Be a Metallurgist

Demonstrate competence in math, chemistry and physics. Metallurgists must also develop high-level computer skills. Employ a basic understanding of mining principles. Materials engineers observe and understand the ways metal is extracted from ores. Study the refining principles used with ores. Understand how welding works. Metallurgists join metals as part of the process of creating new alloys, including ceramic or polymeric materials. Earn a college degree in metallurgy or materials engineering.

Few colleges offer majors in metallurgy, although other engineering applications use metallurgy as well. The top metallurgy and materials engineering schools are Colorado School of Mining and MIT. Consider pursuing a graduate degree. Develop a specialization in working with metals, whether finding ways to retrieve the metals or working with the metals after procurement. The ability to use scientific processes, including experimentation, is useful for materials engineers. Know all about metals, including their structure, properties and history.

Understand materials synthesis. Learn skills to solve problems surrounding metals. Being able to analyze and interpret data is important as is the ability to communicate that information to others. Metallurgists often work in teams with other professionals. Continue education by participating in seminars, reading the literature about metallurgy and communicating with peers.