Chemical Engineering Portfolio Brower

Drew Brower
Professor Marxhausen

EDUC 1300
7 December 2017
Chemical Engineering Portfolio

Career Research Worksheet

This worksheet is about the career field as a whole. For example, you are researching
“education” and not second grade science teacher.

Please add spacing to this document and type your answers under the questions below. Be sure to highlight your
answers in yellow so I can identify your information quickly.

1. What is your intended career? If you are not sure of a career right now, choose one of interest to
explore.

 Chemical Engineering

2. Find a professional website for your career. What is the name of the website? Please provide the
link here. You may find a professional website from the journal that you discovered above or
sometimes by using google.

 Name of the Website: American Institute of Chemical Engineers https://www.aiche.org/

3. Using the library databases or a professional website, find one professional/academic journal related
to your career. What is the name of the journal?

 Journal: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aic.v63.11/issuetoc
 Name: AIChE Journal October 2017 Edition

4. Field/discipline:
a. Identify the career field/discipline. For example, if the career is a teacher then the field is
education or if the career is mechanic then the field is automotive industry.
 Engineering
b. Identify a specific position or title in the field/discipline (for example, an elementary
school teacher or body work repair mechanic).
 Chemical Engineering, Design and Development
c. Identify two related positions in a similar or related field/discipline in which you may be
interested (for example, a day care worker and college instructor or machine repair and
certified dealer service manager).
 Chemical Project Engineer and Chemical Research

5. Knowledge /Training:
a. List the minimum education required
 Bachelor’s degree, but most students take 5 year programs for Bachelor’s and
Master’s degrees
b. List any required certifications or licenses. How often do you have to renew the certification
or license? How many hours of continuing education units (CEU) do you have to obtain
each year to keep that certification or license?

• A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

• Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
• A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

c. List the majority of the skills needed to be successful in this job.
 Analytical Skills, Creativity, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Skills, Math Skills, Problem
Solving Skills

d. How many years of experience are required to work in this career?
 4 years of relevant work experience

6. Salary/Earnings:
a. List the hiring (starting) salary range. (Use current position listing or job boards.)
 $67,868
b. What is the average salary (not the highest)?
 $98,340

7. Future of this career: Commented [1]:
a. What is the job outlook for this career? In other words, is this in a growing area? Explain the Commented [2]:
growth or decline (in numbers) of this particular career.
 Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 8% from 2016-2026,
about as fast as average.
b. List the availability of this career in the market area of Houston, and Texas in general, and/or
other states in which you are interested in working.

 There is employment opportunities across the US for this field but Texas has a
much higher availability of jobs in this field.

c. Can this an international career choice? Explain why or why not.

 This is a career that is available world wide because it satisfies the needs of a
population. There is openings all over the world for chemical engineers. Each
country has their own needs for chemicals and products so each country has
chemical engineering jobs.

8. Daily Activities:
a. What do people in this field or job do? In at least 10 complete sentences in your own words,
(not a list) describe a typical day for this position. Be very thorough.

 Chemical engineers are responsible for everything “from microchips to potato
chips”. Responsibilities range from development to sales to management.
Chemical engineering is a problem solving profession with a practical bias. I
definitely need to expect to answer the question of “How?” more than anything

else. As a chemical engineer, I would be the one putting breakthroughs that Commented [3]:
Chemists discover in to real world applications. If a chemist discovers a more
efficient burning gasoline, I would be the one to put it into mass production for Commented [4]:
the general populous to consume. There is a tremendous amount of planning and Commented [5]:
theoretical modeling that goes into chemical engineering. I would be working Commented [6]:
with all areas of a company to ensure that the thing I would be creating is cost-
effective, safe, and efficient. Lots of teamwork goes into the projects as well so I
should definitely get used to working in groups. “Good chemical engineers are
always trying to refine their systems, improve them, and make them safer and
more efficient.” (https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/33/chemical-engineer)

9. Career and you (in complete sentences):
a. How does this career align to your interests and personality? Use your Do What You Are
results to justify your alignment. Explain what your initials mean and how those initials
match or do not match your career choice.

ENTJ are my initials and that stands for Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking,
and Judgement. This type of person is problem solver that implements

systems to get stuff done. This matches with my career because as an engineer
in any field, you need to be an excellent problem solver. This type is also very
good at intelligent speak and being a leader which would fit in with the project
management area of engineering.

b. Why is this career significant to you? Why did you choose to go into this career? What
inspired you?

