This blog is specially crafted for all Chemical Engineering enthusiasts! Discover the 6 best career options after Chemical Engineering that most students pursue following their undergraduate degree. Neha Agrawal, Founder of WiseUp Communications and a Gold Medalist in Chemical Engineering, shares these top career paths to help you navigate your future.
1. Job in a Core Company
For Whom: Ideal for those who enjoy studying Chemical Engineering subjects and want to build a career in the same field. This job allows you to apply your knowledge and gain insight into how industries function.
Core Industries: Oil and Gas, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and Core Chemicals.
Top Recruiters: Reliance, Vedanta, ExxonMobil, Shell, HUL, Schlumberger, Pidilite, TATA Chemicals, Aditya Birla, ITC, GSK.
Skills Required: Strong understanding of chemical processes, process optimization, problem-solving, project management, data analysis, safety and environmental awareness, communication and teamwork, software proficiency (AutoCAD, HYSYS, MATLAB, Aspen).
Average Salary Range: ₹8 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum.
How To Apply?: Sit for campus placements and apply through job portals like LinkedIn or Indeed.
2. Jobs in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
For Whom: If you are keen to work in these are government-run companies offering Chemical Engineering-related roles with benefits like medical insurance, retirement schemes, and performance-based incentives.
Popular PSUs: IOCL, BPCL, SAIL, ONGC, GAIL.
Skills Required: Knowledge of chemical engineering principles, process optimization, safety management, regulatory compliance, problem-solving, project management, data analysis, communication and teamwork, proficiency in industry-specific software (AutoCAD, MATLAB, Aspen, HYSYS).
Average Salary Range: ₹10 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs per annum.
How To Apply?: Give your GATE exam and then apply on the company portals by submitting your GATE score card and also your resume/CV. To know how to build a powerful resume and get amazing templates, you can join our course – Resume Buiding Course
3. Career in Research
For Whom: Suitable for those who developed an interest in academic research during their Chemical Engineering studies. Ideal for students planning to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. after some initial research experience.
Opportunities: Joining research labs as an assistant under a professor in institutions like IISc, IITs, or private companies.
Skills Required: Analytical thinking, research methodology, laboratory skills, data analysis, technical writing, problem-solving, attention to detail, proficiency in relevant software (MATLAB, ChemCAD, Aspen), communication skills, teamwork.
Average Salary Range: ₹4 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs per annum.
How To Apply?: Apply through the respective institution’s or company’s job portals, connect with professors directly via email showcasing your interest and research potential, or apply through research fellowship programs like GATE, CSIR, or DST.
Perks: Gaining research experience and publications can strengthen your profile for higher studies, especially abroad.
To have a career in research, it’s often an advantage if you have published many research papers during your college. To learn how to write a research proposal, do check out our Research Paper Writing Course.
4. Pursuing Higher Education
For Whom: If you want to relocate abroad or learn the subject in depth, then completing a master’s or Ph.D. directly after a B.Tech can streamline your education and career progression.
Perks: Some foreign universities consider students with less than two years of work experience as fresh graduates, which can ease your transition into a new job market post-graduation.
To know about Neha’s experience while pursuing a master’s in Materials Science from NTU, do check out the video below:
5. Career in Analytics
For Whom: Students who may have joined Chemical Engineering due to rank or interest in chemistry but found it less engaging.
Companies: ZS Associates, KPMG, Deloitte offer business analyst positions.
Skills Required: Data analysis, problem-solving, proficiency in analytical tools (Excel, Python, R, SQL), communication skills, critical thinking, business acumen, presentation skills, teamwork, familiarity with visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI).
Average Salary Range: ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per annum.
How To Apply?: Apply through company websites, job portals like LinkedIn and Naukri, or participate in campus recruitment drives. Networking with industry professionals and attending career fairs can also increase opportunities.
Perks: You will start building your profile for analytics positions if Chemical Engineering is not your preferred field. This experienece will add value later if you would like to pursue an MBA or higher studies in Data Science.
6. Following Your Passion
You can build a fulfilling career in anything you’re passionate about, even if it’s unrelated to Chemical Engineering.
In today’s world, skills like graphic design, video editing, or entrepreneurship can lead to success. Focus on what makes you happy, and don’t let societal expectations hold you back.
Check out the video below, Neha talks about how she built WiseUp 🙂
So, that’s a wrap on today’s blog! We hope it provided some clarity on the various career paths available after Chemical Engineering. Remember, there are countless ways to achieve your dreams, and your degree will never be a barrier.
If you need help to write the perfect resume, then do enroll in our Resume Buiding Course. Thank you so much for reading, and we wish you all the best in your career journey! 😊
