I need a job!

jubilance1922 · #1 03-25-2006, 06:33 PM

Alright people, I need some help...

I have a BS in chemistry and I'm writing my thesis for my MS in chemistry as well. My job search is not going so hot. I've applied to all those science recruiting companies (aerotek, kforce, etc.), resumes with career services and other online places, and I even hit usajobs.gov for federal positions. Got any other suggestions? I'm trained as an organic/polymer chemist, but I have experience doing QC/pharmaceutical/analytical stuff as well. I'm starting to get worried that I'm gonna end up sleeping in a cardboard box.

texas*princess · #2 03-25-2006, 07:01 PM

Did you network at all while you were in college? If so, now's the time to use those resources.

When I was in college, I found a ton of networking opportunities through professional organizations on campus.

Talk to your professors. A couple of my profs regularly sent student's resumes to companies who came to them looking for star students to employ.

VandalSquirrel · #3 03-27-2006, 07:19 PM

I tried to PM you but your box was full. If you want me to resend it I can.

jubilance1922 · #4 03-27-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VandalSquirrel
I tried to PM you but your box was full. If you want me to resend it I can.

I cleaned out my box...Please resend!

CrimsonTide4 · #5 03-28-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jubilance1922
I cleaned out my box...Please resend!

Are you open to relocation? Not sure if you have applied to other areas, but that is just something to consider.

jubilance1922 · #6 03-28-2006, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4
Are you open to relocation? Not sure if you have applied to other areas, but that is just something to consider.

I've been applying for jobs from coast to coast. I actually really want to get out of Atlanta for various reasons, so I'm hoping to get a job somewhere else.

OhioCentaur · #7 03-28-2006, 07:52 PM

This isnt really gonna help your search persay but....

I recently lost my job... and i pray and every night i went to sleep with this in mind: Trust in HIM who will not leave you.

Its not a magic trick or anything but if you are a spiritual person dont let this small test make you forget about Him.

God bless...

p.s i think there are chemist jobs at Ross Labratories here in columbus ohio...

Peaches-n-Cream · #8 03-28-2006, 08:01 PM

Contact your alma mater's career counseling center for some tips about polishing your resume and searching for a job. Good luck!

enigma_AKA · #9 03-28-2006, 09:19 PM

If you're considering relocating, Abbott Laboratories in Illinois are hiring BIG TIME. Two of my ls's are chem majors and they've both turned down offers from them (one of them works for Walgreen's).

Try aftercollege.com. I'm searching for a job/internship/career now and I have had a lot of luck with the networking and job search offered on that site. All in all, I wish you the best of luck! Hope this helps!

enigma_AKA

Dionysus · #10 03-28-2006, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jubilance1922
Alright people, I need some help...

I have a BS in chemistry and I'm writing my thesis for my MS in chemistry as well. My job search is not going so hot. I've applied to all those science recruiting companies (aerotek, kforce, etc.), resumes with career services and other online places, and I even hit usajobs.gov for federal positions. Got any other suggestions? I'm trained as an organic/polymer chemist, but I have experience doing QC/pharmaceutical/analytical stuff as well. I'm starting to get worried that I'm gonna end up sleeping in a cardboard box.

Try out for the real world.

texas*princess · #11 03-28-2006, 09:32 PM

Did you think that maybe it's your resume that isn't getting callbacks? Check out a professional resume place or go to your career services @ your university to see if they can help you.

judsiekitty · #12 04-06-2006, 02:39 PM

Supposedly Scripps is building a new research facility right near me in Palm Beach Gardens Florida.
That's all the information I have.
Hope you find something

valkyrie · #13 04-06-2006, 06:33 PM

Have you ever thought about teaching? Some school districts have a hard time finding science and math teachers and offer alternative certification programs.

AOII_LB93 · #14 04-08-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
Have you ever thought about teaching? Some school districts have a hard time finding science and math teachers and offer alternative certification programs.

As someone who went into teaching without ever having the intention to do so, and it worked out, good idea. I love my job and I fell into it by chance while working on my master's degree and couldn't be happier. I, however, am not in the majority.

However, as someone who deals with teachers who went into teaching because they had nothing else to do with their degree, what you said kind of makes me cringe. If you are really into your major you can't always hack it teaching high school...there's a lot of classroom management and stuff that college profs don't think have to think about. If you're passionate about your research, teach at a college.

Not all students are nuts about what you like. Case in point, I love French - the lit, music, poetry, culture, etc...not all of my students have that love, but I try to at least open their minds to something new. Will any of them be French majors? Maybe a couple here and there...do I try and make it fun and useful- absolutely. Can it drive me and the students crazy? - absolutely.

Teaching is really something you have to love if you want to be happy and not just doing a job to get vacation. I see too many of my colleagues doing a crap job because they really don't love it or the kids. Who suffers? The person? yeah in a way, the hours suck, lessons don't plan themselves and tests don't grade themselves. The students are really affected bya non passionate teacher because they are trying to learn from someone who doesn't really have their heart in it. Teaching is not a job that just anyone can do, and "real" teachers will all agree here.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

ETA: Jubliance - have you thought about trying to find work in crime labs? Just wondering. My cousin is the technical director for a major crime lab and her background was bio and chem. She also has a Master's in Forensics with DNA, but hey, you never know.

FAUNikki · #15 04-08-2006, 06:58 PM

I am currently teaching and I know MANY people in the field who absolutely LOVE it and were not Education majors. As long as you can handle children/young adults; I don't think it is too difficult to handle.