the Chemistry Advisor
Job Hunting for B. S. Chemistry Graduates
last edited: October 16, 2000 title:
advisor_jobs.htm
As you complete your last year of study, you should begin planning
what you will do after graduation. Some of you will choose to continue
to graduate study or medical school. Many of you will be looking for
entry level jobs as B. S. Chemists. These notes are intended to help
you in that search.
The American Chemical Society has a booklet called Planning for a
Career in Industry. Copies are available from your advisor and from
the department office. A notebook containing the booklet and other
useful materials is kept in Overman 24 (by the computers.)
ACS Committee on Professional Training
Web site has useful information.
It included, when last checked,
an on line copy of the booklet.
Searching for a job can be a daunting task and you should give yourself
plenty of time to ask questions and to undertake the search.
These are good economic times and there are jobs available.
Talk with your teachers and other faculty members and discuss your goals
and plans with your academic advisor.
Some points worth thinking about as you begin the process...
- what kinds of jobs or careers are available to B. S. Chemistry graduates?
- how do you identify prospective employers and find specific job openings
- where are the jobs
- are you limiting yourself to a specific city or region of the country
- this is really a national job market
- how do you present yourself most effectively?
- your resume
- your cover letter
- interviewing techniques
- what can you expect from an employer
- what are the job prospects
- what are typical starting salaries?
- what are typical job related benefits?
- what services are available on campus?
- what services are available from organizations like the ACS?
- what services do job placement firms offer?
We will be adding to this document during 2000-2001.
- the
chemistry department Web page has a listing of job opportunities
and interviews on campus.
- you might look at the ACS Career Services
web site although much of this is limited to ACS members.
- we are preparing some advice on resumes
- preparing your resume and keeping it available
- having your resume reviewed by advisors and other faculty members
- finding ways to enhance your resume-- activities that put you into a stronger position.
- the phrase is portfolio building
- it's tough to do this at the last minute
- it's not too early to begin thinking about careers in your first two years
of college.
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