P&G Chemicals: The Chemical Industry from the Eyes of a New Hire
October 2024
By: Avery Thomas, Glycerin Customer Development Account Executive
Note from Tom Nelson, Vice President, Global Sales: You may be surprised to see an article by one of our new hires shared as an “Executive Perspective” – but it’s not a mistake, it’s just how we operate. At P&G, and P&G Chemicals, we believe in empowering our people so that they can make a difference from Day 1, whether that’s as an intern or a new hire. It’s the passion, skills and diverse experiences that we bring that drive business impact – which is just as true if you are at Day 1 or a 40+ year veteran like me!
As a May 2024 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, I’ve had the opportunity to join P&G Chemicals as the Glycerin Customer Development Account Executive in Cincinnati. In this role, I am able to leverage my technical background while learning sales strategies and gaining market insights to meet customer needs and deliver impactful results. My academic journey laid a solid foundation for my career, and an internship at P&G provided me with a unique glimpse into the industry as well as the culture at P&G.
After graduating, I entered a job market that was influenced by economic factors like inflation and changes in global trade dynamics. It was tough for many, including me, to find opportunities that matched our skills and aspirations. However, the chemical industry remained a strong field for new graduates, driven by its focus on sustainability and innovation.
What attracted me to this industry was the combination of science, innovation and business. The ever-changing nature of the industry, along with the challenges of a volatile market, sparked my passion for problem-solving and making a positive impact in the sector.
The chemical industry is witnessing several trends, including a focus on sustainability, digitalization and increased demand for renewable and eco-friendly solutions. As new graduates, my peers and I have the opportunity to contribute to these advancements and help shape the future of the industry. The outlook for chemical engineering graduates remains promising, with a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors.
The summer prior to my graduation, I had the opportunity to intern at P&G Chemicals. Throughout the course of 10 weeks, I had the chance to deep dive into the company’s sustainability initiatives and explore the potential applications of our products in the agriculture industry. What made this experience truly remarkable was the support and guidance I received from everyone at P&G. The collaborative environment allowed me to actively contribute and make a tangible impact on the company’s goals. The combination of meaningful work, supportive colleagues and a shared commitment to making a difference made the decision to return to P&G Chemicals full time an easy choice.
Reflecting on my journey, I encourage future graduates to seek opportunities that align with their technical skills as well as their personal skills. The chemical industry offers many opportunities for those who seek continuous learning, are adaptable and passionate about making a positive impact. For college students looking to enter the industry with the P&G Chemicals sales team, I urge you to explore the Cincinnati internship opportunities and the Singapore internship opportunities that are currently available with us.