Did you ever imagine that your chemistry degree could prepare you for a tech career? While most people don’t immediately think of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields when they think of a career in chemistry, many options are available outside the lab.
It won’t be true if anyone says that chemistry majors are not cut out for tech careers. In fact, there is a wide variety of jobs available for them in the industry, and they can be really successful and enjoy a good salary too. Some of the best careers for chemistry majors are programming, data science, chemical engineering, and research.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best tech careers for chemistry majors and explore why you might want to consider them for your next career move.
1. Programming is a great career path for chemistry majors.
Programming requires strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the logic and structure of computer systems, which are skills that chemistry majors learn in school. Additionally, many programming jobs require knowledge of specific scientific or engineering fields, which can be a great fit for chemistry majors interested in these fields. As a matter of fact, careers for chemistry majors in programming can be found at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. For instance, Google recruits chemistry majors into their software engineering program and offers them specialized training to help them transition into the tech industry. Simultaneously, Amazon recruits chemistry majors for their software developer positions, and Microsoft has several job openings for chemistry graduates in the field of computer science. The salary for these positions is competitive, with the average annual salary for a software developer starting at around $100,000.
2. Data science is another great career path for chemistry majors.
Like programming, data science also requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to sift through large amounts of data and understand patterns and relationships. Chemistry majors are already experts at these skills, as they spend years studying the relationships between different chemical compounds and elements. Additionally, many chemistry majors also take courses in statistics or mathematics, which are key skills for a data scientist. More importantly, jobs in data science can be found at various companies, including startups, financial institutions, and government agencies. For example, IBM has a 14-week training program for chemistry majors who want to learn data science skills, and there are many job openings at other companies like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The most important thing is that data science can provide chemistry majors with a high salary and an excellent work-life balance. A ballpark figure for the salary range for a data scientist is about $100,000 to $150,000 per year.
3. Chemical engineering is another excellent option for chemistry majors.
Chemical engineering encompasses various fields and applications, from designing new pharmaceutical drugs to developing greener manufacturing processes. To succeed in this field, you need to deeply understand chemistry and the engineering principles used in chemical production. This makes it an ideal career path for chemistry majors with the skills to succeed. However, suppose you don’t have a background in engineering. In that case, getting into this field through specialized training programs is still possible. For example, the National Graphene Institute in the UK offers a specialized master’s degree in nanotechnology for chemistry graduates interested in chemical engineering. Luckily, many such programs are available worldwide, and with a bit of research, you can find one that fits your needs. The salary for chemical engineers varies depending on the type of engineering work, but it can be as high as $150,000 per year.
4. Research is another great option for chemistry majors.
The next best career path for chemistry majors is research. While many people think of lab work when they think of research, there are also many positions in the field that do not require a lab setting. For example, you could pursue a career as an academic researcher, working with universities and research institutions to find new solutions to various scientific questions. Additionally, many research positions in the pharmaceutical industry involve researching and developing new drugs or evaluating existing products. Finally, many research positions in the tech industry involve using scientific or engineering principles to find new solutions and products. So if you are passionate about science and research, then a research career could be an excellent choice. Their salary may vary depending on the position and type of research, but researchers generally earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year.
5. Teaching is another great option for chemistry majors.
Teaching is a rewarding career path that allows you to share your love of science and inspire future scientists. The salary and benefits consist of a competitive salary and excellent work-life balance, so you can enjoy your career while helping others learn about science. To become a teacher, you usually need to obtain a master’s degree or higher in your field of expertise. However, many chemistry majors may already have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a teacher. In addition, there are many specialized programs for chemistry teachers, including Master of Science programs and teaching certification programs. So if you are passionate about inspiring the next generation of chemists, teaching could be a great career path.
6. Lastly, there are many other career paths for chemistry majors that require strong communication skills.
Many of the best careers for chemistry majors involve working with others, whether communicating with clients or leading a team of engineers and scientists. For this reason, good communication skills are essential for chemistry majors looking for a career in the sciences. Some examples of careers that require strong communication skills include science writing, sales, marketing, and consulting. So if you are looking for a career that requires strong communication skills and is also related to chemistry, there are many great options for you. The salary and benefits for these positions vary depending on the position and employer, but you can generally expect to earn a competitive salary and have access to excellent benefits.
Summary:
There are many great career paths for chemistry majors, including programming, data science, chemical engineering, research, and careers that require strong communication skills. Whether you are interested in working in the lab or a more client-facing role, there are many opportunities for chemistry graduates looking to thrive in the science and technology industry. So if you love chemistry and are looking for a challenging, rewarding career, be sure to explore your options and find the right path. Lastly, remember to keep learning and to develop your skills, as the science industry is always changing and evolving. With hard work and perseverance, you can succeed in your career as a chemistry major.
