Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I found Chemical Engineers to be very elusive. And I'd like to take on the challenge!

About my college education: The first four semesters are relatively easy and I actually thought I can get through Chemical Engineering unscathed. But I was wrong, on our third year, the subjects started to get more complicated and challenging. I even failed some classes. But that doesn't stop me from pursuing the course. Having good logical and analytical skills are not enough here, you also need determination and passion in order to get through all the challenges that the course will throw at you.

My current job: Packaging Engineer

Am I using what I learned in college: The hardcore theories, not so much. I often wonder why do I have to study so many difficult and complicated theories and they when I enter the industry, it is mostly the basics that matters. But that's also one of the perks of being a Chemical Engineer, you learn so much and be good at a lot of things.

How long did it take to find a job: 2 months

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: There is no course that I can recommend more other than Chemical Engineering. Although it still depends on the company you will be employed to, Chemical engineers still have relatively high pay. Besides, you have a lot of options on which kind of industry you want to join because there are a lot of companies and positions that can utilize a chemical engineer.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Failures are part of the equation. May it be a failed exam or a failed subject, this should not be a hindrance to your success. You can move past it. Just have the will to suds and work harder. Good luck!

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I've always wanted to take an Engineering course because I am good at Math. But I was not really sure until I found inspiration from my friend's Dad. He is a Chemical Engineer and he works at the Department of Science and Technology. He has accomplished a lot and traveled a lot, sometimes I see him on the television too.

About my college education: The course is very challenging. It is a five year course, and sometimes, it can take more than five years. Being smart and having good analytical skills will not be enough to finish the course. You also have to be hardworking and patient. You should not be discouraged by failed exams or failed subjects, you just have to keep moving forward and study harder.

My current job: I work as a quality assurance technician in a manufacturing company.

Am I using what I learned in college: What I have learned in college, both the technical stuff and the attitude stuff, are very helpful in my current job, and also in life in general.

How long did it take to find a job: I chose to take the licensure exam first before looking for a job. However, finding a job was very easy since some companies are already inviting me to job interviews even before I started applying to any company. That is one of the many perks of studying in a prestigious university, companies tend to look for you instead of the other way around.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: So yes, I definitely recommend it!

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Taking Chemical Engineering will not be easy, but in the end, it will be all worth it. There will be a lot of disappointments along the way but at the end, it is very fulfilling once you finished the course.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: Since I was a child, I dreamt of becoming an engineer. And I found ChemEng to be the right course for me. Chemical Engineers are considered to be the 'universal engineers' because their scientific and technical mastery is so broad.

About my college education: Studying Chemical Engineering was a challenge indeed. There were no "boring" subjects, all were really difficult and challenging. Each class, may it be a major or an elective on, surely stimulated my brain cells and allowed me to think outside the box. Logical skills and critical thinking was very important as well as having a very retentive memory. Moreover, a student will not be able to succeed this course without patience, hard work, self discipline and time management. My whole academic life was such a roller coaster, too many ups and downs and loops. Having a positive attitude will really help anyone to keep them going despite of all the hardships.

My current job: I am a cadet engineer in an oil industry. I am in charge more on process improvement initiatives.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes. I am able to apply a lot of chemical engineering principles in my current job such as thermodynamics, process control and design, industrial chem, and so much more.

How long did it take to find a job: I did not look for a job right away because I was focused more on preparing and taking the board exam. But I got a job 2 months after passing the board exam.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: A chemical engineer can find a niche in any scientific or engineering field. There is a large number of industries which depend on the synthesis and processing of materials, thus placing the chemical engineer in great demand. In addition to traditional examples such as the chemical, energy and oil industries, opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, electronic device fabrication, and environmental engineering are increasing. You will be faced with a very challenging and fulfilling career.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: It is very important that you study and work really hard to get good grades. But I suggest you also join student organizations (may it be academic or non academic) as these organizations groom you to become a more flexible and well rounded individual. It can also develop your leadership skills, which most of the companies you are going to apply to after college are looking for. Being a part of a student organization will develop your sense of responsibility and you'll have better understanding of how to prioritize things.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: A twist of fate... And I used to make potions when I was a kid. Didn't get into Hogwarts, so I went for this. Lol

