FAQs

  1. What are the best ways to get a co-op/internship?

    The most common way to get an internship or co-op is through our AIChE Career Forum and Engineering Expo. These will be held September 8th (AIChE Career Forum) and September 9-11th (Engineering Expo). 

    Other students have had success at the spring career fair CAMEO, applying to positions through Handshake, or using external sites such as Indeed or LinkedIn.

  2. What can I do if I didn’t get a co-op/internship after EXPO?

    Apply for other positions! Many students have had success applying to positions online on websites such as Handshake, Indeed, or LinkedIn. Others have used family or friends to find connections who may be hiring.

    Do Undergraduate Research! Our chemical engineering undergraduate research program provides opportunities to students year-round and has focus areas in a wide range of topics.

  3. How do I get involved in undergraduate research?

    Professors and research groups have websites that showcase their work and are great resources for learning about specific research areas. Reading about a professor’s work and then scheduling time with them to go more in depth is a great way to develop connections and to begin working in a lab.

    Another research opportunity is to participate in an NSF funded REU. These fully funded programs allow students to conduct research at universities for a summer under the guidance of participating labs.

  1. What are some common research areas? Where can I find more information on specific professors' research?

    Research Areas:

    1. Biomedical Engineering

    2. Polymer Science & Engineering

    3. Colloids & Interfaces

    4. Process Design & Systems Engineering

    5. Catalysis & Surface Science

    6. Supercritical Fluids

    7. Membranes & Advanced Separation Principles

    ChE students often find research in other departments such as chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering as well. Link to VT CHE Research Page 

  2. What are the best ways to get involved in ChemE?

    • AIChE: The VT AIChE Student Chapter is a dynamic professional organization dedicated to supporting chemical engineering students through a wide range of events and opportunities. Our offerings include career fairs, plant tours, and social events like cookouts and bowling nights, providing the perfect balance of professional development and community building.

      We also run an easy-to-join mentorship program that pairs underclassmen with upperclassmen, fostering academic support and lasting connections. For those interested in taking on a more active role, we offer numerous leadership opportunities to help you grow both personally and professionally.

    • AXS: Alpha Chi Sigma is a co-ed professional fraternity for those studying chemical sciences. The three objects of the fraternity revolve around developing friendships and professional connections as well as advancing chemistry.

      AXS has a large number of brothers in chemical engineering at Virginia Tech and around the world. 

    • Chem-E-Car: Chem-E-Car is an all ChE design team, typically consisting of 10-20 students. The team is tasked with creating a chemically powered car which starts and stops at a specified distance. 

      The Virginia Tech Chem-E-Car team won 1st place at the AIChE Chem-E-Car International Competition in both 2020 and 2019.

    • OXE: Omega Chi Epsilon is the Chemical Engineering honor society, which hosts meetings, professional activities, and social events.

  3. How do I get more involved in our AIChE Chapter?

    • Join our listserv! This will give you updates on all of our events so you’ll always be in the loop. Join our Mentorship Program! We are actively searching for mentors and mentees for the upcoming year. 

    • Come to other events! We offer a variety of events from company info sessions, to plant tours, to social events. We don’t bite!

    • Join a Committee! Check the AIChE Events Schedule for upcoming Community Service and DE&I Committee meetings.

    • Apply for a leadership position! We host elections every March/April which are often filled with a lot of new officers.

  4. How do I join the mentorship program?

    MENTORSHIP SIGN-UP

  5. What are some non-traditional paths for ChemEs?

    • Law

    • Medicine

    • Consulting

    • Business

    • Technology

    • Government

    • Anything Else!

  6. What are common double majors / minors to do with ChemE?

  • Chemistry: For those interested in specific chemical processes, reactions, and molecular interactions, chemistry may be the minor or double major for you! Many students choose to minor in chemistry because it requires just one extra class!

    Major Checksheet Minor Checksheet

  • Biochemistry: Biochem is popular among those interested in biomolecular interactions such as transport phenomena. This can be difficult to balance with ChemE, given that minor options are not offered.

    Major Checksheet

  • Computer Science: Computer Science is popular among those who would like to work on the modernization of Chemical Engineering! Programming is an increasingly valuable skill in today’s world causing more students to choose this each year.

    Major Checksheet Minor Checksheet

  • Other: Foreign Languages, Business, Mathematics, and many other majors/minors have been done in the past! Reach out to your academic advisor to learn more about doing your major/minor with ChemE!