r/ChemicalEngineering

I'm feeling really lost right now and I could use some advice.

I'm an engineering student, and I'm almost at the end of my degree. The problem is that I've gradually realized that I don't enjoy engineering anymore. At first, I thought it was just burnout or stress, but the feeling has been there for a while.

Not only do the job descriptions seem depressing to me, but even many of my classes feel that way. I find it hard to stay interested in the material, and I often feel disconnected from what I'm learning. Instead of feeling excited about becoming an engineer, I mostly feel exhausted and unmotivated.

Whenever I look at engineering job postings, I don't feel inspired or curious. I just imagine spending decades doing work that doesn't excite me, and that thought honestly makes me anxious.

The difficult part is that I'm so close to graduating. Part of me thinks I should just finish since I've already invested years of my life into this degree. Another part of me wonders if I'm heading toward a career that I'll regret staying in.

Has anyone else reached the end of a degree and realized they didn't actually like the field anymore? Was it burnout, or was it a sign that you needed to change direction? Did you end up using your degree in a different way, or did you completely switch careers?

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences. Right now, I feel like I'm moving toward a future that I don't really want, but I'm not sure whether that's because I'm burned out, depressed, or genuinely in the wrong field.

I’m a civil engineer from Jordan and recently started working with an international organization on desalination-related projects. Honestly, I’ve become very interested in this field and I feel that water and desalination could become a major direction for my career.

At the same time, desalination is still considered a relatively new field in Jordan compared to Gulf countries, and we still don’t have a large amount of local expertise or opportunities in it yet.

For engineers who work in water, infrastructure, or desalination — especially in the Middle East — do you think this field is worth pursuing long term?

Would you continue building experience in it from now, or would you keep your options more open before specializing too much?

I’m also hoping one day to find opportunities in Gulf countries, so I’d really appreciate honest advice, career direction, or even different points of view from people with experience in the industry.

I’d especially appreciate insights from engineers working in GCC countries or large-scale water utilities.

Thanks a lot.

Hi everyone, long-time lurker here. I just landed my first internship for my senior year, and it's at a paper mill. I’m currently packing and realized I'm completely stumped on what I should wear for orientation and my first day. I might just be overthinking this because of nerves, but I figured I'd post here to get some advice and put my mind at ease. Should I go business casual, or is it more rugged/steel-toe boots territory from day one? What does a typical first day look like in this industry? Any tips or dress code insight would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on synthesizing polyacrylamide (PAM) in our lab via semi-batch solution polymerization (monomer dropping method) and ran into an issue with an amphoteric formulation.

We successfully synthesized individual anionic and cationic PAMs previously:

• Anionic: Acrylamide (AM) + Methacrylic Acid (MAA) -> Success
• Cationic: Acrylamide (AM) + Acryloyloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DAC) -> Success

However, when we tried to synthesize an amphoteric PAM using a premix of all three monomers, we failed.

Our Method:

We prepared a monomer premix of AM, MAA, and DAC, and dropped it into water containing the initiator.

Approximate Formulation (by weight):

• Water: 64%
• Acrylamide (50% aq. soln): 32%
• MAA: 1%
• DAC: 3%

The Problem:

Upon analyzing the final polymer, the anionic functionality (MAA) was practically undetectable, and the cationic charge density (DAC) was much lower than our theoretical estimates.

Question 1: Why is the amphoteric synthesis failing like this? Could it be due to the drastically different reactivity ratios between MAA and DAC when mixed together, or perhaps the formation of an ionic monomer complex (monomer pair) in the premix that alters the polymerization kinetics? What should I adjust (e.g., pH, dropping sequence, or alternative monomers) to fix this?

Additional Observation & Question 2 (Blending vs. Co-polymerization):

When we physically blended our pure cationic PAM and anionic PAM together in solution to check the charge, the solution turned highly turbid/opaque (white haze), though both charges were detected. We assume this turbidity is due to the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC).