I have always been interested in general chemistry but I wanted to see how it
could be applied in everyday life. This area just seems super intriguing to me. The
money isn’t a bad incentive either.

c. Describe how and why or why not this assignment altered or completely changed your career
path.

i. This project didn’t alter my career path at all. It just made me even more interested in
Chemical Engineering. Seeing the day to day life of a chemical engineer definitely
made me even more interested in this career. It seems like an exciting career full of
new opportunities for knowledge!

10. Please add all works cited entries for information you collected for this worksheet.

“Chemical Engineer.” Chemical Engineer Careers | The Princeton Review, Princeton Review,
www.princetonreview.com/careers/33/chemical-engineer.

“Summary.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Commented [7]:
www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm#tab-6.

“The Global Home of Chemical Engineers.” AIChE, American Institute for Chemical Engineers,
www.aiche.org/.

“List of Job Titles - Chemical Engineers (NOC 2134-A).” List of Job Titles - Chemical
Engineers (NOC 2134-A) - Job Bank, Job Bank Canada, 13 Sept. 2017,
www.jobbank.gc.ca/job_titles-
eng.do?area=3526&lang=eng&noc=2134&action=final&backurl=%2Frapport-
fra.do%3Fregion%3D3526%26lang%3Dfra%26cnp%3D2134%26action%3Dfinal%26s%3D2&
s=2.

“Chemical Engineer Salary.” Chemical Engineer Salary, PayScale,
www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chemical_Engineer/Salary.

Sources may include:
Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/)

Texas Workforce Commission http://www.twc.state.tx.us/

any other professional websites or databases suggested by a librarian, professor or career counselor

NO Wikipedia

Job Analysis Worksheet Commented [1]:

This worksheet is about a very particular type of job in your career field as a whole. For Commented [2]:
example, you are researching high school biology teacher and NOT “education” as a whole
career. Commented [3]:
Commented [4]:
Please type your answers under the questions below. Commented [5]:
Commented [6]:
Using the internet or other sources indicated on the list provided by your instructor, librarian, or career Commented [7]:
counselor look for a specific job posting in the area of the state or country in which you want to work. List
that job posting as one of your sources in MLA format. Make a screenshot of the job posting to turn in with
this worksheet. Use the job posting to answer the following questions.

1. What is your intended career? If you are not sure of a career right now, choose one of interest to explore.

Chemical engineering

2. What is the title of the position?

Biochemical Engineer, Project Manager

3. With what company/organization is this position?
Where is this position located? Try to find a position in the area of the state or country where you actually
think you will be working.

Continental Carbon. Houston, Texas.

4. a. What education/training is required for this position?

4 year college program and a Bachelors degree
b. Describe your plans to accomplish your education/training.

I plan on attending Lone Star Junior College for 2 years and then transferring to Texas A&M for the last few
semesters

5. a. How many years of previous experience are needed?

For entry level jobs, none. For the upper echelon positions, it may take more experience.
b. Describe your plans to gain the experience you need.

Through internships and on-the-job experience

6. a. What specific skills required for this position?

Analytical Skills, Creativity, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Skills, Math Skills, Problem Solving Skills Commented [8]:
b. Describe your plans to develop these skills. Commented [9]:
Commented [10]:
Through communication with others, school, and job experience. Commented [11]:
Commented [12]:
7. Does the position list a salary, and if so…
a. What is the range? $66,989-$150,000+ Commented [13]:
b. What is the starting salary? $70,400
b. What is the average salary? $97,360 Commented [14]:

8. What are three STRENGTHS (skills, knowledge and personal qualities) that you currently possess that can Commented [15]:
help you be successful in this position? In at least 5 sentences, describe why these are strengths to this
position. Commented [16]:

I have good interpersonal skills that I have developed throughout my life communicating with others at,
school, work and elsewhere. Interpersonal skills will help me lead teams during a project or communicate
plans with others. I’m creative as well. I do photography as well so this has helped me develop an eye for
different perspectives. This will help find alternate solutions to projects. I also have good analytical skills that
will help me analyze a project and what needs to be done.

9. What are three WEAKNESSES (personal traits that you currently lack) that can hamper or prevent your
success in this position? In at least 5 sentences, describe why these are weaknesses for this position AND how
you will improve upon these weaknesses.

I definitely still need to hone in my math skills some more, which may affect the accuracy of my solutions.
These skills will be improved through practice and schooling. I’m not always the most controlling person
during a situation. This might effect my ability to lead during a project. I have to become less concerned about
what people think and then this will improve. Creativity usually isn’t a problem for me but if I get slapped into
a project that I’m not interested in, then I lose motivation. I need to just learn to invest myself into whatever
situation I’m in and then I would enjoy my job a lot more.

