Here's how you can stay updated on emerging trends and technologies as a mid-career chemical engineer.

To stay updated on emerging trends and technologies as a mid-career chemical engineer, regularly attend industry conferences, participate in professional workshops, and subscribe to leading journals and trade publications in your field.

Engineers can find a variety of online courses to acquire new skills and stay updated. Websites like Coursera and EdX offer a wide range of courses in various subjects, including engineering. The IChemE Sustainability Hub is currently running a promo until 2025, while ASME and AIChE provide free CPD courses for both undergraduate and graduate students. For cost-effective learning, Udemy is a reliable option. Additionally, websites like World Quant University, UNSDG Learn, KROHNE Academy Online, The Knights of Safety Academy, Alison Courses, and Schneider Electric University offer free courses that come with certificates. YouTube channels such as NPTEL, LearnChemE, and CrashCourse are also excellent resources for educational content.

Reading journals is a good way to stay updated. Journals like Engineering Practice from IACPE have articles written mostly by chemical engineers. AIChE's Chemical Engineering Progress and IChemE's The Chemical Engineer are also good reads. These journals often talk about the latest research, new technologies and best engineering practices in the field.

Subscribe to online platforms, newsletters, and blogs dedicated to chemical engineering news, trends, and insights. Websites like Chemical Engineering World, Chemical Processing, and AIChE Engage offer valuable resources, articles, and forums for professionals to exchange ideas and knowledge

Going to events is a great way to meet other engineers and learn from them. Engineers can go to webinars held by companies like AspenTech, HTRI, FluidFlow, Iomosaic and AFT. They can also go to conventions or local chapter meetings of professional organizations. These events can be very useful for getting to know people and new ideas.

Forums online are places where engineers can talk about their work and share ideas. Sites like Reddit have many discussions where people talk about real problems and solutions. These can be very helpful for getting advice and different views on things.

Engineers can get special reports from the company they work for. These reports have the latest news that might not be shared with everyone. Also, LinkedIn pages related to engineering often share updates and reports. These can give engineers an edge by knowing the newest trends.

Develop a personal professional development plan that includes specific goals, objectives, and actions for staying updated on emerging trends and technologies in chemical engineering. Set aside dedicated time for learning, networking, and skill development to ensure continuous growth and adaptation to industry changes.

For engineers, the learning journey never stops. They can broaden their expertise by studying fields outside of engineering, like computer science, which can enhance their technical and digital skills. A Master's in Business Management could also be valuable, offering insights into leadership and project management. Even diving into Financial Technology can give engineers an edge in understanding the economic aspects of their projects. Online part-time programs are particularly beneficial as they allow professionals to balance education with the demands of ongoing work, ensuring that they can apply new knowledge directly to real-world projects. This approach ensures that engineers remain versatile and well-rounded in their careers.