Important Facts About Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is one of the important part of engineering that deals with various types of chemicals, materials and energy. This field basically involves the procedures of life sciences and physical sciences together with economics and mathematics. It is associated with design, construction and operation of various machines and plants performing chemical reactions to produce useful products.

A chemical engineer works to transform the raw materials or chemicals into some useful forms. The job of chemical engineers also involves performing research and developing new chemicals along with various efficient processes to increase the output of existing ones. Making a career in this field is surely the great idea as there is demand for chemical engineers in various industries.

The main difference between chemical engineers and other types of engineers is that the chemical engineers apply their knowledge of chemistry along with other engineering disciplines. Their excellence in both the scientific and technical fields makes them universal engineers.

There are a large number of industries in India offering chemical engineering jobs. Some of the industries are:

• Healthcare Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Manufacturing Industry
• Construction Industry
• Paper Industry
• Food Processing Industry
• Petrochemical Industry

Types of Jobs in Chemical Engineering:

Chemical engineering is a very broad field that deals with math, physics, chemistry and biology. Same as other engineers, chemical engineers also require a state licensure in order to provide their services to the public. The different types of jobs available in this field include:

Common Duties of Chemical Engineers:

1. Developing and maintaining various procedures for the safe handling of chemicals
2. Teaching the procedures to the workers who handle the chemicals
3. Performing research work and estimating costs
4. Testing of purchased chemicals in order to ensure the quality
5. Make sure that the various operations involving chemicals comply with the set rules and regulations regarding environmental hazards

Educational Qualifications

In order to start your career in the chemical engineering field, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. For availing the top positions and job titles, you must go for a master’s or doctoral degree in chemical engineering or related subjects.

Skills required to become a successful chemical engineer:

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Good Learning Ability
• Knowledge of Current Practices and Procedures
• Critical Thinking
• Superior Operation Monitoring and Analysis Skills
• Knowledge of Computers
• Testing Skills
• Ability to Work in a Team

Salary Structure in Chemical Engineering

The salary structure in the chemical engineering field is excellent. The average salary of a chemical engineer in India is Rs 476,813 per year.

The scope of chemical engineering in India is very broad. Pursuing a career in this field is really profitable. As there is a demand for chemical engineers in many sectors, one can find lots of job opportunities in this field.

How the Rising Demand for Clean Energy is Making an Impact on Chemical Engineering Jobs

Rising fuel prices and the impact of fossil fuels on the climate has made the Indian Government realize the potential that clean energy brings with itself. Increasing fuel prices, rising demand for energy access and clean energy, is the need of the hour. Clean energy development is not only a remedy to reduce climate degradation, but is also a means to create jobs in various geographical locations. Majorly, chemical engineers would be the benefited lot, as their skills and educational background would help in harnessing clean energy from sources like; solar, wind and water. So let us see how clean energy has created jobs in the past and how will it give rise to chemical engineering jobs in the coming future.

India’s Potential in Solar Energy

The growth encountered by India’s solar market is commendable, as it has grown more than hundredfold in the last four years and have reached the production capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW). And, coming to the recent developments, India has recently increased its 2022 grid-connected solar energy target, with the objective of reaching 100GW from 20 GW.

As per a report by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), has an estimation from 2011-2014, as per which, the Photovoltaic Projects created around 24,000 jobs, from the projects which are currently under operations. If the objective of increasing the solar energy production capacity is met, then as many as 1 million full-time employment opportunities will be created. As an estimate, 183,500 full-time employment opportunities would be created once the goal of 100 GW is met.

Data Source: nrdc.org

Leading States in Solar Energy Production

The states which are leading producers of solar energy are the one’s located on the northwestern region, western coast and central India. These states enjoy financial support as well as state-centric policies, which has created a major impact on the local economy. The top leading producers of solar energy, as per the data from December 2014, in the decreasing order of their installed capacity of Solar Photovoltaic cells are:

Gujarat …………………………………………………………..929.05 MW

Rajasthan………………………………………………………..839.50 MW

Madhya Pradesh………………………………………………..353.58 MW

Maharashtra…………………………………………………….286.90 MW

Andhra Pradesh………………………………………………..234.86 MW

Proven Potential to Create Jobs Across Various Levels

The expansion of clean energy sector is going to generate jobs at various levels, which is backed by the analysis of international job markets, where the induction of clean energy empowered employment enormously. Clean energy is more labor intensive and has proven its potential of creating jobs for the local community. To plan, construct, install and operate solar energy production, chemical engineering jobs are also poised to grow. As per preliminary data, a total of 70,000 jobs has already been created. Other than direct employment in the clean energy sector, there are thousands of professionals and unskilled workers who are benefited indirectly.

Conclusion

As India is driving itself towards addressing the need for clean energy, green jobs and strengthening the local economies. The analysis of international market reflects the fact that clean energy is more labour intensive, where unskilled laborers are hired in large numbers along with a considerable segment of chemical engineers, who have the skills and domain knowledge from the clean energy sector.

The future scope in the industry for chemical engineering jobs has taken a next leap forward, with new skills and expertise, that a chemical engineer will have to groom them with, amplifying their job prospects not only in India but also across major developed nations.

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► Misconceptions for Chemical Engineering Fresher Jobs & Career Options In It

Misconceptions for Chemical Engineering Fresher Jobs & Career Options In It

One of the most diverse branches of engineering, chemical engineering encompasses biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing and much more. Chemical engineering has always been a lucrative career option of time and age. Global warming and its effect on the environment have made chemical engineers hot property now.

Image Source: Stupidsid.com

So you are a fresher looking for a chemical engineering job? Then most likely atleast for once, you must have heard about the following misconceptions. Just take a look at it:

Chemical Engineering involves a lot of Chemistry

Perhaps, this is one of the most common misconceptions about the chemical engineering. Chemical engineering is based on the fundamental science of chemistry and the application of it, same as mechanical engineering relies on mechanical physics.

Chemical Engineering is only for Men

Yes, it is true that majority of the chemical engineers are male, but in the recent years, India has seen a significant rise in the number of women chemical engineers. Today, women are walking shoulder to shoulder to men and are giving them stiff competition in almost all the fields. So women, don’t feel hesitant while considering this as a career domain!

Chemical Engineering is Boring

This is horribly a wrong notion among the people. Chemical engineering is as thrilling as bungee jumping and as interesting as rocket science. Once you establish a career in this field, a healthy career life is ensured. For instance, recently, IIT Delhi students were in the news for their attempt to find a single solution to the three major environmental problems- global warming, energy crisis and depleting resources. Thus, the field gives you ample opportunities to earn a name and fame in the society.

Chemical Engineers work in Energy

It is correct that most of the chemical engineers work in the field of energy, including oil and gas, nuclear power, renewable etc. Well, chemical engineers are finding employment in various other industries also. There are ample experienced and fresher chemical engineering jobs in the health, food, and water specialism.

What type of Chemical Engineering Jobs you are looking for?

Chemical engineering is an extensive discipline, with roots in chemistry, physics, maths and biology. While large percentage of jobs is found in the chemical industry, chemical engineering’s integrative nature means potential careers in wide range. For this reason, chemical engineering is often called the liberal arts of engineering.

Below are some of the job titles which a chemical engineering graduate can look forward to it.

Apart from the above, other career options include- consulting, business management, entrepreneurship, medicine, venture capital and teaching.

The fresher candidates looking for chemical engineering jobs should not get affected by any sort of misconceptions and make their way ahead by choosing the job of their choice in chemical engineering. Chemical engineering jobs are extremely interesting and if services are delivered with dedication and passion it can take you to places.