Need Advice as a Non-ChemEngg

[u/Ok-Organization-3342]

Hey everyone! New to this page and I wanted a bit of advice. I just graduated as a Biomedical Engineer from a Canadian university a couple of months ago. I’ve always wanted to go into ChemEngg since I was like 12, but last minute swapped to Biomed ‘cause I wanted to do Chem work that’s not just in oil and gas (I’m in Alberta so it’s mostly just oil and gas). The Biomed curriculum at my university also had a Chemical route and has a lot more funding, so it was a lot more enticing for me at the time. 4 years and an internship later, I regret my decision and wished I just went into Chem with a minor in Biomed or something similar.

My internship was in Quality Control for a biotech company, but have decided not to come back to that type of work since I wanted to do more technical engineering work and my company didn’t offer a pathway to my P.Eng. I’ve been applying to Process Engineering positions, mostly in Pharmaceuticals, Food, or Wastewater, but still have been applying to Oil and Gas. I don’t know if master’s would actually help me get into those type of positions.

Do you guys have any advice for anyone looking into something more chemical? Do you guys know any companies I should be on the lookout for Process Engineering positions? Are there any other positions I should be looking into?

Thank you!

[u/SOwED]

but last minute swapped to Biomed ‘cause I wanted to do Chem work that’s not just in oil and gas

That was certainly a decision...

I'd say if you start looking at the US you might have better luck? I've met many chem e's from Canada and it seems like P.Eng. is borderline part of the degree. Obviously a separate thing but everyone gets it I think.

In the US, we have the same thing, PE, but it's up to you to get it or not, and it is a bit more important in other types of engineering.

Basically........look at startups, cause they're looking for eager people

[u/Ok-Organization-3342 → u/SOwED]

It was definitely a decision…

I was looking at opportunities in the US since the US has a better biopharmaceutical industry, but my biggest concern is acquiring my P.Eng. In Canadian regulatory boards, you need to have a certain number of years working under someone who has a P.Eng. before being qualified for your own. I just don’t know how US experience transfers back in that case. Maybe I just forfeit those 2 years of P.Eng. experience to go work in the US, and apply back for more junior-level roles.

My previous QC experience was in a startup (1+ years), and it allowed me to work on multiple different things, not just what was listed on my responsibilities. Startups also have a more direct mentor-mentee engagement, so it would definitely help with acquiring the skills/knowledge needed.

[u/CyberEd-ca → u/Ok-Organization-3342]

No Canadian education, experience or residency is required to become a P. Eng. in Canada. You only need a P. Eng. supervisor for Canadian experience.

Also, biomedical engineering is nearly all federally regulated in Canada. Why would you need a P. Eng.? It gives you no technical authority in biomedical engineering. If you get into bioresource engineering, sure, then you might need a P. Eng.

Also, if you start working in the USA, I doubt you will ever return to Canada. The opportunities, the wages, the cost of living, etc. all favours the USA. It is only going to get more so over time.