chemical engineer vs industrial management

By the looks of it you may have to tone down your expectations a bit to at least land a job where experience can be accumulated.

The employer often have to replace somebody with a lot of experience and the first prize is mostly to replace the previous employee with somebody of almost equal experience.

This may not always be possible therefore management scans the capability's of applicants for promising signs for fast development.

Have an look at the non-engineering subjects you took over the years. I am sure it will contain something applicable (law etc). You can devote a section in the CV to these subjects and highlight your achievements in them and how you think it can be applicable to the specific tasks.

You can also enroll in additional courses to obtain a diploma or equivalent.

My final advise is, when you get a seemingly insignificant job your aim must be to be the best worker in that job in the world.

Hello Hendrik,

Thank you for your answer. It means that I have to go to school again to be able to fit in todays work demands. Do you know of any sight that offers free online course of industrial/project management, if so please help by informing me.

Thank you once more.

Kalu

Yes - Only if you want to start on management level.

There would however be a lot of jobs available that do not require management skills.

Yeah I agree with the 'H' on this one. Make sure you are applying for an entry level engineering job. Speak with your Alma Mater for guidance.

Are you a recent grad? What part of the world are you planning/wanting to work in?

cr3

Sounds to me as if you need to decide yourself if you want to have a career as a manager, or as a chemical engineer.

I have noticed whenever I read online job descriptions that the applicant is actually supposed to conform to the requirements for three jobs, and also be cheap or free for two out of the three functions at least.

What you need to do is decide whether you want to manage, or do your work, and then apply to companies that either need a Chemical Engineer, or need a manager.

If you have just gotten your degree, be very proud of that work you did to get the certifications you have. Do what is easy for you to do. It is hard for some people to do what is easy for you to do, and in a smart company that fact is respected.

I myself doubt that management skills can actually be learned in school, though it is not impossible. I suspect that management skills taught in school really amount to helpful hints more than real grasp of the tactics, but of course school is always a safe thing to be doing if you don't know what you are doing.

Patience. Somebody would surely hire you even if you don't have experience. Probably the job openings you have inquired requires management and experience. try looking for specific jobs directly related to chemicals.

Can I add to Nelson's thoughts:

If you have great confidence in Chem Engg -all of it,--- You should look straight into the Doubting Thomas's eyes and tell him/her nicely,seriously,firmly:

" You recruit me - and I assure you --I will prove to be your best Human Resource --best asset . History--I will make it!"

So it should be Chem Eng'g AND Ind'l Mgt. Not vs. Hehe! You can start from the very bottom. Prove yourself worthy by working your way up. I pressume you're still single so you have all the time to adopt and walk up the ladder.

Still looking for a position I see.

Here's some of the the past discussions

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/15976

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/15974

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/8290

Pick a field that you really want to excell in, something short term or long term.

Seek continuing education. Sometimes the mere proof that you're working on something (with proof) to better yourself professionally will get you in the door.

Try Online courses, professional reading material, member societies, organizations, periodicals, Forum Membership, peer recognition, school subject papers, other references...etc.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4SUNA_enUS241US241&q=engineering+continuing+education+programs+&btnG=Search

As Nel Said - Patience !!!

It is to be understood that you grow in experience with the jobs that you handle. You can not fulfil all requirements in first go. First work and gain experience - as has been advised by others. Your CV will gradually evolve.

The time spent on assignments will guide your future. So join a place where your expectations can be fulfilled. After few years, you will not need any other supporting academics.

Best of luck.

As said before "you may have to tone down your expectations a bit to at least land a job where experience can be accumulated".

As an alternative you can always go into politics. A lot of leaders made it to the top without knowledge or experience.

Nah. Here in the Philippines, you have to be an actor first before you go into politics.

Sounds like you have a phd in Chem Engineering. Not the easiest job to land since most jobs for chemical engineers out of school are entry level operations jobs which most employers only require a bachelors degree to fill. If they see a phd resume come across their desk, then they tend to discard these as they are over-qualified. I have a colleague who's son has a phd and cannot find a job despite the good economy in the states.

One place to look is the engineering companies such at Fluor, CH2M-Hill, Day & Zimmerman, etc. Since they tend to staff up and down depending on the work load, therefore they are more willing to take on people who may leave after a couple of years for a better job. The reason being is they might just cut you loose in the same time frame if the back-log of work drops off. Sometimes they are just desperate for a warm body to fill a position. Its not the best job from a security stand point, but it will get you in the door, give you some good exposure to engineering design, and once you get the first job on your resume, the rest are easy to find. You may be hired on as a contractor, but at least you will be employed and gaining experience.