Chemical engineering is interesting, useful and rewarding

Students examining bubble rise velocities

Chemical engineers acquire a wide variety of skills Chemical engineers have technical knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, materials science and information technology. However, they also know about economics, management, safety and the environment. The tools used include sophisticated scientific experiments, the latest developments in computing, and large-scale pilot plants.

Chemical engineers are highly employable Chemical engineers are employed across a wide range of businesses by both large and small companies. Chemical engineering remains one of the best-paying professions in the UK with salaries rising by 30% over the last decade. Surveys show that chemical engineers earn more, on average, than other types of engineer and more than pure scientists.

UK chemical engineering salaries 2010 (data from IChemE)

BP Chemicals 'Innovene' polyethylene process - PT Peni, Merak, Indonesia

Chemical engineering offers many exciting career choices Chemical engineers have many career opportunities. A graduate might perform groundbreaking scientific research, work as a field engineer, or occupy a senior management position. Graduates employed by multinational companies often travel all over the world.

Chemical engineering is not a restrictive choice Even those graduates who choose not to accept jobs in industry are highly employable in other areas because they are experienced at solving problems and have good analytical and management skills. Chemical engineering graduates can go on to successful careers in finance, consultancy or scientific journalism, to name but a few.

Cambridge chemical engineering graduate employment

Chemical engineers at Cambridge testing a biodiesel production rig

Chemical engineers can change the world Chemical engineers work to improve the quality of people's lives. Most items used by people everyday have needed chemical engineers to produce them. Chemical engineers are helping to end starvation, disease and poverty. They are working to save the environment by developing alternative technologies to combat acid rain, lead pollution and the greenhouse effect.

Chemical engineering offers plenty of excitement and new challenges

External link: www.whynotchemeng.com gives more information on "why study chemical engineering".