[highschoolstudent]

Hello,
I’m a high school sophomore that needs to research how to become a environmental chemist and also about the actual job.  I’m hoping someone on this forum can help me by answering the following questions.  I appreciate any help I can get.

1. What classes should I take in high school to help me prepare for college with this course of study in mind?
2. Did you receive your B.S. or M.S. and in what discipline?
3. How many hours do you work a day/week?
4. What are the positives about your job?
5. What are the negatives about your job?

Thank you

[crosemeyer]

What sort of environmental chemist?  A lab analyst?  A consultant?

[highschoolstudent]

Thanks for responding. The type of environmental chemist is a lab analyst.

[crosemeyer]

Okay then, that's what I do.

Honestly, you can likely get in the door with any undergrad science degree, mine is in Molecular Bio.  I would strongly recommend taking as much analytical chem coursework as possible, qualitative and quant.  I did not, and the learning curve was steep.

Don't expect to make a lot of money, work for the polluters if that's your goal!

[highschoolstudent]

Thanks for your help.