
Careers with a chemical engineering degree
Studying Chemical Engineering means designing processes to turn raw materials into sustainable solutions to global challenges – cleaner energy, safer pharmaceuticals, smarter materials and more.
What can I do with my degree? You’ll be ready to drive innovation in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, food production and environmental management.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Apply core principles of chemistry, physics and process design to transform raw materials into useful products
Communication:
Share complex information clearly through reports, proposals and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences
Management and organization:
Develop a strong foundation in process safety and risk management to ensure sustainable and compliant engineering practices
Teamwork:
Collaborate in lab groups to analyze data, solve challenges and bring innovative projects to life
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Assess the technical, environmental and economic impact of engineering decisions to design efficient and sustainable processes.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get one-on-one support with your math courses from a math tutor.
- Attend learning services workshops to learn how to effectively approach problem-solving and manage time during exams.
- Get involved with student associations to gain hands-on experience in engineering projects.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation sessions.
- Consider Co-op or a Career Edge internship to gain professional work experience during your program.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.
- Visit the Gina Cody School Makerspace if you need specialized equipment for 3D printing, woodworking, metal working or electronics.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
- Start thinking about your Capstone project and how to make the most of your final year.
Final year
- Learn about the process of becoming an engineer in Quebec.
- Tune into The Iron Ring Podcast to explore cutting-edge topics and industry insights.
- Apply to be a teaching assistant to gain experience.
- Prepare to present your capstone or pitch an idea with FutureBound’s public speaking and storytelling workshops.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Program elective groups
Customize your degree with one of these elective groups:
- Advanced Process Design and Control
- Advanced Topics in Chemical Engineering
- Biochemical and Food Engineering
- Biomolecular Modelling and Drug Design
- Data Analytics for Chemical Engineers
- Materials Engineering
- Sustainable Chemical Engineering
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional organizations and job banks
Explore opportunities and expand your network.
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.