Jane Galt

Mathgal, I'm not claiming to be an expert on this, but I did just apply to chemical engineering PhD programs last fall. Although you do have a technical background, there are a lot of unique chemical engineering courses- things like thermodynamics, kinetics, separations, mass and energy balances, etc. that you will be expected to know to pass the qualifying exams and will need as a foundation for the advanced level chemical engineering courses. I met a student who had a biochemistry major who wanted to do his PhD in chE, and he was taking some of the ChE core classes during his senior year so he could get in. That doesn't mean it's impossible- one of my ChE professors first got a BA in art history. However, you might need to do some prep work first. Another important thing is research experience- since you are doing a non-thesis masters, I hope you have some undergrad research experience are are in contact with those professors so they can write you letters. Good luck!

I recently graduated with my BS in chemical engineering. Last fall I applied to PhD programs because I was in the swing of things, was in contact with people who could write me good letters, and because I knew I wanted to go. I also applied to some full-time positions because I would really like some work experience. I ended up getting an on-site interview a few days before the deadline to accept grad school. After some discussions with professors/parents/friends/myself, I decided to accept a 1-year deferral to a good school. I am potentially interested in academia but would also like some industrial experience (invaluable to the students!), but according to a well-informed professor it is extremely difficult/impossible to get into academia after industry because of special grants only available to recent Ph.D's. I took the deferral to hopefully be available for the job I interviewed for, and also because, frankly, committing to another 4-5 years of school is a little intimidating after I just did all that. Unfortunately I didn't get the job even though I was "pretty much the top candidate", probably because they found out that I was interested in attending graduate school within a few years (note: these questions are not appropriate. Don't answer them!). So, long story short, I now have a year with nothing to do. I have been applying to more full-time jobs, but the interview process takes so long I'm worried about the impression I will make when I quit after less than a year. An internship/co-op would be perfect, but almost all companies restrict those to people who are currently enrolled in a degree program for the next semester. I'm not financially secure enough to travel for a year, although I suppose I could just fly somewhere and hope I can find something... Anyone in the same situation or have any advice?