Career Options after Chemistry

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is a Physical Science that studies composition, structure, properties of and changes in matter. Chemistry, as a central science, bridges biology, physics and astronomy, as well as art, humanities and science allowing us to understand the world. Chemistry examines topics including:

  • Chemical composition, structure and reactivity of everything that surrounds us
  • Design and synthesis of new compounds (pharmaceuticals, materials, dyes etc.)
  • Explanation of chemical change on an atomic and molecular level – understanding what drives the chemical change
  • Systematisation of chemical knowledge

What makes Chemistry at UTSC unique?

  • The chemistry specialist programs has award- winning, highly motivated and engaging instructors as well as dedicated program supervisors
  • The practical component of the programs takes place in a new building with state-of-the-art space and instrumentation.

Skills of Chemistry Grads

  • Engage in team-based research, analysis and problem solving
  • Design and/or conduct laboratory research including data collection, analysis and interpretation
  • Write technical reports and project proposals
  • Present scientific research in an organized and succinct manner for a wide variety of audiences
  • Information retrieval and strategic problem solving
  • Application of modern analytical and synthetic instrumentation and laboratory techniques
  • Statistical reasoning and methodology
  • Effective monitoring, observation and measurement techniques

Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Water Treatment Plant Operator in City Services
  • Document Controller in Manufacturing
  • Quality Control Supervisor in Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemist Policy Analyst in Government
  • Clinical Research Assistant in Hospitals
  • Clinical Sales Representative in Medical Supplies
  • Project Technician in Waste Management
  • Junior Environmental Scientist in Energy Production
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant in Healthcare

The Career Directory

Chemistry Grads from UTSC have gone on to:

  • McDonald’s Restaurants Canada (Director)
  • YRDSB (Teacher)
  • Vive Crop Protection (Laboratory Coordinator)

UTSC Chemistry graduates are working in Research, Education, Healthcare and Operations.

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

Professional schools:

  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Law
  • Chemical engineering

Further graduate education:

  • Chemistry – Master and PhD (as a specialization in one of many chemistry disciplines)
  • Chemical technology – graduate degree
  • Education – Diploma or masters

Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Chemistry Grads

  • Health & Safety
  • Government (Municipal, Regional, Provincial, Federal)
  • Education
  • Research & Development
  • Waste Management
  • Forestry & Mining
  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3. Build Your Network

Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences website.