Bindy Sombatsaphay

4-29-16
BUS 1010

E-portfolio Project Report

Job Description: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016) a chemical

technician, Conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making
qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research
and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of
environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical
application of chemistry and related sciences.(Chemical Technicians, 2016). Chemical
technicians play a key role in making sure commercial products, such as food, are up to
the highest standard. Some also test and analyze the pollution in water to ensure public

health.
General Career Path: Most chemical technicians come in straight from getting their
associates degree or two years of postsecondary education. They receive on-the-job
training on methods and procedures of conduction tests and experiments from more
experienced technicians. There are opportunities for further advancement for those who
pursue more education. With a bachelors degree and work experience in a related field, a

chemical technician could go on to become a chemical engineer or a chemist.

General Education Experience: A chemical technician generally requires an associates
degree or two years of postsecondary education. However, employees prefer those with a
bachelors degree. Some of the classes they would take are math, physics, biology, and of
course chemistry. English and public speaking classes are important as well because they
have to write reports or give presentations of their experiments and research.

Average Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual wage is
$44,660 as of May 2015. Depending on the state, some will earn as low as $27,000 and

as high as $75,000.
Career Outlook: The projected 10 year growth from 2012 is around 9% which is

average.
Pros and Cons: Pros to this career is that it brings innovation. Chemical technicians help
create new medicines and laboratory equipment through their research and experiments.
They also help ensure the publics health by testing products to see if they meet regulated
standards. A con for this occupation is that youll be working on your feet most of the
time and that could be difficult for some people. Youll also be working with very
sensitive and expensive equipment so you have to be careful around that or else it could

cost you or the company big money.

Your fit with this career: I think Id be a good fit in this career because Im a huge
science nerd. I always found chemistry and human biology super interesting and this
occupation features both of those things. You work on your own most of the time and
thats when I can do my best.

Sources: Chemical Technicians. (2015, December 17). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemical-technicians.htm#tab-1

On The Job. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/scienceengineering-careers/earth-physical-sciences/chemical-technician#onthejob

Chemical technologist. (2013, December 20). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_technologist

Chemical Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from

http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/chemistry-careers/chemicaltechnology.html

Chemical Technicians. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from

https://collegegrad.com/careers/chemical-technicians