So I graduated from college last summer with a BS in Chemistry. I did undergraduate research for a year. I also continued to work there for about 4 months after graduation as a paid lab assistant. My school required just a quarter of general biology, so I did lack a bit in the lab, but I gained a lot of laboratory skills in molecular and cell biology through that experience. It had me set on graduate school, but I heard that I shouldn’t apply yet since (with the current administration) the lack of funding had decreased the acceptance rate for grad school. I would’ve applied to grad school in chemical bio or environmental chem. I was told to get more experience then apply for grad school since I wasn’t a strong applicant. I didn’t have that much experience. Since then I’ve been trying to get a job but haven’t had any luck. I’m stuck on what to do because I am seeing that PhD and Masters in chemistry are also having a hard time to get a job in the industry.
I was thinking about becoming a clinical lab scientist, but I realized for these programs I lack most of the biological courses. I did some research and saw that CC’s don’t offer those upper division bio courses like immunology and hematology with labs. It’s a competitive program, so they also check on extracurriculars like shadowing, which I don’t have…..The deadline for these programs also passed.
Should I try changing my path? Maybe environmental engineering? I do like three areas of chemistry; medicinal, environmental and cosmetic. I did think about switching to chemical engineering as undergrad, but how safe would that be rn? With AI, I know a lot of engineers have lost their jobs. Also with environmental is it possible to get hired in anything related to that field? I know some people have said that most environmental related agencies aren’t hiring because of the government shutdown last year, although it’s been a few months.
I was told that getting job then doing a masters would be good since there are companies that would pay for the masters….is that still common? Would a masters be helpful? I was also told by professors and TAs that masters in anything chemistry is useless and to go straight into PhD.
I apologize for the ramble as the past few months have been draining with rejections and ghostings. I have come to realize that college didn’t prepare me much for this job market LOL. I just need some GOOD advice that is realistic. It’s also partially on me for not doing my own research beforehand. I genuinely do love chemistry which is why I went through with it. I do live in the USA and went to a UC for undergraduate if that helps.