Organization and Planning

Throughout this week, I have worked to keep myself and my thoughts regarding my research organized. When I started the week, I was overwhelmed by all of the different tasks that I felt needed to be done in order to set myself up for a successful week. I began by looking through the different materials and figuring out a plan of action.

When preparing for my research this week over my prospective field of chemical engineering, I learned several things about becoming a chemical engineer that I did not know. For instance, engineers have to go through a special certification and licensing process in order to be considered professional engineers. This means that directly out of college I will not be able to label myself a true chemical engineer, as I will need to have continuing education and experience in order to get my certification. I am excited by the prospect that I will have more to learn and more opportunities to grow after completing college. I do still have questions about what the best plan is for after college regarding a master’s degree. Is it smart to get a master’s in chemical engineering right after finishing my bachelor’s or should I go ahead and start my career?

I have also started working through an introduction to organic chemistry online course. I took both PAP and AP Chemistry classes my sophomore and junior year, but there are no further chemistry classes I can take in high school. I thought it important to have a broader understanding of chemistry and continue educating myself about different chemical principles in order to truly succeed not only in ISM but also in college. While I know that this class will not compare to the rigor and content of a true college organic chemistry class, I think it will give me a basic understanding of some key concepts that will prove useful in the future.

I find myself very excited about all of the things that I am going to learn in the coming weeks through this program. When I am researching concepts or looking for information regarding the field, I am exhilarated by the in-depth look at what my future might hold.