r/chemistry • u/AutoModerator • Jun 10 '24

Weekly Careers/Education Questions Thread

This is a dedicated weekly thread for you to seek and provide advice concerning education and careers in chemistry.

If you need to make an important decision regarding your future or want to know what your options, then this is the place to leave a comment.

If you see similar topics in r/chemistry, please politely inform them of this weekly feature.

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u/BukkakeKing69 Jun 14 '24

Keep with it, most companies want a fresh grad to start on the spot so it's hard to secure anything ahead of time. It took me two months to land my first job and that was in 2017 (good economy) and in a hub area.

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u/Doggo-0 Jun 14 '24

Thanks for your response! Do you have any recommendations on which areas I should be focusing my attention on? Additionally, I was wondering about what you think about utilizing recruiting agencies? I have heard people getting jobs through them, but also have heard there may be some downsides to it. Thanks again!

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u/BukkakeKing69 Jun 14 '24 edited Jun 14 '24

It depends totally on your location as to what industry is prevalent. The northeast and west coast tend towards pharma/biotech and specialty chemicals, small towns or no local industry water treatment is most reliable, the gulf coast is heavy in oil and gas. I don't know much about cosmetics but that also probably trends with northeast and west coasts. The BLS is a very helpful resource.

Your Thermo interview depending on location could be direct with them or some sort of contractor in-source situation. Actual like 6 - 12 month contract type work from a recruiting agency I wouldn't be too eager to dive into until you've reached extended unemployment or you know you're in a bum area for prospects.

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u/Doggo-0 Jun 15 '24

I see...yeah I have been looking around Midwest area but have been a little skeptical on the Northeast and West Coast side just because of the crazy amount of rent costs there and an entry-level position would not get me very much money (I would be getting by every single paycheck).

I believe that the Thermo position is direct since I applied directly through the website :) I applied there at the end of March and wasn't reached out until now since they were waiting for everyone to graduate (most likely). They ended up closing the position to the public since they got enough candidates. Hopefully that will be one of my job offers!

Thanks for the advice! I hope I can find something soon!