Interestingly, we have a commercial amphoteric PAM benchmark sample from a supplier. It is not clear/transparent; it is a turbid, viscous liquid (suspension/emulsion-like appearance).

Question 2: Given that our pure copolymer blend turned turbid, is it possible that this commercial "amphoteric" sample is actually just a physical blend of anionic and cationic PAMs rather than a true copolymer? Or is it normal for a true amphoteric PAM copolymer to be turbid in solution due to intra/inter-molecular salt-and-pepper interactions?

Would love to hear insights from polymer engineers or anyone experienced with water-soluble polymers/flocculants. Thanks in advance!

I am a third year chemical engineering major, and I’m starting to think more about what industry I want to work in. I like the idea of both pharmaceuticals and materials, but am having trouble choosing one and I can’t find any place where they intersect.

I’m planning to study chem eng and I’ve used my whole life MacBooks. We’ve installed Python, Anaconda, Visual Studio Code and some minor other programs with no problems. However, a friend of mine (who’s alr graduated and now’s working on something regarding computational chemistry, as a part time job) told me he has installed the following programs as required for his job. “So, Linux, GROMACS, VMD all in clusters like online mega-computers”. So I’m not sure how to proceed, I’ve got a 2020 model Mac and as I’m planning on buying a new computer, I’d like some advice.

Also. I’m unsure as to what I want to work in, maybe just research on certain things, petroleum, nuclear or pharmaceutical. Also, from what I got, he stated there shouldn’t be much of an issue within the major study time as such, as they haven’t used programs that may present problems for iOS users

Hello,

What's the best nitrogen piping?
Is it ok to use the double ferrule fittings and pipes?

I am looking into 1" piping.

Thanks.

So I have a filter press at my work place that we run the waist sludge from titanium chem milling through and as a tech with little experience with presses I'm a little stuck on the cause of my problem.

Problem:

We just replaced the filters in our system about a month ago and ever since its come out a lot more consistent but fairly wet. The last two or three filters are the consistency I'm looking for but the rest is just hard enough to fall out of the frame without sticking too much. From what I'm guessing I'm running the pumb too slowly for the first half of the process but if I go too quickly the filters will come free from the frame and I have to take most of a work day to clean and re-seat then.

Im kind of at a loss as to what to do here because the press is delaying the rest of my job.

Extra info on the Filter press:

press is probably about 25 or more years old the previous filters where 10 years old if my boss is to be believed and he hadn't replaced them sooner because he says the press manufacturer is no longer in business. We had to get the filters custom made and I'm constantly having to re-seat them every other time I open the press.

i wanted to share my journey of switching from mechanical engineering to chemical engineering. initially, i was drawn to mechanical because of the prospects in automotive and manufacturing. however, as i progressed in my studies, i found myself increasingly fascinated by the processes in chemical engineering, especially in areas like materials science and energy production. the way chemistry interplays with engineering to solve real-world problems is incredible. i also appreciate the broad applications, from pharmaceuticals to environmental solutions. has anyone else made a similar switch? what challenges or surprises did you face along the way?

Hi all,

I completed a BS in chemE in 2023, worked as a module engineer at a big semiconductor company for 2 years after, and am currently a yield engineer at the same company. My hope was to get some yield experience and eventually transition to a fabless company for that sweet silicon valley paycheck. However, due to some reasons out of my control I may not be in this yield role for too much longer and will likely be back to a module soon. The career progression as a module engineer is slow and my company seems to promote at a glacial pace, so I'm looking at other opportunities.

