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Choose Masters courses to work for chemical engineering consulting companies

Masters degree programs are available throughout the United States in chemical engineering and chemistry. Chemical engineering programs build on the foundations of an undergraduate education by focusing on specific aspects of developing and working with different types of chemicals. Masters programs offer a lot of time in the lab as well as some internship opportunities.

I recommend: The University of Rochester offers a Masters degree program as well as a doctoral program in chemical engineering. Stevens Institute of Technology's Charles V. Schaefer School of Engineering and Science offers many choices for earning a chemical engineering Masters degree, including a full Masters program and Masters certificate programs.

Take safety training courses for chemical industry consultants

Laboratory safety courses are essential for any person working in the vicinity of a chemical lab. Another type of safety course, called emergency management or risk management, should also be considered essential for chemical engineers. This type of course thoroughly trains engineers to manage a team of people in emergency situations.

I recommend: AcuTech offers a variety of emergency management and safety training courses for those that work in the processing industry, which includes many chemical consultants. ABS Consulting offers general safety classes for chemically hazardous work environments, which is essential knowledge for chemical consultants and other employees.

Explore continuing education for chemical specialists

Many chemical engineering organizations offer continuing education for those that work in chemical consultancy. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including the latest technology and new concepts in chemistry. Many of these programs also offer continuing education credits that may be required to retain certifications or work for specific firms.

I recommend: The Center for Professional Advancement provides many continuing education courses for chemists and chemical engineers that also provide continuing education credits. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) offers a variety of online training options for chemical engineering professionals.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides organizations for chemical engineering, many colleges and universities also offer continuing education credits covering a variety of topics.

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Hire chemical consultants that specialize in your industry or business sector

Select chemical specialists who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Chemical Consulting of Babylon provides soil testing and plant tissue analysis for green houses, field nurseries, container nurseries, cemeteries, golf courses, landscapers and homeowners. ChemSystems serves companies in the energy, chemical, plastics and process industries. Irfab Chemical Consultants specializes in assessment for the paint industry, including resins, chemical intermediates, solvents, pigments and additives.

Choose chemical industry consulting firms with proven skills

Review the services provided by each chemical consulting company. Evaluate the chemical consulting firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need.

I recommend: ChemicaLogic Corporation offers market research, technology evaluation, competitiveness analysis, business planning and evaluation and environmental consulting for clients in the chemical industry, and provides online case studies. ChemMet specializes in corrosion and chemical engineering services. Manuta Chemical Consulting provides comprehensive chemical consulting services, presentations and expert witness services.

Select chemical consulting firms that meet your budget

Many chemical consultant firms utilize an hourly fee or project fee structure, while others operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Your chemical consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Mark J. Blackman offers special rates to national security and public safety organizations. Chemical Market Associates provides detailed consulting service fees online, including report services, analyses, special focus studies and computer services.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure your chemical industry consultants are not associated with any vendors. Independent chemical consultants will provide unbiased solutions that best serve your business needs, not those of their vendors.
• •  Request strict confidentiality and non-disclosure polices from your chemical consulting company to ensure protection of your company's sensitive information, especially in the development of new products.

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Understand what to expect from chemical consulting firms

View examples of chemical consulting services at chemical industry consulting firms websites. You can review service descriptions to gain a better idea of how your business can utilize chemical specialists. Consulting companies that specialize in the chemical industry offer a variety of services, including: analytical, product development, regulatory compliance and project management.

I recommend: Visit Haugen Consulting to learn about the types of services a chemical consulting company offers. Click on the different category links to see specific descriptions. Take a look at Nexant Chemical Consulting and view services by sector.

Read testimonials from businesses that have worked with chemical engineering consultants

Obtain a complete picture of what to expect before, during and after your chemistry consulting experience by reviewing testimonials from businesses that have taken advantage of chemical engineering consulting companies. You can learn from the experiences of others before you even enter into business relations with a chemical consulting company. Your business will be free from surprise and ready to begin consulting operations.

I recommend: Review client success stories alphabetically, geographically or by subject at Accenture, a chemical consulting company. Take a look at the Conley Chemical Consulting website to read a client testimonial and understand the consumer perspective.

Realize the importance of professional liability insurance in the chemical consultancy industry

Make sure you only do business with chemical industry consulting firms and chemical industry consultants who have professional liability insurance. This will help insure you against any losses or damages that may arise through business operations with a company. If you are required to sue for any reason, possession of professional liability insurance will make certain the company's ability to repay your losses. Access information online to learn more.

I recommend: View basic program information about the AIChe/ACS Professional Liability Program at Hays Affinity Solutions. Read an article published by the American Chemical Society geared toward chemical consultants that highlights famous cases demonstrating the importance of professional liability insurance.

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Project feasibility study

A project feasibility study is a study conducted to see if a project will be successful. The study looks at production, marketing and sales forecasting to determine whether the completed project will be feasible for the company.

I recommend: ChemicaLogic provides case studies on a number of previous projects including feasibility studies.

Benchmarking

Benchmarking is a system of analysis that consultants use to evaluate a company's standing and aids in their efforts to improve operations.

I recommend: Odyssey Logistics and Technology provides information on its benchmarking services for chemical logistics companies.

Specialty chemicals

Chemical consultants are often called in to work with specialty and fine chemicals. These chemicals have specific properties that a company may want to use in consumer products. Consultants are called in to perform market analysis and other testing for these chemicals.

I recommend: Nexant Chemical Consulting provides information on the types of services it performs for specialty and fine chemicals.

Chemical Consultants Network

The Chemical Consultants Network provides information on the chemical industry. It also provides education and networking opportunities for its members.

I recommend: Find out more about the Chemical Consultants Network at its website.

Chemical testing

Chemical testing is one of the primary services of a chemical consultant. Many consultants will provide testing services to determine if a chemical is safe for the proposed applications. Chemical testing can also find any flaws to correct in the product before it is manufactured.

I recommend: Chemical Dynamics provides a list of typical testing procedures it performs on paint and coating products.

Technology evaluation

Technology evaluation is a service provided by chemical consultants that looks at the cost, process and innovation of a company's technology to determine if it is the best solution. Technology evaluation can also refer to the implementation of new technologies on a trial basis.

I recommend: JVP International provides economic and model processing technology evaluation for chemical companies.