I used to be a Chemical Engineer. Though I loved the field and science, my job in College as at a uranium processing plant really encouraged me to find work in something else. There were countless really dangerous things, like the hydrofluoric acid they used to eventually fluorinate the uranium.
We'd carry gas masks with us constantly. I had to wear an acid proof suit in 105 degree heat. Geiger counter checks in and out the door.
I ended up breaking my ankle playing basketball and was forced to stay in a trailer so that my cast wouldn't get contaminated with uranium. Since I couldn't do my regular engineering stuff, I had to program stuff on computers the rest of the summer. Much better :) Changed my life forever.
Chem Eng is one of the harder degrees to actually get, and as fun as computers are, I sometimes contemplate going back and getting the Chem Eng degree (I did Comp Eng/Chemistry double) to play with big chemistry.
Yeah, it was insanely tough. Countless all nighters, and impossible problems. What I'm really thankful for is how much pursuing the degree taught me about grit and perseverance to study and overcome problems.
We'd carry gas masks with us constantly. I had to wear an acid proof suit in 105 degree heat. Geiger counter checks in and out the door.
I ended up breaking my ankle playing basketball and was forced to stay in a trailer so that my cast wouldn't get contaminated with uranium. Since I couldn't do my regular engineering stuff, I had to program stuff on computers the rest of the summer. Much better :) Changed my life forever.