Custom fine chemical manufacturing encompasses complex, multi-step synthesis of starting materials, intermediates and active ingredients for a wide variety of clients in many end markets. The scope of jobs within these value chains is practically limitless. The lure of big tech is intoxicating to most graduates and young professionals, so why consider a career in the custom fine chemicals industry?
- Always New and Exciting Challenges
Custom fine chemical manufacturing provides critical products to a wide range of market segments including agriculture, electronics, healthcare, infrastructure, and transportation, creating a wide variety of requirements and demands. Whether you work in the lab, production, quality assurance, or sales and marketing, you will always have new challenges. Traditional opportunities exist for chemists and engineers, but marketers, financial specialists, and multiple trades are essential to creating a productive, multi-disciplinary environment.
- Long-term Industry Stability
The wider fine chemicals market in the US alone contributes as much as $226 billion to the U.S. GDP and one-fifth of total world production. These booming figures, along with strong forecasts for future growth, translate to long-term job stability. Furthermore, the specialized nature and high value of custom fine chemicals manufacturing secure its role as a niche service provider.
- Team Based Environment
Custom fine chemical manufacturing requires close coordination with various internal departments and those within the client’s operations. This means that you will regularly be called upon to work with a wide variety of people in multi-disciplinary teams. Your contribution matters, simply said. Furthermore, because of the specialized nature of the industry, employee retention is critical, so there tends to be more focus on training and career development.
- Affect Global Growth
You will make a true impact with a career in the custom fine chemicals industry, as the assortment of starting materials and intermediates serve as the foundation for a near limitless range of end products. Many of these are focused on today’s megatrends, meaning you could play a key role in shaping the sustainability of electric vehicles, targeted medicine, and renewable energy.
- It is a Good Living
Lastly, due to the importance of individual talent, success in teams, and adapting to new opportunities, custom fine chemical manufacturing typically offers attractive salaries and benefits. While this naturally varies, the assortment of companies active in this sector ensures the opportunity to grow and achieve success.
Looking for a Career in the Custom Fine Chemicals Industry?
Job stability has been a hot button issue throughout the pandemic as industries have faltered in the wake of supply chain disruptions, staffing shortages, and more. But the global economy has shown extraordinary resilience over the last 18 months and professional communities are beginning to show signs of recovery and even revolution. The acceptance of remote working and hybrid schedules looks set to endure, while other businesses seek to implement lessons learned into everyday operations. Meanwhile, students and graduates have been faced with enormous uncertainty as to the employment landscape they can expect to enter. Fortunately, the custom fine chemicals industry remains an attractive option for those with a passion for teamwork, sustainability and excellence.