About my college education: Chemical Engineering equips you to understand how transformations, both physical and chemical, occur at the molecular level and tells you how to take it to a whole new level. A lot of the things we take for granted in our daily lives come to us through large-scale production plants (tissue paper, processed meats, matchsticks, potato chips, beauty products, you name it), and that's what chemical engineering is all about: blowing things up from Erlenmeyer-flask size to reactor-vessel size. Once you know how the transformations happen, you can think of yourself as a modern alchemist. Turning the sludge you flush down the toilet into potable water - no problem, you can handle that. It's no easy matter, though.

Aside from the basic package of chemistry and mathematics / engineering, you'll have to have natural sciences, social sciences, and economics safely tucked in your pocket if you want to master this course.

Now, if you decide to take on the challenge, be prepared for this:

1. Hardcore chemistry, mathematics, and engineering courses that will make you ask, "Why am I letting myself go through all this pain? T_T"
2. Hardcore chemical engineering subjects - which you'll come to realize are COMPLETELY different from chemistry subjects
3. Hardcore equipment design
4. AND THE MOTHER OF IT ALL. Plant Design. And Thesis / Practicum.

Depending on how things turn out, this could be a dash across a bed of coals or a promenade... Through HELL. Passing rates aren't that high - it's somewhat expected of all engineering courses. Don't despair, though. Persistence is key, and everybody seems to have more than an adequate supply of it. You'll catch the disease, for sure. The prize awaiting every engineer is <3, so it's worth the fight.

Don't worry, though. Once you're more than halfway through, you could be seeing the world in a different light. Thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, in particular, would be apparent in the mundane tasks of your daily life. Opening that refrigerator, turning that faucet, switching on the electric fan, washing machine, etc. Yeah, you'd see them a little differently. After all, science helps you understand the world a little better.

To succeed in this course, you should be at least one of these two:
1. Possesses a burning passion for chemical engineering, as a field of study
2. Possesses a burning passion to become a chemical engineer (even if he or she is clueless to what a chemical engineer does, but simply wants that license and mid/far-future high-paying job)

Or if not, just be determined. You could love chemical engineering, but it might not love you back. So yeah, be a fighter.

Disclaimer: it's okay to give up. This isn't meant for everybody. Cheer up!

My current job: I'm a process engineer - I design "stuff" that you'll find in processing plants. There are many kinds of "stuff" involved, and typically, I have to at least find out how big these "stuff" should be. Sounds simple, but to make a piece needs consideration of what you're gonna put in that "stuff, " how much you'll put in, how you want to put it in, how you'll connect various "stuff" to one another etc. - all the while making sure not a single part will explode. Haha.

There's a lot of other possibilities, though. Academe, research, manufacturing, environmental compliance, quality assurance, production, project management. It's a really wide field - a double edged sword, if you ask me.

Am I using what I learned in college: The technical aspect is very important for my current work, although it doesn't seem to be the case in other possible jobs.

The skills that I got, though, that weren't transmissible from teacher to student, are no doubt useful in any profession. These include time management, working under pressure, being innovative, communication and Microsoft office skills, etc.

How long did it take to find a job: I took over half a year off to study for and take the board exam. After the board exam, I let a month pass before searching for jobs, just to have rest + more fun. I began actively searching for jobs thereafter, and it took me four months before I got hired.

So, 7 months (board exam review + board exam) + 1 month (own time) + 4 months (job hunt)...

12 months = 1 year. I like to focus on the 4 month active job hunt, though.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Employment opportunities: yes

Salary level:
You can earn anywhere from a really small amount to a huge amount, depending on where you go. As I said, the range of chemical engineering is really wide, so it will really depend on what company. If you go abroad, you could probably do six or more digits, but that's not really for everybody, so don't count on that.

