Career prospects

Occupational outlets for the three-year Chemistry graduate typically include:

• public and private research institutions; laboratories for synthesis, analysis, quality control and certification;
• public or private institutions and companies as an employee or freelance consultant;
• basic and fine chemical industries;
• speciality and auxiliary chemical industries for industrial production;
• detergent, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textile, food and packaging industries;
• industries requiring basic knowledge in the fields of chemistry also in relation to emission control and waste management.

These companies generally operate in international markets.

The first-cycle graduate can also continue their studies with a Second-cycle degree or a professional Master Programme - first level.

In the work context, the first-cycle graduate chemist can perform the following functions:

• autonomously manage laboratory instrumentation;
• organise, control and supervise chemical processes and procedures, under the guidance of a Master's Degree Chemist, also in relation to occupational safety issues;
• prepare reports on the results of analyses;
• transmit or acquire scientific information by interacting with both specialists and non-specialists;
• carry out, under the direction of a Master's Degree Chemist, laboratory tests and trials for the development of new products;
• carry out the characterisation of new products and collaborate in the experimentation of new technologies;
• provide advice and opinions in chemistry and in any activity defined by current legislation in relation to the profession of Junior Chemist;
• deal with marketing by technically advising customers on the choice and use of products.

In order to perform the functions described above, the three-year graduate chemist is required to have:

• basic chemical skills and knowledge useful for work activities requiring familiarity with the scientific method;
• the ability to apply methods and techniques, including innovative ones;
• the ability to use even complex equipment and to acquire both theoretical and experimental technological skills;
• the ability to apply knowledge to safety and environmental requirements;
• the propensity to work in a team;
• the aptitude to work in an international context and to relate to people of different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds.