Why did I choose Chemistry: My high school chemistry teacher inspired me. Aside from my cool teacher, I really love science. I said to myself way back, I want to become a researcher and be of help to humanity.

About my college education: I learned how to deal with the challenges I meet everyday. I became resourceful and independent. I also think more critically and influence others to be the same.

For me the most difficult was organic chemistry. I die at every synthesis problem and was only revived after the exam results.

Many block-mates shift to other courses. I believe Chemistry is not an easy course but after finishing it, I feel really fulfilled. The best things are those you really worked hard for.

My current job: I am now a quality control analyst at a petrochemical company at Batangas City.
I get a say if the produced polyethylene/polypropylene pellets (the ones used for making plasticated materials) will be a prime grade, a near-prime, or even a black spec which is sold in lesser value. I analyze the pellet's properties like melt flow (measure of the polymer's viscosity), density, etc.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes! Not only the knowledge but also the virtues. Those things I learned in dealing with different kinds of people. How the school where you graduated is really not a big deal. At work, all become equals because you all need to keep your feet off the ground to maintain a peaceful workplace.

How long did it take to find a job: A month.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: There are many opportunities for Chemistry graduates today! Chemist are really in demand because there is a rise of industrialization.

Salary is really good and a fresh grad would expect a starting salary not less 20,000. An experienced employee could earn 35,000 and above and if you are lucky enough, you can earn 6 digits :)

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: I want to say that it is really an exciting course! You learn how you get a bad breath when you don't eat, why elemental carbon exists as either diamond or graphite, and what happens to electrons when you use your gadgets and these things you get to know at the molecular level! Isn't it cool and amazing?

You just really need to have a couple of good study habits, a bountiful of prayers, and a gazillion worth of patience.

Why did I choose Chemistry: It was secondary to Chemical Engineering, which was a heavier option back in high school.

About my college education: Chemistry is not just about the periodic table and who arranged it, or how to make soap from lye, or how carbon exists in different forms.

Chemistry is as diverse as you can see it. Its scope can range from drugs, bacteria, natural products and medicines, environment, culinary, inorganic chemicals, etc. etc. etc... In short, chemistry spans everything else.

Most difficult subject for me was Quantum Chemistry, which gave me the lowest grade back in College, although still passing.

Most useful things I learned: Patience. Honesty (do not "doctor" results!). Teamwork. Dedication.

My current job: I am a Laboratory Analyst working in the largest Petroleum Refinery in the Philippines.

I am assigned in the Power Plant arm of the refinery, so I handle coal, petroleum coke, fly ash and bottom ash samples, and also water and wastewater analysis.
Not only that, I supervise the laboratory and make sure everything is working well, chemical and supplies inventory is above normal, and other management stuff.

Am I using what I learned in college: Although I am not doing reaction mechanisms and not handling Grignard's reagent now, the values I learned from my 4-year BS Chemistry experience are all with me and they keep me grounded in my current job.

How long did it take to find a job: I graduated in April 2009.
Started reviewing for the boards [for 3 months] in May.
Took the exam in September. Got the results the following day. Sent out application letters and e-mailed different companies within that week.

Got a call from an employer within a week, was subjected to interviews the following day, and had Day 1 on that company after 5 days.

Oh yeah.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Now that the Chemistry Law has been passed (requiring all chemical companies and industries to have at least 1 registered chemist to make their existence legal), the demand for Chemists has drastically increased and reached a new high. In fact, it is difficult to hire a licensed chemist now, since not many are interested to take it in College, but most companies do require one now.

Entry Level is 16K - 20K, depending on the company. As you go up, of course salary would increase also.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: The most useful traits if somebody would like to take this up are:
Good study habits (you can't sit pretty and not study and yet expect to pass the exams, because you won't)
Unselfishness (share what you learn. Studying Chemistry is harder if you do it alone. Reason our batch had the highest number of registered Chemists after graduation and board exams was because we loved to study in groups and sharing our knowledge and how we understood what we have studied individually beforehand.)
Fearlessness (don't be afraid to ask. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Don't be afraid to do an authorized experiment. Don't be afraid of the numbers and symbols and reagents and reaction mechanisms.don't be afraid of anything Chemistry.)

Why did I choose Chemistry: I love Science. And there are so many things to explore in the field of chemistry. During my high school years, I really wanted to become a scientist.

About my college education: Chemistry is very complicated. It has so many branches. And as if it wasn't enough, you still have to study mathematics, biology and physics. We were also required to take GE subjects like Philosophy, English, Speech Communication, History and the likes. By being in UP, you will surely have broad chest of knowledge. All of which, might come in handy when you enter the real world as a professional.

There are subjects that are difficult and inevitably, you may fail in some of the exams or subjects. But in order to succeed, you must be able to bounce back after each failures. And always do better than the last.

My current job: Laboratory Technician. I test using gas chromatography, HPLC and spectrophotometry.

Am I using what I learned in college: The laboratory techniques and organic chemistry concepts as well as analytic chemistry are very helpful in my current job.

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

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: I recommend BS Chemistry as there are a lot of job choices available. The starting salary depends on the company, but it is not really difficult to find one that can give you a good pay, especially if your are licensed and a UP graduate.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Know your priorities. Studying Chemistry is not easy. But you do not have to burn yourself up. You can still have fun. Go out, meet great people, join organizations, develop some hobbies. But make sure that you know your core purpose why you enter college, and that is to learn and get a degree.

Why did I choose Chemistry: All throughout high school, I enjoyed my science subjects especially Chemistry. To add to that, my 3rd year chemistry teacher acknowledged my potential and inspired me to become a chemist. This motivated be to take the learning further and take BS Chemistry.

About my college education: Chemistry is a very wide field of study. During your first year, most of your subjects will be relatively easy, just like in high school you'll have general chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, and GE subjects of your choice, as well as PE classes. But starting second year onward, subjects start to get more complicated and challenging. Studying organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial chemistry is very difficult.

The lecture classes, most of the time, are large classes being taught by professors with doctorate degree. They have years of teaching experience and unparalleled expertise in their specific subject matter. The laboratory classes are smaller classes being taught mostly by younger instructors. The instructors may be young and inexperienced, but they are really good too. Most of them are UP graduates with honours or have aced in their licensure exam and most are currently taking masteral degrees. I enjoyed laboratory classes more than the lecture because it's easier to learn when you are doing experiments hands-on rather than just sitting and listening to the lecture.

In chemistry, you actually need to understand the concept instead of just memorizing it because the exams are rarely objective, most exams are like problem solving, sometimes you need to compute or sometimes you have to analyze chemical reactions. And yes, a lot of students fail and repeat some subjects. Some subjects are even seasonal, meaning they are offered for a specific semester every year, thus, a lot of students also get delayed because they have to wait another year to take the subject again. In addition, most of the subjects are like a series, you have to pass the first one before moving on to the next.

Two things I enjoyed most in college: Field Trips and Academic Organization! Different subjects have different field trip destinations. I really enjoyed joining these trips, aside from gaining extra credits in your class, you also get a glimpse in the industry that you will soon be a part of. Joining an academic org on the other hand, provides you with different extra curricular activities that will hone your leadership skills, time management skill as well as professionalism, and so much more. My academic organization actually made me versatile, competent and it gave me an edge.


My current job: I am a quality assurance specialist in charge of laboratory testings. My tests involve gas chromatography, titration, moisture analysis, refractive index and density calculations.

Am I using what I learned in college: Surprisingly, I was able to use a lot of chemistry theories in my current and past jobs. Analytical chemistry has been very useful to me. The laboratory techniques also are important and helpful.

In addition to that, the leadership and time management skills that I have developed in college are very much useful in the industry as well.

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

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: When you study BS Chemistry, you will have a lot of options. Chemistry can be a Pre-Med or a Pre-Law course. You can take Masters Degree as well for further learning. You can enter the academe and teach future chemists. You can also enter the industry, where a lot of different fields can be filled by a chemist.

Depending on the position and on the company, the salary level actually varies. But it is very easy to find one that can give you a satisfying amount with good benefits.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Being a chemistry student was indeed challenging. However, with the right amount of study and fun, you will be able to have the best college learning experience that you can be proud of. Failures and hardships are inevitable, you just have to move forward each time. Do not burden yourself and do not let the pressure get to you.

Why did I choose Chemistry: I am a Chemistry fan. The way it works fascinated me since I was a kid.

About my college education: We studied different branches of chemistry like analytical, physical, organic, biocemistry and industrial chemistry. We also have mathematics, biology and physics subjects. I have failed a lot of exams and a few subjects. I found organic chemistry difficult and physical chemistry relatively easy. GE subjects are really easy though. I liked Industrial Chem because it's field related and we have plant visits in different companies.

Taking Chemistry is tiring and your classes takes up a lot of time since most of your laboratory classes will be 6 hours. So if you have 3-4 laboratory classes in a semester, expect that your schedule will be jam-packed. I once experienced a semester where in during Tuesdays and Thursday my classes start by 7am and ends by 6pm, with no breaks in between. And then when it's exam week, exams will begin by 7pm. So I was so haggard that time.

Time management is one of the very important this to have, especially if you have a student organization to top it all with. I think having an inspiration also helps, as a source of motivation. I failed some subjects but my significant other has motivated me to keep on pushing and never surrendering.

My current job: I am a chemist, in charge of testing different physical and chemical properties of our incoming raw materials for our product.