No matter where you go, though, I think becoming a more experienced employee would get you a salary level above many other (but not all) professions.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Most students in my course are blinded by the name of the course - it just sounds so good, eh? My advice to you, my padawan, is to be sure of what you're doing. Adele said, "regrets and mistakes, they are memories made."

So try to find out first what chemical engineering is about and what you'll eventually be doing. Then if you do decide to venture into this realm, pick up your sword - it's going to be a hell of a battle. :)

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: They say Chemical Engineers are the universal engineers. They are versatile and knowledgeable in a lot of subject matters.

About my college education: Chemical Engineering is really tough. First, you have to study Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics before you can proceed with more hardcore engineering sciences and chemical engineering majors. You will also be required to take technical writing class, economics class, even electrical and civil engineering subjects. And then there are your major subjects that you have to juggle and plan when to take them because most of the subjects are seasonal.

It will take a lot of sleepless nights before you can graduate in this course. So, you do not only need a sharp mind but a healthy body as well. And it also helps if you will have a positive attitude. There may be a lot of group activities so you also need to value teamwork and camaraderie.

The plant design will probably the greatest challenge in your entire chemical engineering undergrad experience. It is what you have been prepared for in all those subjects you took before that. Hard work and patience can do you a lot.

My current job: Process Engineer

Am I using what I learned in college: Chemical Engineering is process oriented and industrial scale, so yes, I am able to apply it very much in my current position.

How long did it take to find a job: 7 months

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: I can recommend it to those who thinks they can handle the challenges and the pressure. If you are not academically gifted, you may find it very difficult and eventually shift to another course, just like a lot of my other batch mates. So think hard before taking the course.

Since you will be able to acquire a wide variety of skills throughout your undergrad years, there will be a lot of career opportunities available to chemical engineers.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: It's not easy to get into the program as it is a "quota course", and once you are in, it will never be easy. Just study hard and be patient. Some students may take it more than the allotted 5 years, because of a lot of possible reasons. But do not be discouraged, because once you become a Chemical Engineer, you will feel utmost happiness and fulfillment!

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: Chosen as an alternative to taking Fine Arts. I was told only few people can survive the course, and I liked the challenge. So why not?

About my college education: Most students can get pass thru the basics easily. It's the unit operations and thermodynamics that will determine your capacity. Just remember that life gets better after ;)

My current job: I get to be the person who creates, implements, ensures, and audits Environmental, Social, Safety, and Health compliance and others on Renewable Energy Power Plant projects for the pre-construction, construction, and operation phase of the Plant.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, but not all.

How long did it take to find a job: After graduation and board exam: 2 months.


Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Yeah, the pay is low at first (still depends on the company you're applying) but as you acquire experiences they'll pay you for your knowledge and skill.
For Environmental Professionals in Philippines: 0-2 years: 13,000 - 25,000 | 3-5 years: 30-80k

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Chemical Engineering is a very broad course. If you see yourself just focusing on one direction, then think about it first. But if you're unsure of what to get and think you can get thru life whatever it throws at you, then choose ChE because it can help you survive different industries.

About my college education: Chemical Engineering was a tough yet very enjoyable course. You will be learning a lot as this field of study can be considered as a "jack of all trades", you can be employed in a very wide choices of the industry.

Skills that are neede for this course are analytical skills, love and passion for Chemistry, problem solving Skills, hardwork, detail-oriented, organized, and disciplined in focusing on formulas and figures

My current job: Engineering Consultant for Environmental Compliance / Quality Management Engineer

Am I using what I learned in college: As of the moment, I am already leading a group of Chemical Engineers mostly of my age from different top universities in the Philippines. Our knowledge in Chemical Engineering gives us the opportunity to become consultants in the growing field of Environmental Compliances such as Restrictions of Hazardous Substances.

