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First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from Purdue University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 87%, Chemical Engineering graduates from Purdue University have a much higher likelihood (+20%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Chemical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 62% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONOperations Development Program (ODP) Engineer SABIC Jun 2012 - Jul 2013 Operations Development Program (ODP) Production Engineer SABIC Jul 2013 - Jan 2014 Operations Development Program (ODP) Process Engineer SABIC Jan 2014 - Jun 2014 EHS Environmental Engineer SABIC Jun 2014 - May 2015 Environmental Health and Safety Engineer  Lockheed Martin Aug 2015 - Jan 2021 Senior Environmental Engineer Lockheed Martin Jan 2021 - Present ABOUTI graduated in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. I was a recipient of the Evans Scholarship, then soon became a member of the Purdue Evans Scholars Scholarship House. I have held several positions within the Evans Scholars House, including President, National Committee Representative, Assistant Administrative Vice President and Assistant New Scholar Educator. While attending Purdue, I participated in the Cooperative Education program at SABIC Innovative Plastics. Here, I completed five terms where I was able to work in a variety of roles. I have worked in several areas at the SABIC plant, including both chemical operations and finishing areas. After graduating, I accepted a job as a two year rotational Operational Development Program Engineer with SABIC. I worked at our Columbus, IN plant for a year, where I gained further experience in a finishing operation. I am currently at our Selkirk, NY plant, where I work with the core process and production team in our chemical operations. Improving equipment reliability, increasing condition monitoring capabilities, and promoting sustainability efforts are key aspects of my current role. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
People who graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University tend to find themselves in roles that are closely connected to the principles and practices of their field. Many have taken on positions as engineers, especially in process engineering, where they apply their knowledge in real-world manufacturing and production settings. Companies like SABIC, Cargill, and Pfizer seem to be popular choices for these graduates, with a number of them working in operational roles that directly utilize chemical engineering skills. Positions such as Process Engineer, Operations Development Program Engineer, and Environmental Engineer often require a solid understanding of chemical processes and optimization techniques, making these jobs highly relevant to their education.
However, not every job listed is deeply tied to chemical engineering. Some graduates have ventured into roles like project management, research assistantships, or even healthcare positions, such as becoming a neurologist. While these roles might involve some application of analytical skills gained from their studies, they don’t necessarily require the core chemical engineering competencies. Overall, though, it seems that the majority of Purdue graduates are managing to leverage their chemical engineering backgrounds in jobs that match their training quite well, particularly in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Chemical Engineering graduates (this is across all Chemical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Purdue University):
The career trajectories of Purdue University graduates in Chemical Engineering reveal a strong alignment with relevant engineering roles, especially in the early stages of their careers. Many graduates, such as those from the class of 2012, started out in structured programs like SABIC's Operations Development Program, which helped them gain diverse experience as they transitioned into specialized roles like Environmental Engineers and Senior Engineers in prominent companies. This pattern continues with graduates securing positions at major organizations like Chevron Phillips and Pfizer soon after graduation, emphasizing their entry into the chemical and manufacturing sectors where they apply their engineering skills directly.
As we look at these graduates 5 to 10 years down the line, it's evident that many of them have advanced significantly within their fields. For instance, those who began as Process Engineers or Project Engineers have often moved up to management roles or specialized positions, such as a Refinery Department Manager or Senior Environmental Engineer. Similarly, graduates pursuing academia or research have transitioned into roles like Research Associates and Adjunct Professors. Overall, the majority of Purdue Chemical Engineering graduates appear to be thriving in relevant industries, showing a clear path of growth and specialization that aligns well with their educational background. It’s a promising sign for prospective students considering a Chemical Engineering degree at Purdue!
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Purdue University is pretty challenging, like most programs in this field. You're diving deep into subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemical reactions, which can get pretty intense. Purdue is known for its strong engineering curriculum, so you can expect a good amount of homework, tough exams, and lab work that requires a lot of attention to detail. It’s definitely harder than your average degree, but if you’ve got a passion for chemistry and math, and you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be a rewarding experience. Just be prepared for some late nights and tough concepts along the way!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering.
Looking at the job paths of these Purdue Chemical Engineering grads, it seems like most of them have landed pretty solid gigs that likely pay well, especially considering the industries they’re in. For example, those working at big names like Lockheed Martin and Pfizer are probably raking it in, given that companies in these sectors tend to offer competitive salaries and solid benefits. The folks in research and academia might not make as much initially, but they could see their earnings grow as they gain experience or move into more senior positions. Overall, it looks like if you get a Chemical Engineering degree from Purdue, you're on a good track to make decent money.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering (this is across all Chemical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Purdue University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Chemical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
