Masters of Chemistry or start work?

[sonandheir]

I'm in my final year of a degree in chemistry and considering my future. Would it be of benefit to start working in the chemical industry as I have a potential job in a good company after graduation, or go on straight away into a masters degree in chemistry? The job is a token chemical position in a company that mainly manufactures medical devices, and has a small lab on site as they affix drugs to some of the devices. I intend to do the masters at some point but am worried that if I do it now I'll alienate myself from prospective employers in that I'll have no relevant experience. I know 2 PhD students who are overspecialised and stuck here in the university. Any body with any knowledge especially of chemical industry would be much appreciated.

 

[kerinsp]

I started doing a Phd in physical chemistry myself years ago after my degree mostly because I had no job lined up and because there was a phd on offer and I thought it would be good to do.

If you are really into your chemistry, an organic chemistry phd can be a good move. I have some friends who did the organic phd and are doing well now in process developement in some of the pharma plants around. You can start off in process dev and then move up the ladder to shift managers etc.

After a couple of years doing the Phd I stopped and finished with a masters because there wasn't enough for me to do and I found it very dull after a while with no clear job prospects at the end of the line (maybe lecturing but It didn't interest me)

I ended up working in IT and after 8 years of that I am going into medical repping.

If I was you I wouldn't worry about that job that may be there for you. If you are qualified there will always be other jobs. Be careful about taking a QC job though, they are boring so I've heard.

by the way when I finished the masters, it meant I got an extra grand in my starting salary in my first job. I'd do it again (but not physical chemistry) because I had a great time with the other post grads, there was always a reason to go for a pint and I always had enough money for a few drinks. I made some great friends and I still meet up with them regularly enough, at christnings now!

If you want to do the masters, then go for it.