Most chemists are problem solvers, working for industrial, governmental, or independent laboratories. Some chemists move into managerial positions, and some are teachers. All apply their knowledge of chemistry and their experience in a particular field to design strategies for investigating specific problems or opportunities. Then they communicate the results to others who are concerned with the problem.
Chemists tend to become deeply involved in their work.
The field continually challenges them with interesting problems that can be solved by an ingenious or imaginative worker. Moreover, technical problem solving early in an individual's career often provides good training for technical management positions. There are three things that distinguish the chemistry program from most university programs. First, chemistry is a laboratory science. During a typical semester you will spend six or nine hours a week in laboratories with friends learning how to analyze materials, prepare new compounds, and investigate chemical properties.