Your work could also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions. In the private sector, your duties might include research and development, quality management, training or commerce. Customs and forensic chemists, and chemists working in environmental control analyse samples as part of their duties. Chemical research often requires interdisciplinary and international cooperation. As a chemist, you can be a part of developing new inventions and serve as an expert in your field and as a connoisseur of natural phenomena.
Studies are part of your career. At the University of Helsinki, all degrees include career planning. The Career Services at the University of Helsinki, in cooperation with degree programmes, supports the growth of your expert identity as part of your studies and with separate services.
From the start of your studies until one year after the completion of your degree, the Career Services supports your career path.
Career Services
Check out the Career Services on the Instructions for students “Work and Career” and “Traineeships”.
Leadmicro, a Chinese company established in 2015, has swiftly emerged as a leading manufacturer of atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment and a significant player in the solar power industry. The devices produced by the company can be used to manufacture increasingly efficient solar cells.
The story of the company has strong links to Finland and the University of Helsinki. Leadmicro’s founder Wei-Min Li, 55, acquired his learning precisely from the University of Helsinki, and the ALD technique used in the company’s products is a Finnish invention from the 1970s.
“In my studies, I understood the importance of not only hard work, but also kindness and friendship. This is what I learned from the University community – from my fellow students and staff.”
Chemistry is needed in many sectors. Similarly, Master’s studies in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences allow you to specialise in many kinds of tasks. In your Master’s degree studies, you will familiarise yourself thoroughly with at least one branch of Chemistry, after which you will be qualified to work in demanding expert positions. As a Master’s graduate, you can apply for postgraduate study in a doctoral programme. Approximately one quarter of chemistry graduates continue to complete a doctorate.
As a chemical expert, you can embark on a career in industry, research or education, or in the business sector. Your work might also involve applications of environmental or biological sciences, the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, or the development of technological materials or new energy solutions. Potential employers include private companies, research and educational institutes, public agencies and supervisory authorities. A traineeship completed during your studies could help you to choose your career. Chemistry is an international field, so there are also plenty of career opportunities abroad and in international organisations.
As a student at the University of Helsinki, you have extensive opportunities to study in different faculties. You can also complete studies at other Finnish universities under the Flexible Study Rights Agreement (JOO).
Research in the natural sciences is broad and multidisciplinary in nature. Researchers at the Department of Chemistry have joint projects with several University of Helsinki units as well as research institutes and companies outside the University. These connections allow you to network with various parties in the field of chemistry and related disciplines.
In addition, the Department of Chemistry has close connections with several organisations in the field of chemistry, through which you can acquaint yourself with professional chemists and the job market. Key partners include, for example, the Finnish Chemical Society, the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, various trade organisations and the Finnish Association for Teachers of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics.
Although it is easy for international students to get by with English in the Helsinki region, learning Finnish will significantly improve your career options after graduation.
The University of Helsinki offers free Finnish language courses for enrolled international degree students. The beginners and intermediate level courses are not only a way to learn the language, but you also learn more about Finnish culture and get to network with other international students across the fields.
Information about the Finnish courses for international students in the Instructions for students.
A successfully completed Master’s degree qualifies you to pursue postgraduate studies, i.e., a doctoral degree. You can complete a doctoral degree in one of the doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki or apply to pursue postgraduate studies at other universities in Finland or abroad. Approximately one quarter of Master of Science graduates in chemistry continue to complete a doctorate.
Potential doctoral programmes at the University of Helsinki include:
More information about doctoral education at the University of Helsinki.
After graduation, the world is wide open and full of possibilities. How can you venture forward to make the career path you want? What kind of work would you like to do? What kind of life should you lead? The Helsinki alumni community is there to support you as you transition from the University to the world of work.
All previous University of Helsinki degree and exchange students, as well as staff, are our alumni. As a member of the University of Helsinki alumni network, Finland’s largest network of experts, you get valuable support, knowledge and contacts for your working life.
More information about the Helsinki alumni community and its activities.