Am I using what I learned in college: Very much. Since I am working as a chemist, laboratory theories and techniques are applicable here.

How long did it take to find a job: 8 months

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: There are a lot of career opportunities for Chem grads. You can work as QA or in R&D, even supply chain. Chemistry can also be a pre-med or pre-law course.

Entry level salaries are slightly lower compared to, let's say, a chemical engineer. But as you move up the ladder, salary gets better. There is career growth and fulfillment here, so yes, definitely recommendable!

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Chemistry is a challenge, be ready. The battle won't be easy but the rewards are great.

Why did I choose Chemistry: Back in highschool, I used to love Chemistry as I was really amazed with all those theories and it's practical application in real life. I was so curious to broaden my knowledge in this elusive field.

About my college education: Studying BS Chemistry has been such a whirlwind for me. The first few fundamental courses during my first year were relatively easy and I can breeze through everything without even having to put that much of an effort. However, as the Chem course code suffix increases, so does the mortality rate of the students taking the subject. Basically, Chem16 and Chem17 (General Chemistry) was easy for me, but come Chem120 (Analytical Chemistry), it was such a horror. I had to take the course twice. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed studying Chemistry because it was still fun and challenging for me.

Therefore, in order to succeed in this course, you need to have good analytical skills, self discipline, time management and focus. Having a support group (like your blockmates or orgmates or housemates) will also make studying a lot less stressful. It is really fun studying with friends.

My current job: I work as a Research and Development specialist in a manufacturing firm. I am assigned to develop new products that can be possibly be marketable.

Am I using what I learned in college: The theories I studied in college, most of it I already forgot after the board exam. What is really important in the industry is the skills you have acquired and developed throughout your stay in the university.

How long did it take to find a job: Imagine my surprise and my excitement when I was offered a job 3 weeks after graduation. I haven't even taken the licensure exam yet. This is one of the many perks of studying in a school like UPLB and moreover, studying a hardcore program like chemistry.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: There are a lot of career opportunities readily available for Chemistry graduates. In addition, the competition for the job is relatively low compared to other degree programs with so many graduates. You can definitely have a wonderful career growth and high paying jobs as a Chemistry graduate.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: One should be able to find his/her passion before enrolling in any degree program. Chemistry is not going to be easy, and if you lack passion for this particular field, then it will be blurry future for you. But still, if you really want to pursue Chemistry, you need a lot of hard work and focus. You should not be discouraged by any failures that you may encounter. Just keep on moving forward! Good Luck!

About my college education: The most challenging 4 years of my life, but a beautiful 4 years nonetheless. Being from a family of UP graduates and part of a BS Chem batch of only 21 students, I was pressured to stay regular, but not necessarily to excel. In the end, all my late nights and tears were worth it; the fulfillment one feels after working hard and pouring your sweat and blood into something is the sweetest achievement one can feel.

Skills required for this course:

> Analytical and problem solving skills are needed.

> Critical Thinking. Being in UP, you are exposed to the cultural differences of people you meet and work with, and local and national issues as well.

> Open-mindedness (due to varying cultures, religions and ideals/opinions one will meet in other general education classes/"GE" classes.)

> Math skills, especially the ability to think straight under pressure and time constraint (as in exams and experiments). This is also developed through constant "practice" when studying in UP.

> Innovation and resourcefulness. UPV is an excellent school, but I cannot deny that the facilities are less than satisfactory, thus, a UPV BS Chem graduate needs to be efficient and resourceful. This is one skill any student who studies in UPV will learn to develop through time.

> Ability to work individually and with a team.

> Patience, especially when dealing with lengthy experiments. A BS Chem student must also develop self-control, especially when dealing with proper lab protocol which is often being neglected due to being impatient and hurrying to get experiments done.

> Hard work, especially when doing research. But this is true with all courses.

> Independence especially when dealing with problems, academic or not.

My current job: I will graduated in April 26, 2013.
After graduation, we still have to take a board exam which usually occurs on September (not sure).

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes; surprisingly I have noticed myself answering random questions I never before understood, and I have caught myself debating with myself on concepts involving Chemistry (such as the chemistry involved in the brain that causes sensations such as memory, feelings, etc.). Besides the obvious equations (temperature, speed, etc.), I use basic principles in chemistry to explain everyday things such as why coffee is sweeter when hot, and less sweet when cold. Or how alcohol (ethanol) in your body causes you to get intoxicated, or the components of perfume and soap. It is very interesting to know the components of the things you use, or to know the basic principles behind their production.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Yes, Chemistry is a very wide course and one can take almost any route in the future, such as medicine, law, further chemistry/biochemistry studies and even business (like in the chemistry of food and drinks, cosmetics, etc.).

