What can you do with a Biochemistry degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

First, some facts. Of the Biochemistry graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Biochemistry graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 60%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Biochemistry graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Biochemistry graduate from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Outdoor Educator
Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy
Mar 2022 - Jun 2022
As an Outdoor Educator, the individual may apply some basic biological or environmental concepts, but the role does not significantly utilize the specific skills or knowledge gained from a Bachelors degree in Biochemistry.

ABOUT

I am currently a California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo California graduate with a major in biochemistry. I am pursuing a teaching credential in chemistry and aspire to be a high school chemistry teacher. I have experience as an outdoor educator and enjoy working with students outside!In my free time, I enjoy challenging my limits as an amateur baker and backpacker.

What jobs can you get with a Biochemistry degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the job paths of graduates with a Biochemistry degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, there’s a pretty clear trend. A lot of graduates seem to drift towards positions in chemistry and research, particularly roles such as Chemists, Laboratory Technicians, and Research Associates. These jobs usually utilize the skills and knowledge gained during their studies, especially for those who work in laboratories or in biotech and pharmaceutical industries. For example, roles like Chemist are very relevant since they directly apply principles of chemistry and biochemistry in their daily functions, right? Also, positions like Staff Research Associate at Scripps Institution of Oceanography show how graduates can leverage their education in scientific research settings, highlighting the connection between their degree and their work.

However, it’s important to note that not all jobs align with a Biochemistry background. There are quite a few graduates who have taken paths in fields that don’t require specific biochemistry knowledge, like being a Dentist or working in educational roles. Many of these positions, while respectable, don’t really tap into the biochemistry education they received. Others, like some administrative roles in higher education or outdoor education, don’t have a strong link to biochemistry at all. So, while many grads find relevant jobs, there’s a fair number that end up in roles that don’t directly relate to their degree, which could leave some wondering about the practicality of their studies in the job market.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biochemistry graduates (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo):

What kind of career trajectories do Biochemistry graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a degree in Biochemistry, it’s pretty clear that many of them are landing jobs in relevant fields shortly after graduation. For those who graduated around 2015 to 2018, we see a pattern where the majority entered roles such as chemists or research associates in various companies, including notable names like E. & J. Gallo Winery and UCLA Health. It's great because they’re not just accepting any job; they’re stepping into positions that align well with their studies, showing that their education is paying off. Graduates typically start off in lab tech positions or entry-level research roles, which makes sense for someone who just spent years learning the ins and outs of biochemistry.

Fast forward a few years, and it looks like many of these graduates are advancing fairly well. By the five- or ten-year mark, several have moved up to senior research roles or management positions, like being a site dental director or a senior research associate. However, not everyone's path is so straightforward; there are some graduates who have strayed into unrelated fields, such as education or even tutoring, which can make it seem like they’re not fully utilizing their biochemistry background. Still, the predominant trend shows a solid progression into science and research careers, which is definitely a positive takeaway for anyone considering this degree. Overall, if you’re passionate about biochemistry, it seems like Cal Poly SLO sets you up for a decent shot at a fulfilling career in that realm!

How hard is a Biochemistry degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo can definitely be a challenge, but it’s not impossible if you’re passionate about the subject. The program is known for its hands-on approach and rigorous coursework, so be prepared for a good mix of tough classes in chemistry, biology, and lab work. If you enjoy problem-solving and digging into the details of how living things work on a molecular level, you might find it really rewarding, even if it gets intense at times. Overall, it's considered a bit on the harder side compared to some other undergrad degrees, but with dedication and good time management, you can totally handle it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry.

Do Biochemistry graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo tend to make good money?

Looking at the job trajectories of these California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates, it seems like they've landed some pretty solid gigs, especially those in the healthcare and chemistry fields. The dentist from 2014 is likely making good money now, considering the typical earnings for that profession, especially with a leadership role like Site Dental Director. The chemistry grads have variable paths—some started as lab technicians but have progressed to chemist roles, which typically pay decently depending on the industry. However, a few recent grads still have entry-level positions or internships where the pay probably isn't as high, like the outdoor educator or Amazon fulfillment center associate. All in all, many of these grads seem to be doing well financially, especially as they gain more experience and move up the ranks!

What buzzwords do Biochemistry graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (this is across all Biochemistry graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biochemistry?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biochemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biochemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Penn State University 86 16
The Ohio State University 85 13
Georgia Institute of Technology 85 10
University of California San Diego 84 10
University of California, Santa Cruz 83 20
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 81 12
Binghamton University 81 10
University of California, Berkeley 80 35
Northeastern University 80 16
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 79 14
University of Massachusetts Amherst 77 16
Stony Brook University 76 13
University of California, Davis 75 34
North Carolina State University 74 11
Appalachian State University 73 10
Virginia Tech 73 18
University of Washington 71 51
University of Wisconsin-Madison 71 25
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 71 24
University of South Florida 70 17
University of California, Los Angeles 70 32
University of Michigan 70 16
San Francisco State University 70 14
Arizona State University 69 27
University of Florida 69 10
University of Arizona 69 16
Missouri State University 68 11
University of Colorado Boulder 66 15
University of California, Riverside 65 18
Boston University 65 10
Towson University 64 14
Boston College 63 13
Kennesaw State University 61 11
University of Oklahoma 61 11
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 60 14
Clemson University 60 13
The University of Texas at Austin 59 36
University of Connecticut 59 15
Temple University 58 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 56 10
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 49 10