Careers
Related Skills
Analytical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Environmental
- Forensics
Employers
- Federal, state, and local government
- Federal agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Manufacturing firms including textile, petroleum, food, electronics, glass,paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drug, and chemical industries
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Environmental protection organizations
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local government job application processes.
- Gain experience in a laboratory setting.
- Develop proficiency with high-tech scientific equipment.
- Take electives in your area of interest.
Biochemical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Consulting
- Quality Control
- Medical
- Environmental
- Industrial Health & Safety
- Hospital Administration
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Pharmaceutical and medical research firms
- Biotechnology firms
- Plant and animal breeders and growers
- Food processors
- Industrial production and inspection agencies
- Environmental protection organizations
- Federal, state and local government, such as the Centers for Disease Control
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Take additional courses in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, and physiology.
- Develop excellent laboratory and computer skills.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
- Join related professional organizations.
- Complete a related internship with an organization in the area of your interest.
Name
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Industries related to petroleum, coal, wood products, plastics, textiles, and food
- Manufacturing firms developing new synthetic materials and new production processes
- Research organizations
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
- Gain additional laboratory and research experience through internships and summer jobs.
- Get involved with undergraduate research with professors.
Geochemistry
- Environmental Remediation
- Research & Development
- Analysis & Testing
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involved in mining, electronics, and synthetic materials
- Federal and state government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Take geology and environmental science electives.
Inorganic
- Research
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Environmental organizations\
- Water processing plants
- Natural resources organizations
Strategies
- Choose appropriate coursework to specialize in an area.
- Develop additional laboratory skills and experience.
Polymer Chemistry
- Analysis & Testing
- Research & Development
Employers
Industries involving textiles and plastics
Strategies
Gain research experience through internships, part-time employment, and summer jobs.
Physical
- Research
- Development
- Analysis and Testing
- Quality Control
- Consulting
Employers
- Research laboratories and organizations
- Industries involving electrical, nuclear, gas, heat, or light energy
- Federal government
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Take related courses in social sciences and economics. Develop strong mathematical background.
Education
- Teaching
- Research
- Administration
Employers
- Private and public secondary schools
- Colleges and universities
Strategies
Obtain certification/licensing for teaching in public schools. Acquire a master'sdegree for community college teaching and a Ph.D. for colleges and universities.
Take courses in public speaking.
Business
- Technical Sales/Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Management
- Consulting
- Industrial Quality Control
- Research & Development
Employers
- Manufacturing firms
- Drug stores
- Medical/Pharmaceutical supply companies
- Industries including textiles, petroleum, food, electronics, glass, paper, packaging, machinery, cosmetics, paint, drugs, and chemicals.
- Agricultural product companies
- Environmental management organizations
- Waste management firms
Strategies
- Obtain a minor in business.
- Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Hold leadership positions in campus organizations.
- Join related student organizations, e.g., American Marketing Association, Financial Management Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, etc.
Other Professions
- Agricultural Scientist
- Anesthesiologist
- Application Chemist
- Biochemist/Molecular Biologist
- Ceramic Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemist
- Clinical Specialist
- Computational Chemist
- Color Development Chemist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Dentist
- Entomologist
- Environmental Engineer
- EPA Inspector
- FDA Inspector
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Food Scientist/Technologist
- Forensic Chemist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Glass Chemist
- Hydro Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Microbiologist
- Oceanographer
- Optometrist
- Patent Agent
- Perfumer
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmacy Technician
- Physician
- Plastic Engineer
- Product Development Manager
- Product Tester
- Quality Controller
- Radiologist
- Research Analytical Chemist
- Research Associate
- Science Laboratory Technician'
- Soil Scientist, Agriculture
- Technical Journalist
- Textile Engineer
- Toxicologist
- Veterinarian
- Water Purification Chemist
- Water/Wastewater Plant Operator
Being Successful in the Field
- Undergraduate degree sufficient for entry-level positions such as lab coordinator,research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative.
- Maintain high grade point average and secure strong recommendations for graduate school.
- Master's degree sufficient for most applied research positions, industrial work, and some community college teaching.
- Find research opportunities with professors and other experts in the field to gain experience.
- Ph.D. degree required for university teaching and advanced positions in management and research and development. Post doctoral experience is preferred for research positions in industry, universities, and government.
- Advanced degrees help speed career advancement.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and science skills/knowledge.
- Obtain part-time, volunteer, co-op, internship, or summer experience.
- Obtain practical experience using various laboratory equipment and high-tech scientific equipment and data.
- Complete an undergraduate research project.
- Consider electives in computer science, engineering, business, public speaking, and writing.
- Join related student professional organizations.
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olanna Pullen | 223 Bone Student Center | olpulle@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elisha Swanson | Julian Hall 223 | enswans@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7232 | Professional Practice |
| Shawn Hitchcock | 317 Science Laboratory Building | srhitch@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-7854 | Research |