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Doubts about following a career in chemistry

Hi everyone,

I chose years ago to follow a career in chemistry because I thought that the opportunities and transferable skills would allow me to get a half-decent paying career out of it... possibly going into research.

Now however, I have seen (yes mere days before the UCAS deadline) many stories of disillusioned and disappointed people who have gone and completed a degree in chemistry, who have found that they are left with a different reality to what they were possibly led to believe.

This has thrown my entire outlook on my future on shaky ground. I was wondering if there were any people who have completed a degree in various chemistry degrees (or people currently doing one) who could offer me their perspective or thoughts.

I'm 30 next year and I really feel like I cannot afford to throw 4 years of my life away for something I thought would lead me to a path I can believe in.

Thanks in advance.

-R
Reply 1
Avatar for SonoLuma
SonoLuma
OP
18
Also, should I consider going into the medicine/pharmacology side of chemistry to improve the chances of getting a decent career? I plan to move out of the UK once I (hopefully) have my degree so neither the career path or place is a big decider for me. I just want a decent career. I enjoy a lot of things that challenge me and so I chose chemistry because I enjoy maths and the concepts of chemistry.
Reply 2
Avatar for SonoLuma
SonoLuma
OP
18
..bump
Original post by SonoLuma
..bump

Hi @SonoLuma,

A degree in chemistry can be very rewarding. It does offer a wide range of roles after graduation both within science and in wider sectors due to the range of analytical and problem solving that are inherent within the degree itself. Completing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry can certainly offer options to continue into academic research or research with an industrial organisation.

That said, the degree itself does require a strong work ethic and builds your practical skills, theoretical knowledge and requires you to complete a full research project. There is typically a much higher contact time as part of a chemistry degree than other degrees, especially non scientific.

With regards to your query about specialising, if that is an area that you are particularly interested in then it would make sense to follow your interest, however a Chemistry degree, typically an MChem will give you the breadth and depth necessarily to embark in a range of post degree careers. You can find a few suggestions of potential careers at http://www.rsc.org/careers/future/index.

Do let us know if you have any other queries or if you would like more detail.

All the best,

Gareth
Royal Society of Chemistry
Reply 4
Avatar for SonoLuma
SonoLuma
OP
18
Original post by Royal Society of Chemistry
Hi @SonoLuma,

A degree in chemistry can be very rewarding. It does offer a wide range of roles after graduation both within science and in wider sectors due to the range of analytical and problem solving that are inherent within the degree itself. Completing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry can certainly offer options to continue into academic research or research with an industrial organisation.

That said, the degree itself does require a strong work ethic and builds your practical skills, theoretical knowledge and requires you to complete a full research project. There is typically a much higher contact time as part of a chemistry degree than other degrees, especially non scientific.

With regards to your query about specialising, if that is an area that you are particularly interested in then it would make sense to follow your interest, however a Chemistry degree, typically an MChem will give you the breadth and depth necessarily to embark in a range of post degree careers. You can find a few suggestions of potential careers at http://www.rsc.org/careers/future/index.

Do let us know if you have any other queries or if you would like more detail.

All the best,

Gareth
Royal Society of Chemistry



Hi Gareth,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I must have spoken and heard from people who were possibly exasperated in their situation. The information you have given is definitely reassuring, putting a focus on my actions whereas I was focussing on the matters beyond my control.

Really appreciate your advice, I will be sure to bob back and ask about anything else if I am having trouble!

-R
Original post by SonoLuma
Hi Gareth,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I must have spoken and heard from people who were possibly exasperated in their situation. The information you have given is definitely reassuring, putting a focus on my actions whereas I was focussing on the matters beyond my control.

Really appreciate your advice, I will be sure to bob back and ask about anything else if I am having trouble!

-R

Hi @SonoLuma

Great to hear that we have been able to put your mind at rest. Keep in touch over the next few weeks and months. We would love to hear how you get on. Don't hesitate to pop a message on our specific thread (https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5456842), tag us in a question, or direct message us. We are always keen to support any queries we can.

All the best,

Gareth
Reply 6
Avatar for SonoLuma
SonoLuma
OP
18
Original post by Royal Society of Chemistry
Hi @SonoLuma

Great to hear that we have been able to put your mind at rest. Keep in touch over the next few weeks and months. We would love to hear how you get on. Don't hesitate to pop a message on our specific thread (https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5456842), tag us in a question, or direct message us. We are always keen to support any queries we can.

All the best,

Gareth


I will do! Thanks very much, you too.

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