Maths, Physics, Chemistry and a career to combine them all.

(in homage to thisisindexed.com)

Part of my role this year has been to interview undergraduates for my company's scholarship scheme, and also interviewing graduates for our graduate positions.  It reminded me a lot of being back in college, and the fact that when I was asked "Why Chemical Engineering", my stock answer was as in the title.  It felt a bit lame, and as I said it, I would always wish I had been brave enough to give the correct answer: "I can't remember now, as I chose it before I ever knew what the course was like, but if I had a time machine, I'd go back and tell 17 year old me to do the same".

So after talking to 15 undergraduates for the scholarship, and interviewing another 10 or so graduates, every single one of them had picked Chemical Engineering as they really liked Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and found that Chemical Engineering combined them all.  It's only just occurred to me that I've never asked "why"?  Is there something about chemical engineering that makes it uniquely placed for those of us who liked maths, physics and chemistry?  What happens to those who just like Maths and Physics?  Or Maths and Chemistry?  Is it possible to end up in Chemical Engineering because you liked Maths, chemistry and biology, and wanted a career to combine them all?

What subjects influenced your career choice?