must be licensed by the state in which they are working. Generally, they need a degree from an approved engineering college, about four years of work experience as an engineer, and a passing grade on a state examination before they can be licensed as a professional engineer ("Chemical Engineer" 103).Some engineering colleges offer work-study programs that combine work experience with formal study. Many engineers continue their education on a part time basis after they have found a job in their field. Employers often pay tuition for courses that engineers take to improve their job skills. Chemical engineers must be willing to study throughout their careers so that they can keep up with advances in engineering technology ("Chemical Engineer" 102). If a chemical engineer takes part in a work-study program in college, they may be able to go to work full time for your employer after you graduate. College placement offices will also help find a job as a chemical engineer ("Chemical Engineer" 103). Newspapers and professional journals often list openings for chemical engineers. Another way to get a job is to just directly apply to companies that hire chemical engineers (Woodburn 114). Advancement in the chemical engineering field depends on education and experience. Chemical engineers who have a bachelor's degree generally start as assistants to experienced engineers. As with any job, after they gain enough experience, they are given more responsibility. Many go on to become experts in their special field. They can become team leaders or technical service and development (TS&D) officers. The TS&D engineer expands the applications for his or her company's products and then finds new ones. Some chemical engineers go on to become managers or even executives. Some start their own firms or businesses, while others use their background in chemical engineering to advance in marketing or sales careers ("Chemical Engineer" 103). The employment outloo...
