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Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your major and related occupations

Year 1

• Explore the profession through the Hood College chemistry website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
• Visit the and the websites.
• Take the to learn more about additional areas of career interest.
• Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.

Year 2

• Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for a chemistry specific internship.

Year 3

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either chemistry or employment related.
• Enroll in CHEM 375 - Independent study with a Hood faculty member to gain work experience and college credit.
• Enroll in CHEM 399 – Internship in chemistry to have the opportunity to take part in research in a nearby laboratory and college credit.

Year 4

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either chemistry or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills.
• If you have not already completed, Enroll in CHEM 375 - Independent study with a Hood faculty member to gain work experience and college credit.
• Enroll in CHEM 399 – Internship in chemistry to have the opportunity to take part in research in a nearby laboratory and college credit.
• Enroll in CHEM 499 – Departmental Honors to have the opportunity to take part in research in a nearby laboratory or on campus with a Hood faculty member (by invitation only)

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1

• Explore Free Radicals chemistry club and its engagement opportunities.
• If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest.

Year 2

• Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the chemistry field. (Work with a Career Center counselor to identify individuals).

Year 3

• Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search.
• Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
• Shadow professionals or alumni who work in the field.
• Attend department seminars every semester to gain insight about the current research and meet potential employers.

Year 4

• Attend department seminars every semester to gain insight about the current research and meet potential employers.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the chemistry field.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1

• Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more about not-for-profit agencies that provide low or no-cost services to those in need.
• Talk to health professions advisor for relevant testing requirements and other opportunities if you are interested in medical school or dental school or veterinary school.
• Attend department seminars every semester to gain insight about the current research and meet potential employers.

Year 2

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need chemistry interns.
• Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus.
• If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field.
• Attend department seminars every semester to gain insight about the current research and meet potential employers.

Year 3

• Meet with staff in Career Services to identify potential internships, consider competitive national experiences.
• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need chemistry interns.
• Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.
• Attend and present at conferences of professional associations.

Year 4

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may be recruiting new hires.
• Attend and present at conferences of professional associations.

• Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor
• Work with tutors at the Writing Center
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

Learn more about careers in chemistry: 

• Product development
• Process development
• Analysis
• Testing
• Biotechnology (using living organisms or cell processes to make useful products)
• Consulting
• Quality assurance/Quality control
• Management
• Environmental analyses
• Forensics
• Government:
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Public health departments
• Industries:
  • chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, feed, cosmetics, agricultural, environmental, petroleum, consumer products
• Private research labs and organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Consulting firms

Explore more career opportunities in chemistry: