The Life of a Chemist

A biography by Michael Selvaggi

Who am I?
Name: Michael Selvaggi
Born: April 27, 1979 - in Toronto, Ontario.
I am currently 37 years old.
I graduated from University of Toronto with a Masters Degree in chemistry.

I was exposed to science ever since I was born, and have always been interested.
I also have family members who pursued in science (influenced me).

What is a chemist?
A specialized type of scientist.
They study chemicals and their interactions with each other.

They deal with: research, process control, product development, etc.

They create and analyze materials and their chemistry.

Example: developing a new type of plastic or a candy flavouring.

How I Became a Chemist

__________4 years__________

In order to become a chemist, a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry is

needed at the very least.
(Masters or PhD needed for advanced positions: research chemist, development positions, etc.)
There are different levels of advancement in this occupation.
Usually begin as a temporary employee (conducting and documenting tests).

As you gain experience or higher degrees (Masters, PhD), different paths open up.
Earnings: $35, 000 - $60, 000 - $110, 000 / year
EXPERIENCE
BACK

A Day in the Life of a Chemist

~ 8/9 hour workday (mostly in a lab)
9:00 am :| Experimenting, carrying out tests, entering results into computer.
12:00 pm :| Lunch break
1:00 pm :| Analyzing lab results for accuracy, then publishing them formally.
3:00 pm :| Brief meeting, organizing requests, planning for next day.
4:00 - 6:00 pm :| Organizing (cleaning workspace, sorting samples/data)
Leave work, go home and work/research

How I Knew I Wanted to Become a Chemist

Ever since I was a kid, I have been interested in science.
I would conduct mini-experiments, which advanced as I grew older.

When I was 16, I decided to construct a firework with my father.

Seeing my knowledge being put to work inspired me to pursue chemistry.
I realized that I should use my intelligence to contribute to chemistry in some way.

Why my Career Suits Me

A career like mine requires:

I am

Personality
Curious
Detail-oriented
Persistent
Focused

(According to self-assessments I took in the past )

Thinker Holland
Personality
Green personality
color

Interests
Interested in science (General knowledge in all ranges)
Math
Left brain
Computers
Skills
Co-ordinated (Work well with hands)
Good with computers
Logical intelligence
Good with group work
Visual/Tactile Learner

My personality types: Thinker and Organizer

~ Curious
~ Like science
~ Organized
Brain: Left Brain
~ Logical
~ Good at math
~ Good with information

Essential Skills
As a chemist, you will require multiple (well-developed) skills.
They include:
___________

|Reading|

Ex: Instructions, requests, etc.

___________

|Writing|
Ex: Recording information, letters,etc.
__________________

|Computer use|
Ex: Recording data, organizing, communication, etc.
________________________________________

|Continuous learning + (Thinking)|

Ex: Learning new concepts, adapting to new workspace, etc.

Memorable Event
During my first day on the job
A fellow employee was testing how 3 chemicals reacted in a beaker
He didnt follow one step

The beaker shot up in flames, and the employee panicked

I laughed (the solution was simple), covered the beaker, fire went out

Lesson from this experience

~ Never panic
~ Always follow all instructions

Challenges in my Career
When I first became a chemist, the pay was not that great. I had to work my way up.

I am required to complete a great deal of paperwork, everyday.

Overtime is often necessary + (8-9 hours regular work).

Work can get repetitive and requires extreme focus.

To
Info
Slide

Anticipated Changes
| In the next ten years |

Take my knowledge into the medical field (new job branch) possibly find a cure for
a severe type of illness.

Possibly become a professor pass my knowledge on to other students.

Advice for Interested Students

For High school

All U courses for Gr. 11 - 12 (Math, English, etc.)

It is wise to take all 3 sciences (bio., chem., phys.) for Gr. 11 and Gr. 12.
Math all the way through is recommended (Calculus => good idea).

Self-assessments are a great way to see if a career suits you .

Explore your opportunities.

Works Cited

"Analytical Chemistry." American Chemical Society. American Chemical Society, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2016. <http://www.acs.
org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/areas-of-chemistry/analytical-chemistry.html>.
"Chemists - SchoolFinder.com!" SchoolFinder.com. N.p., 11 May 2012. Web. 16 Mar. 2016. <http://www.schoolfinder.
com/Careers/Profile/2112chm/Chemists>.
"Quick Search - Results." Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada. Government of Canada, n.d. Web. 20
Mar. 2016. <http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/QuickSearch.aspx?val65=2112>.
"Welcome to Career Cruising 2.0." Chemist. Career Cruising, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2016. <https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/jobdescription/89>.