How long did it take to find a job: After passing the board examinations, in less than a week I had a job offer from a famous Multinational Electronics Company.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Chemical Engineers might be employed by companies who hire their services out to chemical product manufacturers, environmental entities, municipalities, and the like; toward aiding them in safe and proper chemical management.
Salary level will always be higher than usual and career growth will always be fast.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I chose BSChE because I considered my academic stregths which are Math and Chemitry. The high demand for ChE both for local and international markets was also a factor; true enough - all ChE graduates from our school are employed. Plus, the prestige of being a ChE which is dubbed as the Universal Engineer, because we can work in diversed platforms, ranging from industrial plants (petroleum, food, medicine, semiconductors, etc.), research and development sector, engineering business firms and a lot more.

About my college education: I can say chem eng is cool but challenging! My first two years are relaxed. No need to review, no need to cram, because subjects are general education. But when the major subjects came in, it was the start of sleepless nights. There were lots of requirements, from psets to reports to term papers. Much more when thesis and plant design were in a single semester!

According to my prof, there are actually four major subjects for ChE - unit operations, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and processs control. That's why it is recommended that students should have a strong foundation in math, chemsitry and physics.

We were 27 during the first year. We were only 12 who graduated on time. Others shifted after first year first sem. Others graduated late.

Besides the technical part, the most useful learning I had with this course are time management and discipline. One should know how to balance everything, from academics to leadership to social life to lovelife. As what I have said, this is a very demanding course that it reprimands an ordinary student to give up at least two from those I have mentioned to succeed with the course.

My current job: I am currently a Sales Engineer in a Fortune 500 mutinational company. We are selling transmitters. I support a team that prepares proposal and keeps track of customers' order until it is delivered to them.

Am I using what I learned in college: For my current job, the soft skills (communication, leading, management, etc.) are the most practical. The company does business in a very complex way and one can learn best the technical part while doing the business. We are an instrument company and ChE has only one subject in Instrumentation.

How long did it take to find a job: I started applying after passing the board exam. It took me less than 3 months to land on a supervisory job.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: There are lots of employment opportunities, both here and abroad. The salary is not that good for entry level jobs (18k average), but after you have gained experiences and expertise, you can work abroad and earn millions. ChE is on of the highest paid professions in Europe and in the rest of the world.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: You're in the right path. Chem eng is cool! It will lead you to a great and exciting career. If you are considering a science course, I highly recommend this.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: Chemical Engineering is a profession like no other. I was totally impressed by my Uncle who was then a very successful Chemical Engineer and I really wanted to be just like him.

About my college education: Chemical Engineering is a five year course where in you will have a lot of subjects to study. During the first year, fundamentals such as chemistry, mathematics, physics and biology will be taken up. And then later on, different engineering sciences and other basic engineering courses will be taken up also. And of course the major Chemical Engineering subjects such as Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Biochemical Engineering, Transport Phenomena, Chemical process control, Equipment design, plant design and so much more.

It was very tedious, very challenging, time consuming, and stressful. There were a lot of difficult exams and subjects where in it will be "normal" to fail. If you do not have a support group to help you study as well as help you cope with different failures, you'll go crazy. Of course, you also need to have passion. The love for learning and the determination to succeed is very vital.

My current job: I am a cadet engineer working in a petrochemical company.

Am I using what I learned in college: Some of it, yes. Some, I have already forgotten. But the most important things that I am able to apply in my job is the sense of responsibility and accountability as well as professionalism. UP has trained me, not only to be a knowledgeable man, but also to be a well rounded individual.

How long did it take to find a job: I had to prepare and pass my board exam first. It took me almost a year before I got the job.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: I recommend Chemical Engineering. Chemical Engineers are very versatile, so there are a lot of career opportunities to choose from. And if you have a change of hearts, chemical engineering is also a good pre-med and pre-law course. Chemical Engineers have very broad academic background, one can also be an entrepreneur since we also had several economics subjects.

As a chemical engineer, the pay is good. And you have a promising career growth once you enter the industry. A very fulfilling career indeed.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: The Chemical Engineering course is like a battle field. You should be able to determine where your strengths and weaknesses are. It won't be easy. But in the end, it will be all worth it.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: The course was very appealing. I knew a lot of successful chemical engineers back then, and they were already "big time" even though they were just starting out in their career.

