Chemical engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes. They apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. To be a chemical engineer you have to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field. You also have to pass the FE or Fundamentals of Engineering exam and obtain the Professional Engineering (PE) license after four years of employment. Skills that help you in this career are design skills, analytic thinking skills, knowledge of chemistry, and knowledge of science and technology. There are many summer intern jobs for types of engineering. For references, it’s best to list someone who can speak about your technical skills, work ethic, and ability to work with others.  An entry level chemical engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing chemical processes and equipment. They also analyze data and troubleshoot issues. Chemical engineers typically work in offices, laboratories, or industrials plants. They may work with hazardous materials and need to follow strict safety procedures. In total, they only work forty to fifty hours a week with three to five weeks of vacation time. The median annual salary for chemical engineers in the United States is around $108,770. Chemical engineers may need to work long hours or be on call in case of emergencies. They may also be responsible for ensuring the safety of equipment and personnel, which can be stressful. They have to work with other engineers, scientists, and production personnel. A chemical engineer may also work with clients, customers, or vendors. They are evaluated based on job performance, like meetings, safety protocols, and producing quality work. Evaluations may also be based on the ability to work with others.  Advantages of working as a chemical engineer include the opportunity to work on innovative projects, a good salary, and job stability. Also, there’s diverse career options including pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing. The disadvantages include challenging work, long hours, or travel. The job could also be stressful, especially when dealing with safety concerns. The outlook for chemical engineering is positive with a growth rate of four percent from 2019 to 2029. There are many career paths for a chemical engineer including a start as an entry level engineer, then advancing to a senior engineer, project manager or a technical specialist role. With additional experience and an education, they may also become a research scientist, or a professor, or a consultant. Additionally, chemical engineers may choose to specialize in a particular area, like environmental engineering, process engineering, or materials science, which can lead to additional career opportunities. One of the top jobs in chemical engineering is a Senior Process Engineer.  They optimize safety and efficiency, while mentoring junior engineers. To become a senior process engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree, as well as several years of experience in the field. Many employees prefer candidates with a master’s degree in chemical engineering, or a related field.