How likely is it that I will find a career that is beneficial to the environment?

Hi Ellie,

I was in your position once myself. I am an avid outdoorswoman and have real passion for sustainability and conserving natural resources. Because of those traits, I chose to go to school at the University of Minnesota for Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering. With this degree, I was able to learn about modern chemical engineering focused on natural products. 

I can see why people may think that chemical engineers don’t help the environment because a lot of the work we do isn’t outdoors. In my position, I create chemical products that save water and use environmentally-friendly raw materials. While I don’t get to see the direct impact my work has on the environment, I know that if I help save millions of gallons of water in a process or eliminate the use of a harmful ingredient in a product, that I am benefiting our world. They may feel like small things, but they add up when more and more people start to positively impact the environment.  

I also have friends that earned chemical engineering degrees and work in environmental engineering roles – they work on landfill remediation and hazardous waste monitoring and control activities. They play a truly active role in cleaning up the environment and get to work outdoors most days! If that sounds interesting to you, I encourage you to first seek electives or classes that focus on environmental or bio-based engineering. Getting experience in college will help make you a strong candidate when looking for a job opportunity with a company who practices environmental engineering. Next, I would identify companies in your area that focus on environmental engineering or sustainable chemical engineering and see if their mission statements and vision fits with your values. Then, visit them at a career fair or apply for internships or co-ops with their organization.

Ultimately, I know opportunities ARE out there for chemical engineers to impact the environment, whether indirectly or directly. 

Best of luck! 
Amie