She maintains interactions with professional organizations and has the respect and the support of her peers. The latter is an added benefit to the career of a chemist. Being a chemist is exciting and rewarding work. Yet she makes time to be involved in family and community activities. Today's chemist, like those of the past, surrounds herself with books, journals, chemicals, hoods and shields, beakers, test tubes, columns, analytical balances, instruments, and some self-invented devices.
Some chemists work on proprietary projects, others work on classified projects.
One glaring difference between chemists of today and those of the past is the sophisticated computers and advanced technology now available that make work easier but thinking and analysis more intense. Another difference is the established rules that must be followed and the added protection and safety required of today's chemists. This is good because it protects the health of the worker. Therefore, chemists must wear protective clothing such as safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, and sometimes respirators. While performing an experiment, the chemist usually works inside a hood that has an exhaust system equipped with filters and scrubbers to prevent harmful materials from reaching the atmosphere.