careers fair in school

Dear Lorena, 

Not sure where you are going to school, but if it is distant from Miami then smaller companies in Miami might not participate in your job fairs.  There is an AIChE local section in Central Florida.  (see:  http://www.aiche-cf.org/ )  If you contact them, I believe that they could give you a good idea of chemical engineering jobs in Miami.  You might also look for some Summer jobs there in chemical engineering before you graduate – if that is possible. 

There are many types of chemical engineering jobs – some in manufacturing, some with an environmental focus, some in specialty fields like biomedical engineering or energy.  I would suggest that you interview with a variety of companies (including those not in Miami) to learn more about the wide scope of our profession.  And I hope you are talking with your professors (and Chem E grad students) about planning your future career. 

I learned that chemical engineers enjoy talking to students – so don’t be shy.  It is a great profession, Lorena.  And any job you take will be a learning experience, so if you have a good attitude, you will find a good initial job even if you make a later change.  I started out working for a consulting company and that led me to opportunities that I didn’t consider when I was graduating from college. 

Many good wishes,  

Lis Drake