About my college education: Studying Chemical Engineering was tough. During your first two years, your subjects will be a mixture of Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. It started out easy, and it gets difficult each time the number at the end of the subject increases. When you reach third year, Engineering Sciences and major Chemical Engineering subjects are there.

I failed a lot of exams. And I repeated two subjects. However, these failures did not stop me from graduating. I was still able to graduate on time (5 years), which I consider as an achievement, since a lot of chemical engineering students are delayed.

Plant design and thesis, both on your fifth/last year of study, are the most tedious of all. It will result to a lot of sleepless nights are sometimes I would even miss my other classes because of this.

My current job: I work as an internal auditor in our company.
We make audits in order to assess whether or not the company complies to a certain standard.

Am I using what I learned in college: I have learned a lot in college, but not all it were applicable to my current job. For instance, I still cannot figure out where I can apply integral calculus or reaction kinetics on my job, especially this one.

How long did it take to find a job: 3 weeks.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Definitely! Chemical Engineers have endless employment opportunities.
In addition, there are surveys that show that on the average, chemical engineers earn better than other types of engineer and other science courses graduates.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Think hard before you take a dip into the very difficult world of Chemical Engineering.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I am very good with math, and I thought I can build more on this strength once I take up an engineering course.

About my college education: Once you study Chemical Engineering, you will be exposed to different areas of science and math. It can actually make you drown in so many information. There is so much to learn, but one should be eager enough to absorb as many as s/he can! These learning are very helpful. Chemical Engineering is a very powerful field that can give you a very fruitful career, but first, you have to do good with your school and academics. You should study hard, learn how to prioritize each requirements and always come to class prepared.

My current job: I am a design engineer in a petrochemical company. It is in the research and development department. I am in-charge of formulating new innovations to improve our process and products.

Am I using what I learned in college: In the design industry, yes, I am very much using my college subjects in here. I am very grateful that we have plant design subjects and process control and all that, all of which very much applicable in my current position. Even the technical drawing part, that I thought I won't use, I am using it here as well.

How long did it take to find a job: 7 months

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Honestly, I think Chemical Engineering is the best undergraduate program ever existed. Chemical Engineers are very versatile! They are knowledgeable in so many different subject areas. You can be a big time chemical engineer, or if it doesn't work out, chemical engineering can be your pre-law or pre-med course because of the fundamental subjects that you take during the program. Chemical engineers can be entrepreneurs too... It is really a very ideal undergraduate degree!

There are a lot of different industries that can use a chemical engineering graduate. The options are almost limitless. You just have to choose wisely to land to a position that you'll love and at the same time, pay you really good as well.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: This is a very challenging course, this is not for those who buckle under pressure and give up when there is too much stress. Chemical Engineering is for smart and strong people.

About my college education: I love studying in Adamson because it allows me not only to excel in academics but also to other Non Academic Organization. The university allows me to get out to my comfort zone and challenge myself more. What's interesting with the school is that students are accommodating and friendly. A school that you won't feel that your alone. Most students call you "classmate" even if you're not his/her classmate and talk to you as if he/she know you. What is difficult with the school is that its located in Manila and when flooding most occur.

My current job: Production Supervisor

Am I using what I learned in college: I gain allot of technical knowledge from this school which gave me an edge to the industry and at the same time I am an active organization officer and I give Adamson and our Academic advisers for training us how to cope with stress, be versatile and to be humble those attitude helps me to keep up with my professional career.

How long did it take to find a job: 4 days after graduation

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Yes. I will highly recommend my school especially my course to students with inclination to math and science. I recommend our school because they prepare students to face the jungle or known to as the industry technically but keeping its values and integrity.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I chose this course because I am very good in Mathematics and Chemistry in the first place. Mathematics is just a walk in the park for me. I love joining Mathematics quiz bowls and win them all. On a separate juncture, Chemistry for me is like another very interesting reading material where I looked forward to having a glimpse of the climax of the story.

