Earning a chemistry degree can open doors to research, industry careers and graduate study—but just as importantly, it can help students discover their confidence and leadership potential. For Layahna W., majoring in chemistry meant exploring chemistry degree career options, gaining hands-on lab experience, developing professional skills and preparing for a future master’s and Ph.D. program. Through research, on campus student leadership, friendships, and study abroad opportunities, she transformed uncertainty about her career path into a clear goal: becoming a chemistry professor after gaining experience in industry. In this first-person perspective piece, Layahna shares her insight ahead of her graduation with a BS in chemistry.
Finding the Right Career Path With a Chemistry Major
My major is full of helpful, kindhearted professors who want to see all of their students succeed. As someone unsure about her future career path up until the end of her junior year, guidance was one of the most important things offered to me while at Rowan. Finding a job that suits your personality and skill set can be hard. The amount of hands-on learning opportunities offered in the chemistry department, like being a research volunteer, a tutor, and the lectures/labs themselves, allows students to engage with multiple areas of chemistry in order to find their place in the grand scheme.
Hands-On Lab Experience and Undergraduate Research in Chemistry
Diving into how the aforementioned learning opportunities can help students find their place, the way I gained practical career skills was through being a research volunteer and by paying attention in the mandated labs that coincided with the lectures. The labs are typically on the smaller side, so for chemistry labs, it was rare that I was in a group with more than two others. This allows for great hands-on experience with common procedures done in industry and research.
One tip I would give is to gain every bit of knowledge you can while in undergrad. When you’re conducting the experiments, try to understand the concepts behind them and how the experimental procedure uses those concepts to make or measure what we want. Don’t learn in order to get a good grade; learn to understand so that you can carry it into your career.
How Environmental Chemistry Deepened My Understanding of Science
My favorite and most impactful class so far has been environmental chemistry. This is because in all my other chemistry classes, things were typically given to you (like equations) without much reasoning, and you were expected to plug and chug numbers or simply memorize certain principles. Environmental chemistry was the first class where the equations were derived, and the thought process of how we got to today’s chemistry was discussed.
This was also a class where the professor taught in my preferred learning style, so I was more inclined to internalize and understand the things he taught. I found the relation of chemistry to topics I’ve learned back in elementary school, like the atmosphere and greenhouse gases, very interesting. You’ll never know where previous knowledge might show up again, especially because science is what I’d consider a “building block discipline.” Everything relates in some way and often builds off the information of something prior.
Building Leadership Skills Through Campus Involvement
When I first came to Rowan, I was a very shy and timid person when it came to interacting with new people. After getting involved in different clubs, holding multiple positions and taking on leadership roles, I found a more confident version of myself.
I was able to make long-lasting friends through the organizations I joined and the positions I held, which allowed me to enter into different communities where the goal was to uplift each other while helping the Rowan community.
I’ve been able to hone skills like communication, public speaking, organization, and leadership while also learning valuable life lessons. It took time for me to get where I am now, but since I made it here, I know I could go anywhere else I’d like.
Making Friends at College
I made friends by joining clubs and getting a job! Most of my friends actually aren’t in my major because of how involved I decided to be during my time at Rowan.
My first friends were made during my time as a Peer Referral & Orientation Staff (PROS) member under the orientation office. Due to the nature of orientation, it’s useful to have a staff that’s closer than a normal staff since we have to rely on each other more often than not throughout the day. I decided to lean into this and do my best to get to know my coworkers, and those are some people I still hang out with personally.
When I joined my sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, I was welcomed into a sisterhood that helped me gain even more confidence in myself and my abilities. This foundation helped me as president of the Black Student Union.
Remember that the price of community at times is inconvenience. The relationships you build now could continue far into the future.
Professional Growth Through Campus Leadership & Study Abroad
When I first joined my sorority, I was the vice president. This came along with many responsibilities that I didn’t “feel prepared” for at the time. I later realized that this was moreso anxiety from having a “big” position for the first time, and that I had a team behind me that would support me while I figured out how to best do my job.
Since Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is a worldwide organization, it runs very fast and efficiently, so I had to learn how to keep up with that. After becoming a member, I had to learn how to plan and run an event, how to plan cosponsorships, and how to communicate effectively so everyone was on the same page. I even brought in new members to the sorority, which taught me valuable leadership skills.
One of the most important things I learned was what it means to represent, and how to conduct yourself so your actions reflect well on what you’re representing. This was something that I was able to learn at the luncheons and conferences I’ve been honored to attend.
At the same time as being VP for Zeta, I was also a new member of my club, NOBCChE (The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers), and I assisted as their co-secretary. Involvement in this organization allowed me to learn how to host a large event and meet with professionals to convince them to give their advice and time to Rowan students.
My favorite opportunity I was given while at Rowan was the ability to study abroad here at Rowan last year. It was an amazing experience, and I hope to do it again this upcoming summer!
Work-Study Experience and Career-Ready Skills Development
My work study position is under the Office of Orientation and Student Leadership (OSLP) programs located in the student center, and I work as a clerical assistant. Basically, I answer calls and complete any organizational tasks assigned to me. Even though the job is quite simple, I’ve managed to learn how to problem-solve and make certain processes more efficient since many of the tasks I do are repetitive.
Since OSLP is around a lot of other important offices, I’ve been able to network with many Rowan professionals, which has strengthened my networking skills. I’ve also worked here since my freshman year, so it is my way of growing roots in a specific area at Rowan that I can fondly look back on.
Developing Health and Wellness Habits as a STEM Student
In all honesty, I just started truly working on the overall wellness piece, but dedicating time to it is a big help. Getting any type of physical exercise can do wonderful things for your mental health, so I decided to prioritize physical wellness for my last year, since I know things will be the most stressful this year. So far, it’s been great since I’ve been going to the gym and eating more nutritious things. A habit I have implemented since my first year was taking a break when I know I need one. Sometimes the work can wait, but you also need the maturity to know if it should, which is something that gets easier to know as you go through undergrad.
About Rowan’s BS in Chemistry
Rowan University’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry provides a strong foundation in analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry while emphasizing hands-on laboratory experience. Students learn how scientific principles translate into real-world research, industry applications and emerging technologies.
Through small lab sections, faculty mentorship and research opportunities, students develop technical proficiency, critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for careers in industry, research, healthcare and graduate study. The program is offered in person at Rowan’s Glassboro, New Jersey campus, where students benefit from modern lab facilities and a collaborative academic environment.
Internship & Experiential Learning Stories
Learn how Rowan Profs go Beyond the Classroom to grow professionally, as well as personally, through internships and other experiential learning. Experiential learning includes hands-on learning opportunities provided through research, student clubs, campus leadership, student worker jobs, service-learning projects and volunteerism. In addition, Rowan’s Office of Career & Professional Development provides career support that’s more than just advice – it’s events, connections and real guidance to help students thrive after college.
About Rowan
A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to nearly 25,000 students. The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan offers a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research in health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. Nationally recognized for innovation, high-quality, affordable education and public-private partnerships, Rowan is one of two universities in the U.S. to offer M.D., D.O. and D.V.M. degree programs.