1. What personal qualities should I possess to become a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical engineers must be numerate, analytical, and excellent problem solvers, with the ability to accept and thrive on responsibility. Chemical engineers often work on projects in teams and therefore need to possess excellent communication, project-management and leadership skills. An understanding of chemical engineering processes such as thermodynamics and fluid processes etc will be beneficial.
2. What should I look for in a good degree course?
The first thing to look for is whether the course is fully accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE). An accredited degree means you are in a position to become a Chartered Chemical Engineer later in life without having to complete further studies. Also think carefully whether you want to study a three-year BEng or a four-year MEng, usually a BEng is only partially accredited although this differs between universities.
Chemical engineering degrees are renowned for the diversity of subjects they cover, check the breakdown of subjects for each course and which is most suitable to your own interests. Many courses offer placement years in industry or Sandwich years, this would arguably make you more employable after your degree and you may even get offered a graduate job by your placement employer.
3. How do I become fully qualified?
ChemE is the only professional body licensed to award Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) status, and it will take you at least four year's of work experience after graduating to attain. You will have to write a report detailing your training and experience and attend an interview to ensure you meet the requirements for becoming Chartered.
Although this sounds daunting it is a readily acceptable process for chemical engineers. As well as giving you letters after your name Chartered status will prove to employers and colleagues that you are a credible and competent chemical engineer. IChemE's salary survey also proves that Chartered Chemical Engineers earn more than those without Chartered status.
4. Is it possible to combine a degree with another subject?
Chemical and biochemical engineering can be combined with different subjects although the availability differs throughout various universities. Management, environmental studies, European studies, languages are all amongst the subjects you can you can study alongside chemical engineering, however this may limit your choice of universities.
5. Are there many women who do these courses?
IChemE's membership figures show that almost a third of all chemical engineering undergraduate students are women, a healthy figure given that only a fifth of IChemE's total membership are female. There is a visible presence of women in university departments and it is increasing every year.