About my college education: The first two years for me were very easy. I could easily ace the exams with the least possible effort. However, on the third year onward, I needed to study new concepts and some others needed to be memorized. This time, I really started exerting effort in studying. The exams really require your tough analytical and careful mathematical abilities. I really love it when exams go this way.

We started with a booming 100+ enrollees and graduated with a population of just around 30+. I should say that the traits that made me succeed include my inextinguishable determination, willpower to achieve my goals and desires, handwork and most especially prayers.

However, on a positive note, Chemical Engineering students are above average students compared with students from other departments. Most students of the Chemical Engineering department really take an effort in studying our subjects.

My current job: I am a Product Development Engineer in a well-known company. I do research on possible ways of enhancing our products as well as provide inputs on how to make our process more efficient.

Am I using what I learned in college: My research skills were very applicable. Application of Mass Balance principles were used from time to time. I am also asked to design equipment that would be used for our operations; hence the use of my learning in Unit Operations. Laboratory analyses were very persistent and I have to do it all by myself for confidentiality of results. However, not all learning from college were applied in my present work.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me around 2 months to find my first job, which also provided me with good compensation.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: For Employment opportunities, yes. However, you could not expect very high salary with this course in our country. A fresh graduate could earn around 10,000 to 25,000 PHP in the Philippines, depending on what industry or company you belong to.
Experienced employees have much better pay in other countries.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: If you consider this as your future career, better yet be prepared beforehand. Start establishing/ building a good foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics for these are the fundamental and basic requirements in dealing with Chemical Engineering problems. Teachers normally do not review these things and assume that you already know the basic principles.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I wanted to take up a course that will give me a stable and high paying job and I believed that Chemical Engineering will give me just that, and probably even more.

About my college education: Chemical Engineering is very difficult. There were too many subjects that needed so many calculations and derivations as well as memorizations. There were so many requirements that were needed all at the same time. To add to that, aside from the projects and assignments, you have to study for recitations everyday, exams every month. It was crazy tedious.

One should really have full determination in order to finish the course. If you are not determined enough to make it up to the finish line, you will probably shift to another easier course. But I am telling you, giving up on chemical engineering is a bad choice. Maybe it's ok to take a detour or have a little stop over, but still, you have to move forward to reach the finish line. Because once you've crossed the finish line, all your efforts will not be in vain, it will really pay off, big time! Just be patient and keep on moving forward, up until the very end.

My current job: I am a Quality Assurance technician.
I am in-charge of on process and finished products inspection. That is to ensure that our products meet the required specifications for different parameters in order to achieve customer satisfaction.

Am I using what I learned in college: Not really. Although I really learned a lot, most of it, especially the theories are not applicable to my previous and current jobs. The values and the skills however, I was able to use is more than the theories.

How long did it take to find a job: 6 months

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Chemical Engineers can be considered as one of the most sought after professions these days, so yes, it is highly recommended in terms of employment opportunities.

Salary level is relatively high compared to other fields, but then again, it will still depend on the company that you will enter. Nonetheless, chemical engineering is indeed very fulfilling and interesting career.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Chemical engineering is a very difficult and challenging course. It will take up a lot of energy and time. But it will be definitely worth it in the long run. So if I were you, I won't hesitate even a bit, I will wholeheartedly take up this degree program.

About my college education: It was challenging even difficult, if I may say so. But I found it fulfilling. Perhaps it's what you feel if you love what you're doing even if it seems difficult.
Primarily, one should be hard working. All other skills like interpersonal skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, and others can be developed if one pushes himself to study the lessons he has to learn. In this way, he gets to familiarize himself to the concepts, theories, and especially the basics, which are the foundation of more complex topics.

My current job: I graduated November 2012, and I am not yet employed. In fact, I am reviewing for the board examination. Having a license increases the opportunity of employment, and is a requirement of the law for jobs where design and Chemical engineering judgment/decisions, among others, are involved.
I had an On-Job-Training, which is a course requirement, as a Lab Analyst in a mining company.

