Seeking career guidance

I am a BS Chemical Engineering grad. Graduated in May 2013, been working for EPC company in Houston for about 6 months. The career path I chose was due to the high pay chem/pet E's make upon graduation. I would not say that I have milked my college education by landing the best paying job w/ a top producer company, but I think my current company and pay are pretty decent for starting off (USD 80-90k/annum).

I feel stagnated right now, because the work I am doing is not new at all. I had previous internships where I did the same thing...noding PID's, running PHA reviews, CFD consequence modeling, etc. I have also read that technical positions (engineers) within companies cap out at around 200k. So, I am trying to explore options and invest in the education of the optimal career advancement.

I have been dabbling into independent trading for few months...demoing/learning. I read getting into finance is more lucrative and engaging. This is my first option; I would like to learn more about possibilities within this field, I am sure its been covered on this website and I will look around. The second option is to get into management; I see that getting an MBA is precursor to this and can be a huge financial investment. I would like to learn more about this option too.

Mostly, I am here to hear from people who have been in similar situations and have made successful choices to further advance their career/income/lifestyle, etc. Any advice and guidance on paths to take would be appreciated.

5 Comments
 

I know a few ChemE grads who transitioned out of industry into consulting and finance. What school did you come from (was it a target?) and have you started networking with individuals in your field(s) of choice?

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

I graduated from a non-target school in Texas; one of the biggest ones that O&G companies recruit from. I have no contacts/networks. Honestly, I dont know where to start; this is where I need guidance mostly. Do you know what kind of careers these ChemE grads started and later pursued? I would like to know what paths they took and why.

 
Best Response
Totti10

I graduated from a non-target school in Texas; one of the biggest ones that O&G companies recruit from. I have no contacts/networks. Honestly, I dont know where to start; this is where I need guidance mostly. Do you know what kind of careers these ChemE grads started and later pursued? I would like to know what paths they took and why.

A&M...? or Tech? Send me a PM and I can connect you to some people. Lots of these ChemE people went to CPG groups (some product design) and then hopped to management consulting or equity research.
Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

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