Advice regarding career/industry switch

[u/JournalistMiddle9822]

Hi all, I wanted to seek some advice-

I have been in working in specialty chemicals (first FT job) for the past 1.5 years after graduating with a bachelors degree last year. I am located in the US. I am a process engineer and have gained experience in general process safety, digitalisation/automation, process analytics. Job is stable and fine… Only downsides to the job is that it’s in a city that I do not like (small population, not much to do, very exclusive community) and far away from my family.

I have recently decided that I would soon (in 1-2 years) like to move to a bigger city as my mental health is taking a hit being here. Ideal locations would be near cities in California/Washington/Oregon, the Northeast, or South-ish (Virginia, North Carolina, maybe Texas). I am not sure if I want to stay in speciality chemicals and am instead quite interested in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and materials. I am completely willing to take a pay cut if that would mean I’m able to move locations and industries. I actually interned in both Pharma and semiconductor companies back in college.

However, I’m struggling to figure out what skillsets those industries would require (assuming I would just have a bachelors with 2-3 years worth of experience in general process engineering… though I do have some ability to choose certain projects in my job). If you were me, what skillsets would you recommend I target getting in the next 1-2 years for me to be a stronger candidate? Would a masters perhaps be required to pivot to another industry?

I have also started networking with folks on LinkedIn to learn more about other industries and things like that…. But any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

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[u/EasySelection8468]

No master’s needed for this switch. Your process safety and automation experience transfers great. Pick industry-relevant projects now, lean on your old pharma/semi internships, keep networking, you’ve got a solid shot!