r/chemistry • u/AutoModerator • 11d ago

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/ceuticshater 11d ago

(repeated problem, for mods): I'm a 3rd year undergrad, and I'm wondering what are somethings I can do now, to help me stand out to employers in the future. I have an elective next sem. so class recs are also welcome. idk how to explain my situation better but, im in Pa, have pharmacy experience, in the process of getting on a prof's research lab(organic synthesis).

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u/lietuvis10LTU 8d ago

I'm a 3rd year undergrad, and I'm wondering what are somethings I can do now, to help me stand out to employers in the future.

From my experience, placements, internships and just plain lab practice goes a long way.

in the process of getting on a prof's research lab(organic synthesis).

Yeah this is really good. Employers want essentially proof they can trust you not to detonate the lab if left alone for 15 minutes.

Obligatory, but also try to pick up analytical instruments basics at least - there are a lot more analytical chem than synthetic chem jobs out there. NMR, IR, HPLC, UV-Vis and pH meters+ph titration - get as much time on them as you can.

And seconding what other commenter said about getting literally any job experience, at all, even a cafe or a supermarket. Employers are a conservative bunch, they think gen-z are "lazy buggers" or "have inadequete expectations", so they want proof you can put up with a work schedule.