What to do after university?

As a chemist, there are many exciting opportunities, especially after a PhD. Here, we have summarised selected areas that will give you a first insight into the many professional opportunities in chemistry. Our students can personally find out more about other examples as part of our seminar series "Job Profiles in Chemistry" taking place every semester.

Chemical and pharmaceutical industry
The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important sectors in German economy. Accordingly, many companies from small and medium-sized businesses to global corporations are looking for chemists that can work in very different fields.
The most important area is research and development, where new ideas are always wanted. This sector is selected most often at entry level after university studies or a PhD.
However, there are a number of other fields of work in the industry: From marketing or business management to production and jobs in safety departments or company communication? Chemists are always welcome. Very often, interesting opportunities arise to change between the different fields during a career. Stays abroad are possible and even required in internationally active companies.

Schools, universities, research institutes
The enthusiasm for teaching chemistry is an important concern for people working in schools or universities. However, research is another focus of chemists at universities and research institutes in addition to teaching.
Of course, an academic career can take you all the way to a professorship but there are also interesting jobs as lecturer or assistant professor, e.g. the care of large equipment.

Journalism and scientific communication
Those wanting to make chemistry accessible to laypersons must have a good understanding of the field to begin with. Therefore, chemists are welcome employees in journalism and scientific communication. The scope of work includes jobs as editor of specialist scientific journals, freelance work as well as jobs in press offices of companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Of course, there is a huge variety in the media, as well: Chemistry can be taught in films, online and in print media. Your input is needed here.

Business consultancy
Those providing consultation in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry find it easier if they are familiar with the products and the applied production methods. Therefore, business consultancies often look for employees with an appropriate university degree.

Freelance work and setting up business
Working as assessor for an insurance company, opening your own analysis laboratory or supporting innovations in chemistry as patent agent. The possibilities for self-employed work in chemistry are manifold. A little bit of courage and good support can make this career path into something special.

Additional information about job profiles in chemistry
You can find comprehensive information about job profiles and career opportunities in chemistry on the internet pages of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh - German Chemical Society).

Info tour on the next page