The chemistry degree is one of the most relevant in the field of science. If you like research and development in the fields of health, food or the environment, among others, a degree in Chemistry may be very attractive to you.
Today we will help you discover various career opportunities related to chemistry studies.
A STEM degree with a great future
STEM degrees, called STEM in English Molecule Database, encompass four areas of study that are considered essential for the development of education, industry and the workforce:
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math
STEM degrees cover very diverse fields, such as robotics, architecture or chemistry. All of them focus on research and have a broad growth perspective.
These degrees account for less than a quarter of university enrollments in Spain compared to countries such as Germany or France, where they attract a greater number of students.
However, these technical careers are among the best paid in the labor market. One of the reasons is precisely the difficulty in filling jobs with this profile.
The technological revolution predicts a great demand for professionals with STEM degrees, such as a chemistry degree. A study by the consulting firm McKinsey on the future of work in Europe estimates that these careers could grow by 25% in the next decade.
Studies related to the chemistry career
The field of study of chemistry is very broad and has multiple professional opportunities. This university degree covers various compulsory and optional subjects, so you can specialize in the discipline that interests you most.
The subjects of the chemistry degree include the following:
Physical
Chemistry
Basic Laboratory Operations
biology
Math
Analytic chemistry
organic chemistry
Inorganic chemistry
Thermodynamics
Biochemistry
Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
Geochemistry
Nanochemistry
Food chemistry
Enviromental chemistry
As you choose the elective subjects, you can direct your steps towards one branch or another.
Upon completion of the academic degree, you can also specialize in a discipline such as:
Biochemistry
Oenology
Chemical engineering
Enviromental chemistry
Biotechnology
Materials science and engineering
advanced chemistry
Remember that it is important to have the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue these studies. For example, knowing how to manipulate laboratory material, having a good level of abstract understanding, analytical and observation skills, or having numerical aptitude and logical deduction.
Work areas related to the chemistry career
We know that one of the concerns when choosing university studies is the job opportunities that each career has.
Well, the study on job placement of university graduates prepared by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports highlights that two out of every three people who graduate in Chemistry occupy positions related to their academic training.
Likewise, according to data from the National University of Distance Education (UNED), the Spanish chemical industry is made up of more than 3,000 companies that create about 600,000 jobs. In Europe, this sector includes almost three times as many companies and generates more than a million jobs.
The chemistry major is considered one of the most versatile. This qualification provides a solid academic and scientific training that prepares students to perform a wide variety of roles, both in the private and public sectors.
The work areas in which you will be able to work after graduating in chemistry are grouped into different blocks.
Chemical sector
Chemical compounds are found everywhere, including food, medicines, cosmetics or plant protection products. There are large companies that develop chemical products for other sectors.
This is one of the career opportunities with the greatest projection for those who decide to study Chemistry.
Pharmaceutical sector
Large pharmaceutical companies continually develop new drugs to cure or alleviate diseases. Apart from products related to medicine itself, pharmaceutical companies research in other areas such as baby food, cosmetics or food supplements.
One of the most frequent job opportunities for a chemistry career is in this sector.
Textile sector
Chemistry is the basis of the development of the textile sector. The manufacture of fabrics involves different processes that involve numerous chemicals, such as dyes or fibers.
The manufacturing of technical textile fibers implies that the most cutting-edge factories have chemistry experts to achieve final products with certain characteristics (water-repellent, thermal, hypoallergenic, etc.).
Health services
Profiles with knowledge of chemistry are necessary in both public and private institutions. The jobs they are in charge of may include the supervision of agri-food products or wastewater and customs control to ensure that the export and import of manufactured goods meet all health requirements.
Teaching
One of the most interesting career opportunities in chemistry is teaching. As a teacher you can work in the public and private sectors, in a high school, in a vocational training center or at the university.
Investigation
Research can be one of the most desired activities for every chemistry lover. Currently, universities and companies in the research and development sector need professionals with degrees in chemistry to advance in work related to molecular chains, creation of new substances and research in the agri-food, pharmaceutical or health fields.
Control and prevention
Companies that handle food, animals and chemical substances, among others, must comply with regulations on occupational, health and environmental risks.
The control function is usually entrusted to external consultants qualified in chemistry to guarantee the safety of the processes.