There are many different careers in the field of chemistry.  The one that is most interesting to me is biochemistry.  Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions and behavior in a living organism.  This career is very promising, as it is a growing field, offers a high salary, and jobs are readily available.
 A formally educated biochemist can work for a number of different institutions.  One of the largest is in pharmaceuticals.  Pharmaceutical companies work on different medications for humans and develop products for use in the medical profession.  The government also employs biochemists to work in departments such as the FDA and Center for Disease Control.  Also, the rapidly growing field of genetic engineering, which requires biochemical work.  Teaching biochemistry is an option that some find appealing.  This requires a teaching degree as well, and jobs in this area are harder to find, but can also pay more.
 Training to be a biochemist is a long and somewhat daunting task, with at least five years at a graduate school required.  According to Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences 1999 there are over 200 colleges and universities that have biochemical departments.  A degree in biochemistry is required for most jobs, but having two degrees, one being biology and the other being chemistry, can suffice for some.  Most biochemists commonly have a degree in another field of study, like physiology, microbiology, or even a medical degree.  A biochemist that is proficient in one area of study, and knowledgeable on others, is preferable to one with only a general degree.
 Biochemists with a specialty in physiology will study how the human body uses chemical reactions.  Others with degrees in microbiology, use chemistry to explain the behavior of individual cells, bacteria, and viruses.  Those who have received medical training may develop new medications and disease treatments.  According to an interview with Mr. Charles Garlisi, a biochemist, a graduate with a bachelors degree in biochemistry has a starting salary of $30,000 to $40,000, for doing laboratory work .
 Finding an institution to hire a fully trained biochemist is not difficult.  With so many branches of this science, there are literally thousands of positions in hundreds of companies waiting to be filled.  According to Peterson’s Job Opportunities in Health and Science, there are over 80 companies that need biochemists for work in genetic and biomedical products, and over 100 companies in miscellaneous biochemical categories.  The government also employs many biochemists in the FDA and Center for Disease Control.
 Biochemists are called upon to deal with many problems.  With new diseases ravaging mankind, and old ones mutating into more dangerous strains, science struggles to keep up.  The biochemists who work for pharmaceutical companies and for certain government agencies, will be trying to discover how a disease attacks a human body, working on new ways to treat those diseases, and to discover a cure for them and others.
 Other scientists will be working in the field of genetics, trying to unlock the secrets of the gene.  Whether they are trying to decipher the human genetic code, or identifying genetic disorders in unborn children, this is the field with the most potential, and possibly the most importance.
 Despite the availability of jobs, high salaries, and potential for advancement, there are still some negative aspects of biochemistry.  The time required to receive a proper education, and the finances needed, are extremely high.  Also, the work can sometimes be dangerous.  Those working on medications are put at risk because they have to study deadly diseases.  Scientists studying some living organisms may have to deal with deadly toxins or painful bites.  Even something as simple as long hours can deter many people from pursuing this as a career.
 A career in biochemistry can be very rewarding.  After the education requirement is met, finding a job is not difficult.  The salary potential means that a long term job in a laboratory position can provide a very steady source of income.  In spite of the potential risks, biochemistry is a very promising, lucrative profession.