The field of chemical engineering is changing and evolving quickly. As a professional, Kyle Vandermolen has seen a lot of changes take place over the duration of his career. At the same time, these challenges also present opportunities for success. If you are thinking about a career in chemical engineering, or if you are already a professional in this field, what are some of the biggest challenges you may face in the near future? There are several examples you should keep in mind.
Chronic
Exposure To Dangerous Chemicals Is a Significant Concern
One of the biggest challenges
facing chemical engineers is chronic exposure to dangerous chemicals. This is a
significant concern because a lot of people are so focused on their projects
that they do not realize just how dangerous these chemicals are. Even though
there are a lot of protective measures in place, Kyle
Vandermolen knows that they are not always enough. Furthermore, some
people get lazy with their protection from time to time, and they could be
exposed to dangerous chemicals. It is important to take a closer look at safety
measures that can help chemical engineers stay safe.
The Growing
Cost of Materials and Supplies
Without a doubt, the growing cost
of materials and supplies is a significant concern. According to Kyle Vandermolen, there are several ways this
is taking shape. For example, the rising price of crude oil is impacting the
price of everything. If it is too expensive for companies to get their
materials, it might be too expensive for them to complete their projects.
Furthermore, there is a significant amount of volatility in foreign currency
markets. The reality is that just about every material has to be imported from
somewhere. No country has everything. Therefore, this volatility can have an
impact on overhead expenses as well.
Growing Issues
Related to Food and Water Production
Chemical engineers are also
responsible for addressing a lot of issues related to food and water
production. During the course of his career, Kyle
Vandermolen has seen just how important engineers are to addressing
these concerns. Unfortunately, with the continuing change in the environment,
food and water production has only become a bigger issue. It will be
interesting to see if engineers are able to tackle these issues down the road.
This is becoming a more pressing concern, and a lot of engineering firms are
dedicating more resources to solving the problem.
Looking to the
Future of the Field
Even though there are a lot of
challenges facing chemical engineering, it is still a rewarding career
opportunity. Lots of people enjoy becoming chemical engineers, including Kyle Vandermolen,
because they have an opportunity to help people while enjoying a career that is
intellectually stimulating. Furthermore, chemical engineers are generally
people who are well paid. It will be interesting to see how these challenges
are addressed in chemical engineering in the future. There are plenty of
opportunities for this industry to continue to grow and expand.
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