Am I using what I learned in college: Applications of the concepts of Chemical reactions and material balances, to name some, are very useful in the different industries where processes are involved where the materials are fed and products are obtained. It is a sort of accounting the materials, and can be used to solve situations like determination of how much of materials should be initially fed.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Yes. As they say, "no chemical engineer has no job, unless by choice". Employment opportunity for chemical engineers is high, since chemical engineers can be employed in wide range of fields, from manufacture to design of equipment, and even in consultancy.
It can be as interesting as is could be, especially perhaps if you will be employed in the manufacture of food and beverages. You will appreciate how the things you consume and use are made with the application of the different chemistry and chemical engineering concepts.
The salary, depending on the job, is from average to high. And as one gets experience, the higher the salary will become.

About my college education: My degree in Chemical Engineering involved many disciplines, making it one of the most academically challenging courses in UPLB, alongside the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine's degree. Chem.Eng., as we often refer to the course, basically involved extensive training in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences. A little about Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Accounting and Economics, Management, Computer Applications, and a lot more. As we say it, Chemical Engineers are the jack-of-all-trades. Analysis and problem-solving were part of student's everyday life. It takes strong discipline in order to finish the course on time.

My years in the University were quite challenging, yet very enjoyable. I joined three different organizations in order to hone my interpersonal and leadership skills. Through these organizations, I was able to meet people from different walks of life, and hence, widened my horizon. The most challenging in my stay in the university was balancing my academic and social life, actually.

My current job: My latest job was as an Operations Manager in a manufacturing firm.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, I believe so. Everything I learned in the University proved to be helpful in my everyday life, most especially the attitude I have come to develop in the academic and leadership trainings.
I am using practically a mix of everything. To be more particular, analytical and problem-solving skills, time management, mathematical, and technical writing skills are part of my daily routine.

How long did it take to find a job: I did not hunt for a job until 5 years after graduation. I got married right after graduation and was immediately involved in my husband's political career, so I had to put mine on hold, until I find it was high time for me to use my education and start my own career.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Yes, I would recommend this course because it offers a wide-range of career opportunities and because of the rewarding pay, both in the Philippines and abroad. It is fulfilling because you will get to fully understand the importance of Chemical Engineering in every man's life.

About my college education: Chemical Engineering is one of the most difficult and challenging fields of engineering courses as most students would say and I am one of those who were able to experience what it would be like being a chemical engineering student. I spent almost five years at the University in order to fulfill my dream to become a chemical engineer. Years have passed but I could still vividly remember all the memories I have with my alma mater.

My student life in the university was never easy in fact I have spent restless nights thinking, analyzing and finding solutions to every mathematical problem given to us. There were subjects I find easy but there were those I really find difficult. But because I'm interested and determined to finish my course, I never gave up. Every day was a challenge for me. A battle I need to combat and my main goal was to win. I studied hard every single day. I sacrificed a lot. I forget about parties, going to the malls during free hours and even going out with friends. I made use of my time spending most of it at the library opening pages of books, taking down notes, reviewing problem calculations, understanding different theories and concepts. Books were my friends and my pen and handbook were my weapons.

My current job: Currently, I am working as a quality control staff in one of the toll manufacturers here in the province of Cebu.

Am I using what I learned in college: I have learned a lot as a student but I have to admit not all are applicable at work. Maybe it depends upon the nature of your job. In my case, being a Quality Control Staff, most of my tasks pertains to product inspections and customer complaint investigations where I seldom use principles and theories I learned at school but merely uses my own personal judgment based on actual results. I guess learning is a continuous process and it does not end when we receive our diplomas. We must continue to search for knowledge in every tasks and activities we have daily.

