students at graduation

Careers in Chemistry

What can I do with a Chemistry degree?

As a chemist, you can help solve the complicated problems facing our world, including issues in energy, education, health, security, and defense. Chemists are essential in developing the technologies and materials to support modern life.

Industries that Need Chemists:

  • Semiconductor
  • Energy storage
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Solar cell
  • Petrochemical
  • Nanomaterial Coatings
  • Personal care products
  • Plastics
  • Food products

Chemists are involved in making public policy, shaping patent and intellectual property law, and educating future generations of chemists. Chemistry is not “finished” or static; discoveries affecting human life are made every day. You can become part of this vibrant group of scientists striving to understand the natural world and create new technologies based on that knowledge.

Career Center Resources

One-on-One Advising

Perhaps the best resources at the Career Center are the counselors, who work with students individually to discuss your interests and goals, and brainstorm ideas for helping you achieve your goals. It's never too early in your college career to meet with one of these professionals. Whether you're interested in working internationally, beginning a corporate career, going to graduate school, or performing public service work after graduation, the counselors can help you decide the best plan of action.

Schedule an Appointment

Register for CAREERLink

CAREERlink is a career management system where you can search and apply for jobs, internships, and co-ops, manage your applications, and RSVP for programs and workshops. On CAREERlink, you can also upload and submit application materials such as resumes, cover letters, and other supporting materials like writing samples and portfolios.

Visit the Careerlink Website

Resources and Tools

Whether you need assistance with writing a resume, applying for graduate school, or finding an internship, we are here to help!

Explore Our Resources

Outcome Data

Every year the Career Center at Washington University surveys the graduating class to gather information about their post-graduation plans. They've compiled data for the past 3 years so you can see exactly what chemistry graduates have gone on to do immediately following graduation.

Career Outcome Data

additional career assistance...

The American Chemical Society offers the "College to Career" resources with details about chemistry careers, technical disciplines, videos, advice, and more.

Resources from ACS

Post-Grad Employers of Recent Students

  • Barnes & Noble
  • Charles G. Smith Jewish Day School
  • Disney ABC Television Group
  • Epic
  • Express Scripts
  • Great Oaks Charter School
  • Hereaus
  • Kuchnir Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery
  • PhysAssist Scribes
  • Shoreline Ambulance, LLC
  • St. Mary's Hospital
  • Teach for America
  • University of California - San Diego
  • Washington University in St. Louis

Our Students' Graduate Schools

Baylor College of Medicine
Brown University
California Institute of Technology
Case Western Reserve University
Columbia University
Harvard University
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Northwestern University
Rutgers University
Saint Louis University
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
University of California - Los Angeles
University of Texas - Austin
University of Virginia
Vanderbilt University
Yale University

students labeling lab samples

I like chemistry because the process of leaning the essence of substances is as exciting as solving a challenging puzzle. Working in my research lab is even more pleasant because I feel like I can finally apply the knowledge in textbooks and explore something unknown in the scientific field. My peers, my lab mates and the professors in the chemistry department are incredibly patient and helpful when they guided me through the difficulties I encountered whether in study or in life.

―Cendi LingClass of 2020, Jackrel Lab