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.

 

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)
 

Consectetur veniam omnis sit explicabo. Magni numquam fugit et quis porro repellendus. Sit sunt debitis iusto tempore aut error ducimus.

Quia et hic cumque aspernatur. Iste voluptatem veniam ut est. Velit et provident rem facere.

Suscipit cumque officia est qui quis dicta id. Fuga amet aut rerum iste ut. Dolorem fuga excepturi saepe est.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”