How long did it take to find a job: I landed this job soon after I took the board exam in Nov 2003. I did not return to the province right away but instead took the chance to apply for a job. Luckily I was hired and now I am on my 7th year here in this company.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: For people who likes numbers and critical problem solving I guess chemical engineering is a good choice. For those who just want to have a taste of it, forget it you will just waste your time. This course is only for those who have the dedication and interest because this requires a lot of thinking and challenges. Don't get to it simply because of others influence or simply to look cool but because you know you have all the potentials to become one. Remember chemical engineering is a course chosen by many but passed only by the chosen few. If you think you have what it takes then go for it. Be ready for the challenge and be the next chemical engineer in the country.

About my college education: I would have to say that my college years are by far the most difficult, the most exciting and the most fun I had in my life.

It is interesting in a lot of ways. The school system was quite different from that of the others. Being enrolled in a university that is acknowledged as one of the leading universities in the Philippines, proved to be difficult in different aspects of college life, especially on the academic side, but at the same time fulfilling and rewarding, and provides a feeling of security knowing that I have a bright future ahead of me.

My current job: I am currently working as a Sales Manager for a private company supplying electronics and machine parts to industrial plant situated mostly in Luzon areas.

Am I using what I learned in college: What I learned from the university is definitely useful in my professional career. I always remember what one of my favorite professors said when I asked him why he keeps on giving us very difficult exams, he said, "It is not about knowing the lessons, it is all about understanding the process of learning, and that is what this university is teaching you."

Well, I have to say, he is right. All those challenges I faced when I was in college really taught me to be open to a lot of things, to learn and understand those things, and to make intelligent and sound decisions. These are very, very important to my professional career.

How long did it take to find a job: Finding job was never difficult at all. Right after the classes are over, before I march for graduation, I was hired as a process engineer.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: I would definitely recommend my course and my university to upcoming college students, especially to those that have interests in chemistry and engineering. But for those who are not interested in this field of study I would suggest to do whatever it is you want and whatever will make you happy.

Why did I choose Chemical Engineering: I wanted to be an Engineer major in Aerospace. Through the deep modernization of chemicals, materials and substances used in the industry I can definitely maximize my full potenital and apply all knowledges that I will learn during my college life. And I like my life to revolve around chemical things.

About my college education: Advanced chemical engineering knowledge. The designing, the development and the construction of the chemical structure of materials and equipment that will be used for construction of Airplanes and Aero related things. Subjects are pretty destroying to the brain but the Good part is the End result I will be the best Chemical Engineer that may be .

Traits? Well... you should be smart, initiative, excellent intuition and very good decision making.

My current job: I am an Aerospace Engineer in NAIA.
My task involves the designing and constuction of the airplanes and equipments used there.

Am I using what I learned in college: Definitely all of it. The ideas, the knowledge, theories, chemical involvement. Almost the whole of it because if you missed on thing it might cost you the lives of many people.

How long did it take to find a job: 10-11 months. Because I took up the Licensure exam and passed it. Also it takes a lot of time to be hired inside this kind of Job.

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: Employment - it depends because it is difficult to find a job like this especially this jobs are for professionals and no joking around.

Salary Level - high. even if you are a rookie the pay is very generous and you will be rich in less than a year.

Career - Honestly this is what I believe is the best Goal setting career EVER.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Advice that I can give, Work Hard, Study Hard, understand every lessons given and put it into heart and mind.

About my college education: Interesting? Yes.
Difficult/Challenging? A big YES.
Enjoyable? Depends on the teacher, and partly on the students.

Skills required: Analytical, logical, spatial, math (lots of it), and capability to stay up late - or all night - in the lab or doing calculations.

My current job: Postgrad student (MS)

Am I using what I learned in college: Using what I learned (i. e. theories, formulas, etc. )? Not really. I didn't have the chance to take on a hard-core chemical engineer's job. but I was able to apply logic and resourcefulness in my previous job - traits/skills which I guess not everyone possesses (I'm proud to have been trained as an engineer when it comes to that).

How long did it take to find a job: 1 year

Do I recommend studying Chemical Engineering: I do recommend in terms of employment opportunities.
For me, the starting salary range of entry-level engineers is not really that high. (but it could be high enough for others. )