This program is offered through the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.
Table of Contents
1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
1a. Sample Occupations
1b. Sample Job Listings
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
4a. On-Campus
4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.
1a. Sample Occupations
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupationsrequire further education and experience.
|
|
1b. Sample Job Listings
Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on U of T's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs.
- Product Development/QC Specialist, Giraffe Foods Inc.
- Microbrewery Technologist, Labatt
- Inside Sales Associate, Canadian Health Systems Inc.
- Research Chemist, Aqua Bond Inc.
- Research Communications Officer, University Health Network
- Building Products Scientist, Exova
- Environment, Health & Safety Specialist, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
- Recruiter, Pharma Medica Research Inc.
- Medical Market Researcher, Medtech Solutions
- Materials Coordinator Assistant, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, U of T
- MetallurgyChemist, Chemical Testing Laboratories, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Ecohydrology Lab and Field Assistant, Department of Geography, UTM
- Quality Assurance Representative, Stryker Canada
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
- Cosmetics and fragrance production companies
- Computers and telecommunications companies
- Pulp and papercompanies
- Consulting firms
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Government agencies
- Universities, colleges and schools
- Hospitals & other medical organizations
- Magazine and newspaper companies
- Environment and pollution control firms
- Fine and heavy chemical manufacturing companies
- Food and beverage production companies
- Mining and metallurgy companies
- Law Firms
- Oil and gas companies
- Plastic manufacturing companies
- Museums
- Engineering firms
- Industrial inspection firms
- Scientific research and development companies
2. Program-Related Skills
Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.
- Research: conduct journal research and evaluate the validity of sources; and utilize logical reasoning to interpret results/data derived from scientific experimentation.
- Technical: experience with state-of-theart laboratory technology and instruments; ability to use computer programs to manipulate and display data; and comply with safety regulations and quality control procedures while conducting experiments.
- Quantitative: analyze data for trends and apply statistical packagesto data to test for significance.
- Communication: organize research ideas and information into comprehensive reports; adapt vocabulary to suite a wide variety of audiences including the general public and senior scientists; and interact professionally with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, technicians, students and professors.
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
Career Exploration 101
Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.
Alumni Profiles
Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.
Events
Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.
Talk to Professors
Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.
Student Organizations
Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Student Organization Portal. Some organizations you may consider:
Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions, and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.
Professional Associations
There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings, and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:
- Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC)
- Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC)
- Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
4. Get Experience
Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.
4a. On-Campus
On-Campus Opportunities Booklet
Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.
Work Study Positions
The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.
Research Opportunity Program (ROP)
UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience and earn a course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Courses are held during Summer and Fall/Winter terms.
Part Time and Volunteer Positions
- Attend the annual Get Hired Fair
- Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
- Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document
Student Organizations
Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Student Organization Portal.
4b. Off-Campus
Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions
- Check out our binders with detailed information on internships and volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
- Login to Career Learning Network (CLN) and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to UofT students
- Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
- Consider taking an academic internship course through your department
- Check out Government of Ontario - Job Programs for Youth
- Review our Internships, Summer Employment Programs, and Summer Job Search tip sheets
Full Time Positions
- Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the "hidden job market" with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
- Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
- Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
- Check out our list of industry-specific job boards
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
Career Resource Library
The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides and more.
Appointments
- Attend a one-on-one appointment with a career counsellor or an employment strategist to discuss what career options might work for you and determine a job search plan.
- Meet with an academic or departmental advisor, who can guide you in achieving academic success. Contact the Office of the Registrar or your department for more information.
Career Planning by Year
Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.
Additional Web Resources
- Prospects - Career Options in Chemistry
- Jobpostings.ca - Career Guides in Health Care and Pharmacy
- Explorehealthcareers.org
- UTM Chemical and Physical Sciences Department
- Canada’s Top 100 Employers for Young People
updated July 2023