10. Describe the interesting facts did you discover about this career that you did not know before. (“There are
none” is not an acceptable answer.)

- chemical engineers play a part in everything from food to gas production
- pharmaceutical industry growth is directly correlated to chemical engineering
- working on becoming better for the environment

11. Describe how certain you now are about pursuing a position in this career.

I definitely want to pursue a career in this field. I learned so many super interesting facts and information
about the industry. Most of the details sound super intriguing to me and I can’t wait to look even deeper into
this field through a possible internship or something.

12. Cite all the sources below in MLA format from which you obtained this information.

- “Chemical Engineer.” Continental Carbon Career Opportunities, continentalcarbon.synchr- Commented [17]:

recruit.com/job/44036/chemical-engineer?s=in.
- “Chemical Engineers.” MyFuture.com, www.myfuture.com/careers/education/chemical-

engineers_17-2041.00.
- “10 Facts about Chemical Engineering.” Scribd, Scribd,

www.scribd.com/document/331040308/10-facts-about-chemical-engineering.

Transferable Skills

As you begin your job search, it is important that you know your own qualifications. Over the years you
have developed many skills from coursework, extracurricular activities and your total life experiences.
If you have researched topics and written, and edited and presented papers for classes, you have used
skills which are not limited to any one academic discipline or knowledge area, but are transferable to
many occupations. A prospective employer expects you to be able to apply the skills you have learned
in college to the work environment.

Below is a list of five broad skill areas which are divided into more specific, skills. Rate the skills

indicating your ability in each area.

0 = no ability 2 = some ability

1 = enough ability to get by with help from others 3 = strong ability

Communication Research & Planning

The skillful expression, transmission and interpretation of The search for specific knowledge and the ability to
knowledge and ideas. conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting
2______ Speaking effectively those needs.
1______ Writing concisely 2______Forecasting, predicting
3______ Listening attentively 3______Creating ideas
3______ Expressing ideas 3______Identifying problems
2______ Facilitating group discussion 3______Imagining alternatives
2______ Providing appropriate feedback 2______Identifying resources
3______ Negotiating 2______Gathering information
1______ Perceiving nonverbal messages 3______Solving problems
3______ Persuading 3______Setting goals
2______ Reporting information 2______Extracting important information
2______ Describing feelings 2______Defining needs
1______ Interviewing 3 ______ Analyzing
2______ Editing 1______Developing evaluation strategies

Human Relations Work Survival

The use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict, The day-to-day skills which assist in promoting effective

relating to and helping people. production and work satisfaction.

2______ Developing rapport 3______Implementing decisions
2______ Being Sensitive 2 ______ Cooperating
3______ Listening 2______Enforcing policies
1______ Conveying feelings 3______Being punctual
2______ Providing support for others 2______Managing time
3______ Motivating 3______Attending to detail
3______ Sharing credit 3______Meeting goals
2______ Counseling 3______Enlisting help
3______ Cooperating 3______Accepting responsibility
2______ Delegating with respect 2______Setting and meeting deadlines
2______ Representing others 1 ______ Organizing
1______ Perceiving feelings, situations 3______Making decisions
2______ Asserting

Organization, Management & Leadership Career Specific (REQUIRED SECTION)

The ability to supervise, direct and guide individuals and The specific skills required for an entry-level job in my

groups in the completion of tasks and fulfillment of goals. chosen career. See job posting for ideas.

2______ Initiating new ideas 3______ Analytical Skills _________________________
2______ Handling details 3______ Creativity______________________________
1______ Coordinating tasks 2______ Ingenuity ______________________________
3______ Managing groups 3______ Interpersonal Skills ______________________
2______ Delegating responsibility 2______ Math Skills_____________________________
2______ Teaching 3______ Problem Solving Skills____________________
3______ Coaching 3______ Communication ________________________
2______ Counseling 2______ Leadership ____________________________
3______ Promoting change 3______ Managing a Group ______________________
3______ Selling ideas or products 3______ Presentation Skills ______________________
2______ Decision making with others
2______ Managing conflict

Ways I can develop my skills (REQUIRED SECTION):

Through school, Real life experiences, on the job training, volunteering, get a puppy to become more sensitive ___________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Drew Brower
Professor Marxhausen
EDUC 1300
November 28, 2017

Resume/Cover Letter
A cover letter should always be included with a resume unless the job posting states
otherwise. The cover letter provides a more human introduction rather than the boring old
resume. My professional summary shouldn’t be too fluffy. Most employers will recognize big
word as fluff instead of being impressed by them. If my GPA is above a 3.0 or the average in the
industry, then I should include it in my resume. If it is lower than do not include it, but the
employer will probably realize why I didn’t include my GPA and ask about it during my
interview. There is some debate on whether resumes should have a personal touch or not but the
generally accepted practice is to not refer to myself in first person pronouns. Similarly, I should
not refer to myself in the third person such as “Drew is a recent college graduate”. As an entry
level professional, resume space is generally limited to one page so I should make it more
precise. Being more precise also means to cut out some of the more unnecessary information,
like references. I shouldn’t worry about adding that but it would be a good idea to have a list
ready if they ask for some references.

Drew Brower Brower 1

Drew Brower
Professor Marxhausen
EDUC 1300
6 December 2017

Exploring Chemical Engineering
Chemistry has always been a topic that has captured my attention. It is an absolutely fas-
cinating field in my eyes. My dad worked in marketing for a chemicals company and it intro-
duced to many individuals who gave me little bits of insight into the world of chemical engineer-
ing. Seeing the everyday processes really caught my attention and made me want to do my own
research. My ‘Do What You Are’ results showed that I would be fit more for the project manager
area in chemical engineering. It said that I am clear and concise in planning and able to com-
municate ideas clearly which are all major parts in project management. That is just fine with me
because that is the area that ends up earning the most money in chemical engineering! I do tend
to be very clear with my planning and perhaps even a little obsessive-compulsive at times which
fits right in with my ‘Do What You Are’ assessment. My research made me realize that chemical
engineering plays a part in a multitude of different industries. As one of the sources of infor-
mation that I utilized said “Chemical engineering is involved in everything from corn chips to
ethanol”. I always just associated chemical engineering with strictly industrial purposes but it ac-
tually is heavily involved in many other industries like the food industry.
For the education I will need a Bachelor’s degree but most students take a 5 year program
and receive their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at once. These degrees also need to be ac-
quired from an ABET accredited engineering program. This provides a seal of legitimacy for any
employer looking at potentially hiring me on. Another certification that I need to obtain would be

Drew Brower Brower 2

a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as well as the Professional Engi-
neering (PE) Exam. This proves that I am ready for the job and can handle the general situations
and problems that I make encounter. I need many skills to become successful in Chemical Engi-
neering. Analytical Skills, Creativity, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Skills, Math Skills and Problem
Solving Skills all play key roles in engineering. You have to be able to envision a project and ex-
ecute the project which requires a lot of creativity and ingenuity.

A day in my life as a chemical engineer would be a very hectic one. Filled with planning,
meetings, data collection, and computer model analyzation. A lot of time at first is eaten up by
professional associations, professional reading, and additional research. I would be able to work
my way up through the ranks and become a higher up executive. Most people do start off in the
field or on job sites, the office jobs are typically associated with more experience. The money is
definitely something I look forward to in this career! In all seriousness, I do look forward to learn
more about chemistry and business. I am very excited to see how business and engineering inter-
twine to form this field. I am not excited to face the strenuous work hours and heavy overtime to
finish projects and plans.

To actually get into this field, I need to get my Associate’s of Science at Lone Star. My
whole life is pretty much going to become just math and science. After Lone Star, I will be at-
tempting to get into Texas A&M where I will continue to study. After college I will begin to
search for jobs at BASF, Dow Chemical Company, Sinopec, and Exxon Mobil as these are some
of the biggest employers of chemical engineers. All of them are on the industrial chemicals side
of the industry. It will not be easy to get into but once I complete school and get that first job, I
should be set.

Drew Brower Brower 3

Works Cited
“Chemical Engineer.” Chemical Engineer Careers | The Princeton Review, Princeton Re-

view, www.princetonreview.com/careers/33/chemical-engineer.

“Summary.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm#tab-6.

Drew Brower Brower 4

“The Global Home of Chemical Engineers.” AIChE, American Institute for Chemical En-
gineers, www.aiche.org/.

“List of Job Titles - Chemical Engineers (NOC 2134-A).” List of Job Titles - Chemical
Engineers (NOC 2134-A) - Job Bank, Job Bank Canada, 13 Sept. 2017, www.job-
bank.gc.ca/job_titles-eng.do?area=3526&lang=eng&noc=2134&action=final&back-
url=%2Frapport-fra.do%3Fregion%3D3526%26lang%3Dfra%26cnp%3D2134%26ac-
tion%3Dfinal%26s%3D2&s=2.

“Chemical Engineer Salary.” Chemical Engineer Salary, PayScale, www.pay-
scale.com/research/US/Job=Chemical_Engineer/Salary.