ahhhhh! *sigh* Do a course that you are interested in, do not think about careers for now. If you have a degree, then something will come. If you aren't interested, you won't complete the course. This is the best advice I can give you. Good luck :)
2016-03-28 21:54:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may not answer your ? but its my 2nd year in college and i started as a bio major but now its chemistry-yes,you should know what it is you want to do at the end of the day but when you get there the teachers inspire and persuade you its crazy. I wanted to be a OB/GYN when i was in high school but last summer i did research in chemistry and it was amazing...you need to get your "feet wet" with all your options and see what you what you like the most!
2006-12-27 17:09:11 · answer #4 · answered by lissy 7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im a junior in high school
im taking Ap chem.. its a lil.. biiitCH but...
i know it will pay off later
im into the pre-pharmaceutical studies
pharmacy basically
chemical engineering will be hard
i think they gonna b just as fun tho
but if u need any more info : im on the same track as you are
aim: pimpette joker21
2006-12-27 17:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by chanti 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