Here's how you can navigate the important factors when choosing your first job in chemical engineering.

In India, it's more about what you get over what you choose if you are not in a Tier-1 college (Top IITs and NITs). However, building your profile in a way can help you land into the choice of your sector by doing projects and internships that fall close to your field of Interest. Here are the sectors to look, 1) Oil and Gas: By far, the most lucrative sector historically. Be it in process, production, or R&D this sector pays you the most but working conditions can be harsh as in offshore assignments. 2) Fertilizer, Paints, Speciality Chemicals: Less lucrative but diverse in terms of technologies involved, however except for specialty chemicals, the other two are stagnant. 3) EPCM Companies: Google this one, I am short on words. ChEers!

In India, for chemical engineers major jobs are exist in the oil & gas industry and fertiliser industry and R&D sectors if we talk about government (PSU) jobs. So, job in PSU sector is totally dependent on what you get or not. In private sectors, chemical engineers can do work in oil and gas industry (Reliance & Nayara Energy, HMEL, Cairn,) EPCC (like Tata, L&T, Technip India, Toyo etc.), Chemical industry, Energy sector, pharmaceutical industry, food & beverage industry, manufacturing industry etc. so in private sector options are more compare to PSU.

Even before getting the first job is getting the first internship and often getting into a university with close ties to the industry you want to join. Some schools are much better connected to certain industries - the large state schools in Texas have a foothold in petrochemicals and oil & gas industries.

Choose an industry that aligns with career goals and offers above-average pay. Look for roles where skills can be developed and later sold in freelance or own business ventures. Avoid industries that pigeonhole into menial tasks or roles without growth potential.

il est important de détailler votre expérience dans la conception, le développement et l'optimisation de procédés industriels. Mentionner des exemples précis de projets où vous avez appliqué vos compétences en génie des procédés pour résoudre des problèmes complexes et améliorer l'efficacité des opérations. Quantifier vos réalisations en termes d'économies, d'augmentation de la production, de réduction des déchets, etc. est très important, cela rends réel les compétences que vous avez en tant qu'ingénieur

Ensure the job role is clearly defined and includes responsibilities that enhance professional skills. A role should offer opportunities for growth and meaningful work, not tasks anyone can do. Seek clarity on duties to avoid becoming a wallflower in the company.

Select a company with a culture that encourages learning and development. A supportive environment fosters skill acquisition and career growth. Avoid places with a culture of assigning underemployed tasks, as these roles can hinder professional development and satisfaction.

In India, mostly oil & gas industries are situated at a remote locations. So keep in mind before joining it. Btw everyone can maintain a good life style by working in PSU.

Consider jobs in locations that support a desirable lifestyle and work-life balance. Proximity to industry hubs can provide better networking opportunities and higher pay. A location should also support personal well-being, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

In India, initial packages are good in PSUs but it’s stagnant after some years. So, from long perspective good private job is better in terms of package and growth. In private sector your package is depend on your knowledge. So try to learn as much as possible and switch companies to build a versatile profile.

Prioritize positions that offer competitive pay and benefits. A good compensation package reflects the value of skills and effort. Avoid roles that pay minimum wage for underemployed tasks, as they do not reflect true professional worth or potential.

Choose jobs that offer clear paths for advancement and skill enhancement. Roles should provide opportunities to learn and take on more responsibilities. A strong career trajectory ensures long-term growth and the ability to leverage skills in future freelance or business endeavors.

One should not be too concerned with career trajectory or salary in the early phase of one's career. Rather, focus on the habits of successful people around you in your company. Developing good habits takes years, which also holds true for bad habits. Over my decade in the industry, I have learned that one's work speaks for itself and that good habits transcend across all industries and job roles. So, young graduates, focus on identifying and learning from successful people in your industry, and everything else will eventually fall into place.

Finding your first job in chemical engineering can be challenging, especially when financial needs force you to accept a role that doesn't fit with your ambitions. Sometimes, taking a job for financial stability is necessary, even if it isn't ideal. This initial step doesn't define your entire career. Focus on improving your skills, gaining experience, and seeking growth opportunities to move towards your dream job. Understanding your role, embracing company culture, and aligning job location with lifestyle preferences can help. A competitive compensation package, even in a less-than-ideal role, offers financial security. Recognize this as a stepping stone; with dedication, you can achieve your long-term goals while meeting immediate needs.

Look for jobs that provide continuous learning opportunities and exposure to diverse projects. This variety helps in building a robust skill set that can be utilized in different contexts, including freelancing and starting a business. Avoid roles that limit exposure to new experiences or skill development.

I would spend time learning about each department and what they do. As chemical/process engineer you will learn later about how the different disciplines come together as a team. You will end up spending lots of time after hours as you try to find opportunities to learn from the seniors as well as those on the floor. You will learn more from a breakdown than from normal operation as you understand troubleshooting as well as how to handle stress under extenuating circumstances. You should also spend time in other departments other than engineering to understand how all the pieces fit together in the organization to know where your passion lies. Don't chase money but chase experience.

If you are planning a career in a specific industry, which university you attend will influence your hiring, pay and advancement. A company that hires several from your university infers they value your education more and fellow grads will be there to help you succeed. If you are getting an advanced degree, prioritize research that your future employer can utilize immediately. But remember that industries have cycles. Some years you will get 10 offers with average grades while in others a perfect GPA results in one or none. For me those year were 1980 and 1985.