I was complaining about this to a friend at an energy company, and he suggested that he has a connection that could likely get me a job (or at least an interview?) as a real time energy trader. I was wondering if anyone has experience with moving to an energy trading role like this after engineering, especially from outside the energy industry. The job sounds tough, with 12 hour shifts 3-7 days a week, but the pay seems decent and they offer plenty of vacation days. I also think I'd have an aptitude for the fast paced analytical thinking the job seems to require. I'm wondering:

a) Will my career progression as an energy trader be stunted due to my lack of engineering experience specifically in energy? If not, what could this job set me up for career wise?

b) If I find that trading isn't for me, how hard would it be to move back to an engineering role? Should I just consider engineering roles in energy/other industries instead of trading?

c) Semi manufacturing in the US is clearly accelerating, would it be a stupid financial decision to leave now? Of course energy isn't going anywhere, but I assume the talent pool is bigger than semi manufacturing, where demand for talent is only growing. However the pay in semi manufacturing isn't exactly amazing, even at the manager level which could take 7-10 more years for me to get to. Therefore it would probably be smarter for me to job hop now rather than sticking around waiting for a raise that never seems to come...

I'd appreciate any thoughts about my situation or critiques of my thought process. Thanks!

So a few months ago i posted on staying in/near nyc, and while that's still the hope, I've become more clear on what I'd like in my career after graduation.

I love being able to see the actual things happening so id love a job that would require/allow me to be on site. However, based on my co-op, it seems that theres not much design(though there is troubleshooting) involved in these positions and i would love to have that as well. So a mix of office/site work.

What jobs/companies or industries should I look into?

Would working for a consulting firm give me these opportunities? How would I pivot into this type of role, I've been told that its much easier to pivot if you start in a role on a plant.

Thank for any insight!

Hey everyone!

Some context: I just graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s of Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in Continuous Improvement in a firm I shall not name. I already have an internship in operations under my belt.

My question is, what are the possible firms or companies that you can recommend/know/are hiring in this area? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

Hey guys,

I am consulting for a plant that has a massive solvent network. And it isn’t flow tracked. They measure level in their tanks and have a PCV to maintain pressure in their respective header.

I was wondering if you guys had any experience you could share about a scenario where a solvent leak may occur. In order to detect and then shutdown this leak. To be clear they want to be able to stop a leak as soon as possible- AND make it automated. Frankly they will probably need to hedge their expectations. But let’s see!

Looking to hear about new and old tech and maybe some key instrumentation you think we may be missing.

I am also concerned about adding too much instrumentation because their network is so diverse and spread out- it would require so much instrumentation and PMs would be crazy. But sometimes that is the price to pay

I've lived in the Middle East for so long and grew up in it; I literally call it home. And I wish to come back here after I am done with Uni. The thing is I seriously like both the fields of medicine, for the direct impact and lifestyle. but also, I like machinery and chem e, and manufacturing engineering is something I really like. What i don't like, though, is oil and gas, and I don't know if the Middle East market for chem engineers is anything other than LNG. Does anyone have an idea if there is another prominent market in the region? ( especially if it would link to the field of pharmaceuticals) (Also, in almost everywhere in the world, we don't have premeds, and it is a direct path to medicine, so taking Chem E as a premed isn't an option.

I swear I cant a break with getting laid off. 2 years ago I was laid off due to company Financials and now 2 years later I'm getting laid off again due to the same reason. But this time the whole chemical plant is shutting down. At least I have some time before they lay me off since we have to decontaminate and decommission the plant.

I'm currently residing in Saint Louis but I really want to move to Houston, Austin or San Antonio. I havent got any replies even though I've applied everywhere sadly. Do they not take out of state candidates? I dont even care about relocation. If anyone can refer me to any companies in those areas I would be so thankful 🙏

You can use more than one letter as a variable name. Jesus wept. Coming from a software background, this just jumps out at you.

"Shit, I used K twice on this PFD."

"You know, you could use a symbolic name. How about intake_pumps_1? Nobody will arrest you."

"ZIS IS HOW VE DID IT IN PRUSSIA UND ZIS IS HOW GOTT MEANT IT TO BE DONE! BURN ZE HERETIC!"

On paper and when searching on google they seem to be cool like work in oil & gas, medicine and pharmaceutical, cosmetics, reactors... like they seem to be important in the production and manufacturing industry but is there real roles? Like could someone find such roles or is it just titles on google. I don't care about location if you could also provide me if there are some countries specific for these roles