How to Become a Chemical Engineer?
Your Comprehensive Guide to a Career in Chemical Engineering
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Chemical Engineer
"Chemical engineering is the bridge between science and practical innovation, turning raw materials into life-changing products."
Chemical engineers are involved with the process of designing and readjusting the processes associated with the manufacture of medicines, packaged and unpackaged food, oil products like petroleum, LPG, kerosene, and other biological commodities, etc. They are most commonly employed by large-scale manufacturing industries to amplify the production and quality by reducing the cost of manufacture. Chemical engineers have a vast array of branches that correlate to their line of work, helping them branch out to many divisions.
Steps to Become a Chemical Engineer:
Step-1
Prioritize Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) during your 11th and 12th grades to build a strong foundation for chemical engineering.
Step-2
Look for colleges and universities that offer accredited B.Tech or B.E. programs in Chemical Engineering, considering factors like faculty, facilities, and placement records.
Step-3
Study diligently for national and state-level entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or other specific exams required by your chosen institution.
Step-4
Enroll in a reputable institution and complete your undergraduate degree, focusing on core subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process design.
Step-5
Gain hands-on experience through internships, industrial training, or co-op programs to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and enhance your resume.
Step-6
After completing your bachelor's degree, you may opt for a master's degree (M.Tech or M.S.) or specialize in areas like biotechnology, environmental engineering, or process engineering for better career prospects.
Step-7
Join professional organizations, attend seminars, and keep up with industry trends to stay informed and build a network within the chemical engineering community.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.) |
| Educational Background | Completion of 12th grade with PCM subject |
| Undergraduate Degree | To become a Chemical Engineer, you need a B.Sc, B.Tech, or a Diploma in Chemical Engineering. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Tech in Chemical Engineering can be beneficial for advanced knowledge and career opportunities. |
| Entrance Exams | Should procure a valid score in entrance exams like JEE Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, HITSEE, CET, etc. State and private colleges may have their own entrance exams. |
- Minimum 50% aggregate from any recognized board (PUC, CBSE, ICSE, ISC, etc.), with cut-off varying by college.
- Valid score in Entrance exams after 12th like JEE Main, KIITEE, SRMJEE, CEE, or CET. Some colleges have their own exams if you don't meet JEE criteria.
- A B.Sc, B.Tech, or Diploma in Chemical Engineering is crucial for the role.
- An M.Tech in Chemical Engineering is advantageous for advanced knowledge and better career opportunities.
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Tasks to perform as a Chemical Engineer:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Chemical Engineers require a diverse range of skills to excel in their positions. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding how chemical reactions occur and how to design and optimize these reactions for industrial processes. | Designing chemical processes to be efficient, safe, and cost-effective, including scaling up from lab to industrial scale. |
| Principles of energy transfer, including heat, and how it affects chemical processes and equipment design. | Knowledge of the properties and behaviors of materials used in chemical processes, including polymers, metals, and ceramics. |
| Study of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion and at rest, crucial for designing pipelines, reactors, and separation units. | Techniques for separating chemical mixtures, such as distillation, filtration, and centrifugation, used in purifying products. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Analytical Skills | Attention to Detail |
| Communication Skills | Problem-Solving Skills |
| Project Management | Teamwork and Collaboration |
| Technical Proficiency | Adaptability |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Chemical Engineer.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
Your career may not align with your interests. Identify them and match with careers requiring those skills for faster growth and success!
Job roles offered for a Chemical Engineer:
Once you procure the required qualifications for becoming a Chemical Engineer, myriads of options are open to you. There are multiple projects you can undertake throughout this line of work, and there are many other fields you can branch out to as well.
Develops and optimizes industrial processes, analyzing data and improving efficiency from start to finish.
Focuses on heat transfer systems and energy solutions in various engineering applications.
Scales up processes in agriculture and food production, enhancing yields and managing chemical production for disease control.
Conducts complex chemical research, manufactures products, and provides technical reports on processes and findings.
Studies and experiments with explosive materials, assessing their properties, safety, and environmental impact.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Chemical Engineer:
Chemical Engineers can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Royal Dutch Shell plc | Reliance Industries | Indian Oil Corporation |
| Arofine polymers Ltd | Larsen & Toubro Ltd | Essar Oil Limited |
| Schlumberger | Reliance Petroleum Limited | Color-Chem |
| Hindustan Unilever | Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited | Gujarat Alkalis & Chemicals Ltd |
Colleges offering courses for Chemical Engineer:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | Indian Institute of technology, Bombay |
| JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur | Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal | Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai |
| Parul University, Vadodara | Chandigarh University, Chandigarh |
| Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar |
End Note
Becoming a chemical engineer is a rewarding journey that offers diverse opportunities in various industries. Whether you're passionate about developing new technologies or improving existing processes, chemical engineering can lead to a fulfilling career. Connect with our experts at SetMyCareer to explore Career counselling after graduation and set yourself on the path to success. We're here to guide you along your career goals!
In this Career Outline
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