What do you do if your chemical engineering skills need to adapt to remote work and virtual collaboration?

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key for any remote worker, but especially for chemical engineers who need to share complex data, diagrams, and results with their team members and stakeholders. You should use a variety of communication tools and platforms, such as email, phone, video conferencing, instant messaging, and cloud-based document sharing, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has access to the latest information. You should also establish regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and progress reports with your manager, peers, and clients, and use clear and concise language, visuals, and examples to explain your ideas and findings.

3 Collaborate creatively

Working remotely does not mean working alone. You can still collaborate with other chemical engineers and professionals from different disciplines and locations, as long as you use some creativity and flexibility. For instance, you can use online platforms and tools, such as Google Docs, Miro, or Trello, to brainstorm, plan, and execute your projects and tasks in real time. You can also use virtual labs, simulations, and experiments, such as Labster, Chemix, or PhET, to test your hypotheses, design your processes, and analyze your outcomes. You can also join online communities, forums, and networks, such as AIChE, IChemE, or Reddit, to exchange ideas, insights, and resources with other chemical engineers.

4 Learn continuously

Remote work and virtual collaboration offer you a great opportunity to learn new skills, update your knowledge, and expand your horizons. You can take advantage of the many online courses, webinars, podcasts, and blogs that are available for chemical engineers, covering topics such as process engineering, biotechnology, sustainability, safety, and innovation. You can also seek mentorship, coaching, or feedback from more experienced or senior chemical engineers, either within your organization or outside of it. You can also set your own learning goals and track your progress and achievements.

5 Manage your time and energy

Remote work and virtual collaboration can also pose some challenges for your time and energy management. You may have to deal with distractions, interruptions, or isolation at home, or with different time zones, schedules, or expectations from your colleagues, clients, or suppliers. You need to find a balance between your work and personal life, and between your tasks and responsibilities. You can use some strategies and tools, such as calendars, timers, to-do lists, or Pomodoro, to plan your day, prioritize your activities, and set boundaries and limits. You should also take breaks, exercise, and relax, to maintain your physical and mental well-being.

6 Embrace change and innovation

Finally, remote work and virtual collaboration can also be an opportunity for you to embrace change and innovation in your chemical engineering career. You can use this time to explore new possibilities, challenges, and solutions for your projects and tasks, and to experiment with new methods, tools, and technologies. You can also use this time to reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals, and to seek new opportunities, roles, or paths for your professional development and growth. You can also use this time to network, connect, and collaborate with other chemical engineers and professionals from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, and to learn from their experiences and insights.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?