What Automotive jobs for a Chemical Engineering Graduate?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm a little bit stuck on this one: I graduated from Chemical Engineering at Bath in July with a MEng. I have have a few areas that interest me, which I have mostly focussed my applications on, and the automotive industry is my current area of investigation (though I'm still looking at other industries at the same time). I did a placement with a minerals company - not something I knew anything about before, but thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt a lot. It was a relatively hands-on role, which suited me: I generally preferred the days where I was playing around with pilot plant equipment to those spent in the office.
I have looked at a few of the big companies: for example JLR have their graduate schemes open for applications, and a few "Engineering" based roles. However, I get the impression that these are geared towards those who have studied Mech/automotive engineering, and I would probably be unsuitable.
Am I being unnecessarily pessimistic? I should be able to show a good amount of enthusiasm as well as good background knowledge, but I doubt the relevance of my my academic qualifications. Is there anything else I should consider in the industry?
Seeing as Pistonheads is an car place (at least in theory
), I am wondering if there is any one out there who can offer any guidance. Any replies will be gratefully received!
Thanks, Felix
I'm a little bit stuck on this one: I graduated from Chemical Engineering at Bath in July with a MEng. I have have a few areas that interest me, which I have mostly focussed my applications on, and the automotive industry is my current area of investigation (though I'm still looking at other industries at the same time). I did a placement with a minerals company - not something I knew anything about before, but thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt a lot. It was a relatively hands-on role, which suited me: I generally preferred the days where I was playing around with pilot plant equipment to those spent in the office.
I have looked at a few of the big companies: for example JLR have their graduate schemes open for applications, and a few "Engineering" based roles. However, I get the impression that these are geared towards those who have studied Mech/automotive engineering, and I would probably be unsuitable.
Am I being unnecessarily pessimistic? I should be able to show a good amount of enthusiasm as well as good background knowledge, but I doubt the relevance of my my academic qualifications. Is there anything else I should consider in the industry?
Seeing as Pistonheads is an car place (at least in theory
), I am wondering if there is any one out there who can offer any guidance. Any replies will be gratefully received!Thanks, Felix
Felix
As you have probably found out in the mineral company role, your degree is 'probably' largely irrelevant. The degree shows your ability to learn, pick up new ideas and have an element of intelligence creativity. Do not let the fact you have a certain engineering degree stop you from applying for other roles.
I have a degree in Metallurgy and I work in a foundry. I am the Engineering Manager and I use my degree in perhaps 2% of my working life.
So, basically don't let the degree you have stop you in your career aspirations.
Mike
As you have probably found out in the mineral company role, your degree is 'probably' largely irrelevant. The degree shows your ability to learn, pick up new ideas and have an element of intelligence creativity. Do not let the fact you have a certain engineering degree stop you from applying for other roles.
I have a degree in Metallurgy and I work in a foundry. I am the Engineering Manager and I use my degree in perhaps 2% of my working life.
So, basically don't let the degree you have stop you in your career aspirations.
Mike
I know people who work at JLR with Chemical Engineering degrees.
As said, your degree is largely irrelevant once you start work. I studied mechanical engineering and use almost nothing that I was taught in lectures. It's your problem solving, prioritising, organisational and interpersonal skills that will be called upon.
With a degree in any engineering (any degree to an extent) you're at least able to show an ability to learn - that's what's important.
As said, your degree is largely irrelevant once you start work. I studied mechanical engineering and use almost nothing that I was taught in lectures. It's your problem solving, prioritising, organisational and interpersonal skills that will be called upon.
With a degree in any engineering (any degree to an extent) you're at least able to show an ability to learn - that's what's important.
fiatpower said:
I know a few grads who started at JLR this year, most had mech/auto degrees but there was one nuclear engineer and another who did chemical engineering
Do u mind me asking which unis they were from ?But wouldn't they expect you to know the full design process, all the engineering principles etc ?
Would these graduate engineering roles be available to an Imperial College Maths grad who has spent a few years training as actuary ?
Liokault said:
Most Oem's have a materials lab that your degree will fit in with.
Personally I would avoid JLR. I think McLaren are really after good people right now and second theirs tend to pay more if you need the brum area.
How hard is it to get into McLaren Cars or MvLaren Automotive as they are now called in an engineering position ? What are the usual requirements ? And what the pay structure roughly like from graduate, mid, senior level etc ?Personally I would avoid JLR. I think McLaren are really after good people right now and second theirs tend to pay more if you need the brum area.
Plenty of scope for chemical engineers in the powertrain / aftertreatment side of automotive engineering, particularly with EU6 emissions legislation and the additional Nox counter measures that are being deployed on passenger cars.
You could get involved with specifying the catalysts for different vehicles, precious metal content, wash coats, LNT, DPF capacity, Urea selective catalyst reduction systems, engine management calibration devising dosing strategies to ensure acceptable Nox conversion efficiencies under different operating conditions, with minimum urea consumption, emissions species analysis, fuel in oil analysis etc.
You could do the above with vehicle manufacturers themselves, engineering consultancies such as ricardo, oil companies, or the after treatment component suppliers such as http://www.matthey.com/careers
Good luck!
You could get involved with specifying the catalysts for different vehicles, precious metal content, wash coats, LNT, DPF capacity, Urea selective catalyst reduction systems, engine management calibration devising dosing strategies to ensure acceptable Nox conversion efficiencies under different operating conditions, with minimum urea consumption, emissions species analysis, fuel in oil analysis etc.
You could do the above with vehicle manufacturers themselves, engineering consultancies such as ricardo, oil companies, or the after treatment component suppliers such as http://www.matthey.com/careers
Good luck!
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