The thoughts of a recent graduate in chemical engineering

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I majored in Chemical Engineering and Technology; I’m in my senior year and will graduate in two months. I took the postgraduate entrance exam last year, but didn’t succeed. Now I have to look for a job. Although it’s relatively easy to find employment in the chemical industry, either the salaries are low or the working conditions are poor. To be honest, most people can’t accept that, and they always try to find a better option. But then I think, if I were to go look for a job now, I don’t have a high level of education, nor do I have any work experience; moreover, I realize that during my university years I didn’t develop strong skills in the field of chemistry. My qualifications are simply too weak. Employers use me by assigning me a certain position and salary based on my capabilities; therefore, if I’m not getting the job results I desire, it’s because my skills aren’t up to par, and I need to improve myself first. Thinking about my dreams and my current capabilities, I need to focus on bridging the gap between where I am now and where I want to be. The past few years have been a period for building a foundation; if possible, I’d like to find a job first and prepare for the postgraduate entrance exams in 2012. This will allow me to gain some experience, as well as improve my educational qualifications. Moreover, preparing for those exams will help me improve my English skills. I am well aware of the importance of English for my future development – it’s an asset that will help me get into larger companies in the future. I now read the job descriptions of large companies, check out their requirements, and see what skills I lack. By aiming to meet those standards, I work hard to improve my abilities. I believe that one day I will find a job that satisfies me.