Career Development
Whether you’re entering the workforce after graduation or planning to go on to graduate school and earn a master’s degree or Ph.D., you’ll be prepared with a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from the Smith School.
Chemical engineers are trailblazers who continuously apply research insights to produce goods, processes, and systems. As a graduate of the Smith School, you’ll be among a group of engineers committed to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges from producing textiles and plastics to developing methods for pharmaceutical products.
Plan to take your research to the next level with a graduate degree—such as an M.Eng., M.S., or Ph.D.— or step into the workforce and launch your career right away.
Common job functions for recent graduates
- Consulting/engineering
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum
- Finance
- Consumer products
- Electronics and semiconductors
- Food products
- Chemicals
Top employers for recent graduates
Some companies are known to hire more than one graduate from the Smith School. Top employers for recent graduates include:
- ExxonMobil
- Intel
- Merck
- Procter & Gamble Co.
- Automation & Control Specialists
- Dow Chemical Company
- E. & J. Gallo Winery
- PowerAdvocate
Career resources for current students
Our faculty and career advisory staff offer guidance to undergraduates. One of our longstanding and most successful programs, the industrial practitioner (IP) program, brings lecturers and professors of practice to the Smith School. Based on their years of experience in the field, these seasoned professionals not only teach courses, but also work with students to help them plan for both careers in chemical engineering or postgraduate study.
As an undergraduate, you’ll have access to:
- Career guidance from IPs and academic advisors
- Staff to help with resume creation and critiques
- Mock interviews
- Career fairs to connect you to recruiters
Cornell University and the College of Engineering offer resources as well. Take advantage of the larger Ivy League network at your fingertips!
Cornell University Career Services — This office, part of the Division of Student and Campus Life, offers ongoing career-development activities that inspire students to gain confidence and establish a foundation upon which to build their careers over a lifetime.
Engineering Career Center — This office’s resources are available to students within the College of Engineering—its staff specializes in helping technical students enter the workforce. They assist students in exploring careers; searching for internships, co-ops and full-time jobs; preparing for interviews; and evaluating and negotiating job offers.
Engineering Career Conversations — A podcast of authentic conversations with alums who are making a difference in their careers.
