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[iAdor3]

Ok, I've just received my SPM ( Malaysia Study Certificate ), and I scored 3A+, 5A, 1A-

A+ Malay Language, History, Additional Mathematics
A Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English, Mathematics
A- Islamic Studies

And now, I'm thinking of pursuing my tertiary education in Chemical Engineering course. Just simply because I love the word "chemistry" in it. I've done a some research and it's not just all about Chemistry. Only 20% chemistry and the rest is Physics and Maths. I don't mind about that =]. But I don't know, what is exactly chemical engineering student studies in tertiary education? Is it the toughest amongst any engineering courses? what is the chances for me to get a job after I graduate with a diploma//degree in ChE? what fields can I go to? My stereotypical family ( in rural area ) said that ChE mainly just stay in Lab and do lots of research, is it true?

Thanks a lot, I'm sorry if there's any grammatical error ^^,~

[Art Montemayor]

The profession of Chemical Engineering is so versatile and diversified that you could practice it without ever getting involved with any chemistry - much less a laboratory.

It may not be the "toughest" engineering course you can take, but it certainly is not the easiest! It usually is found to be one of the more demanding university courses. It is demanding in performance, preparation, work input, time spent, and the complexity of its qualifying courses. It also is the one university degree that demands more starting salary in such countries as the United States and Europe than other disciplines. It is an acknowledged and respected degree world-wide.

Staying in a lab? I doubt it very seriously. Four months after graduating 51 years ago, I found myself in the Caribbean, managing the operations of a variety of industrial gas plants. From there, I have worked, traveled, visited, lived in, and known every continent and most major countries - except Cuba. I was married during my assignment in Peru, and had my daughters there. I have led projects in the USA, Europe, Middle East, South America, Caribbean, Africa, etc., etc. - so I don't think I wound up in a lab just cleaning test tubes. I don't consider my career different or extraordinary from that of other Chemical Engineers. I believe there are more challenges out there today than there were in my time.