Chemical Processing - April 2008 - (Page 26)

20 Salary 08 Survey 9.2% 7.7% 3.6% 45.3 % 10.2% Does negative public opinion of the 13.2% inDustry bother you? Responses Yes, very much Yes, somewhat No, not really No, not at all 126 21 % 372 382 41.2% 123 Percent 12.6% 37.1% 38.1% 12.3% 8.3% What are your 12.3% chances of being laiD off or fireD Within tWo years? 40.5% None Very slight Slight Moderate Likely Very likely 38.1% Responses 174 376 250 145 28 28 Percent 17.4% 37.6% 37.1% 25% 14.5% 2.8% 2.8% 12.6% Figure 3. Negative public opinion of the industry is a split issue with respondents this year with equal numbers concerned and unconcerned about it. Figure 4. Respondents were confident they wouldn’t face job loss. 12.3% 40.5% 12.6% 14.5% 2.8% 2.8% 17.4% 37.1% 38.1% 25% 37.6% 0 10 20 30 2.8% 2.8% 17.4% 40 50 14.5% 25% 37.6% countries, especially those that can’t produce as much oil as they consume in products (like the U.S.). The profit margin on a barrel of petroleum products is less than most any other commodity in America. It’s just that the volume demand in the U.S. is so high that even a small margin looks huge when multiplied by the sheer volume. The public doesn’t look at how big the companies have to be and how much capital 46.2% outlay and expenses they have to incur to realize any earnings in the industry. The public will gladly pay $1 for a quart of bottled water that cost 5 cents to produce, but complain about paying $3 for a gallon (75 cents for a quart) of gasoline that cost $2.75 to produce.” How secure is your job? 53.8% There’s no lack of confidence in chemical engineers job security (Figure 4). Most respondents (51%) believe there is either no chance or a very slight chance that they will be laid off within two years. Another 25% believe the chances of a layoff are slight, with 14.5% saying there’s a moderate chance, 2.8% believing it’s likely and 2.8% who say it’s very likely. However, respondents’ comments show a bit of uneasiness about the future. Advice for the newcomers Survey participants offered a lot of solid advice for those just entering the workforce. Their useful comments included: • “Non-engineering aspects of the job, such as supervision, can be more stressful and challenging than any technical challenge you will face. And most likely your education will provide you with no training to www.chemicalprocessing.com 46.2% 53.8% 26 • April 2008 http://www.azic.com http://www.azic.com http://www.chemicalprocessing.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chemical Processing - April 2008

Chemical Processing - April 2008 Contents From the Editor ChemicalProcessing.com Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor Is It a Tragedy or Comedy for Engineers? Better Understanding Boosts Mixer Scale-up Don't Err With Air Compressors Control Performance Supervision Enhances Revamp Process Puzzler Plant InSites Equipment & Services Product Spotlight/Classifieds Ad Index End Point

Chemical Processing - April 2008

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