Need career guidance: Can someone from an Organic Chemistry + Biological Sciences background build a career in wastewater treatment design?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some honest career advice from people working in wastewater treatment/environmental engineering.
My academic background is a bit unconventional for this field. I completed my Master’s in Organic Chemistry, and later joined a PhD program in a Biological Sciences department. My thesis work is focused on MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) wastewater treatment.
Before starting my PhD, I had some practical exposure in wastewater treatment system design. I’ve worked on designing MBBR and SBR systems up to around 50 KLD capacity. I also have some understanding of constructed wetlands/natural treatment systems, although I haven’t had the opportunity to work on a full-scale wetland project site yet.
The problem is that I’m not from a traditional engineering background (civil/environmental engineering), and I’m unsure how much the industry values candidates like me for wastewater treatment design roles.
A few things I’m worried about:
* Will companies consider someone without an engineering degree for roles related to wastewater process/design? * Is my chemistry + biological sciences background still valuable in this field? * How important are software skills like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Civil 3D, etc. for getting hired? * Can process knowledge compensate for the lack of formal civil design training? * What skills should I focus on learning during my PhD to become employable in the wastewater industry?
I genuinely enjoy wastewater treatment and would like to build a long-term career in this area, especially process design, biological treatment systems, decentralized treatment, wetlands, etc. But right now I feel stuck between science and engineering.
If i could get guidance from someone working in this field that would be great. Thank you in advance