Salary level of chemists are relatively higher than that of other career options, especially because almost all industries require Chemists for quality control, and being a Chemist, you are involving yourself and your earned intelligence to a company/product for the benefit of millions of people.

Why did I choose Chemistry: I thought Chemistry was the easiest among all subjects when I was graduating in high school. I also would like to pursue pre-med course because I really want to be a doctor that time.

About my college education: Bs Chemistry was really, really hard. It was fun doing experiments but the point that you have to understand everything that is happening to your experiments annoyed me. It is very tedious that if you don't study, you won't pass. One cannot be happy go lucky. You really have tor be studious and patient. Chemistry is a science with a lot of math so you have to be good in both stuff.

My current job: I am into a business. I decided to get into this business few weeks after graduation.

Am I using what I learned in college: The things that I learned in school were very theoretical. I can still somehow apply the things that I learned in my business now. However, little.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: There is a lot of job opportunities for BS Chemistry graduates but the salary is very low especially in the Philippines.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Try to ask yourself if you really want to pursue and you are really ready for the challenge.

Why did I choose Chemistry: Enjoyed it in high school

About my college education: Many of my batchmates shifted to other courses after a year or so due to failing subjects. So I must say that it wasn't really an easy course to take up but the experience was all worth it. Studying Chemistry tested my patience and taught me a lot about myself.

My current job: Chemist

Am I using what I learned in college: Since being a Chemist involves technical stuff, what I learned from college were mostly useful.

How long did it take to find a job: 6 months after graduation. One month after the board exam.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Chemistry as a profession is fulfilling, so yes, I would recommend it to others. Salary depends on the industry you want to be a part of. The salary range varies greatly and there a lot of employment opportunities here and abroad since almost every industry has a laboratory or needs a Chemist.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Enjoy each class and remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

Why did I choose : Because I am fond of doing chemical activities and very into chemical studies.

About my college education: What was difficult was memorizing so many amino acids and how DNA encoding happens and the different important biochemical cycles.

My current job: I am a High School Science teacher. I teach Grades 7,8,9 and 4th Year Science

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, but not to imposed yet because the teaching in college are very idealistic.

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

Do I recommend studying : Yes, because I think this course that encompasses almost all science fields.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Be strong in Mind, Body and Heart because these will surely be put to the test.

About my college education: Subjects arranged in decreasing level difficulty: Inorganic Chemistry - Analytical/Instrumentation - Physical - Biochem - Organic Chemistry - General.

Exams are challenging. Many fail our exams. You need to be patient, hardworking and you should know how to manage your time properly.

My current job: Research and Development Chemist

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes. In our field, you basically use almost everything you learned from school.

How long did it take to find a job: 2 months after board exam.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Yes. There are so many fields that we can explore. Salary is around 15,000-17,000 for a fresh graduate.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Study hard. Make your notes complete and correct in preparation for the board exam.

About my college education: It was a challenge for me. Although it was so hard for me I tried my best to succeed with the handwork and prayer to our almighty God.

My current job: Chemist at Standard Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes my learning in college is a big help, especially in laboratory works and other formulation.

How long did it take to find a job: It is easy to find a job because the competition is rare.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Yes, I recommend this, because it's very interesting and challenging. In terms of work it's a all around.

Why did I choose Chemistry: My high school chemistry teacher inspired me.

About my college education: I learned that this course is a really difficult course (no joke!). You have to study well, strive hard and always focus. Make a firm, non-regretful decisions so that you will go smoothly in studying (especially in exams!). But time management still the best trait you can acquire in this field of study.

My current job: Agrochemical Product Development and Regulatory Affairs Assistant Officer.
Although I'm not yet a registered/licensed chemist, still my company accepted me. This kind of job is one of a kind because you are in-charge of registering, regulating and developing agrochemical products like insecticides, herbicides and fungicides (pesticides).

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes but not all. But I developed my clerical and computer skills other than my laboratory skills which is another important skills in practicing this course.

How long did it take to find a job: 1 year and 4 months.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: There are tons of employment opportunities with different salary offerings (ranging from minimum to negotiable salaries - it really depends on your qualification and company you are applying for). So you better choose what specific field you will like.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Better choose, what field of study you are going to so that you will not have a regret in life and be called "jack-of-all trades, master of none", plus this is a really difficult course so you better think twice or thrice (if you can think several times, the better!).

About my college education: Chemistry is obviously a hard subject, one of the hardest physical science next to physics.
You need analytical skills, math skills, problem solving, hard work and patience.

My current job: Corporate QA Auditor

Am I using what I learned in college: Chemistry subjects are not utilize in my current job. But the skills like critical and analytical thinking which are all core skills in chemistry subjects are being used.

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

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: Chemistry offers wide employment opportunities from various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, academe etc.
So far I am happy with my current job.
Salry level is average.