First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from Francis Marion University 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Biology graduates from Francis Marion University have a much lower likelihood (-19%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 18% 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 Biology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPhysical Science TechnicianUSDA-ARS May 2014 - Dec 2014 Agricultural/Animal Associate II Clemson PDREC Jan 2015 - Oct 2015 Biological Science Technician USDA-ARS Oct 2015 - Present ABOUTExperienced Biological Science Technician with skills in sampling research plots, prepping samples for analysis, and analyzing samples on analytical instrumentation (e.g. Ion Chromatography, ICP-OES, Vario-max CNS, etc.). Experienced in writing SOPs for instrumentation, maintaining chemical inventories, and data management. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From checking out the profiles of people who studied Biology at Francis Marion University, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to the types of jobs they landed and how related those jobs were to their degree. A lot of the roles are in areas like event planning, customer service, and even positions like bartender or claims processor, which don’t really use any knowledge from their biology courses. It’s like, instead of diving into the science world, many found themselves in fields that are pretty far removed from biology itself, focusing more on skills like organization, customer interaction, or administration.
However, there are some standout spots where people used their biology knowledge in a significant way. Jobs like Physician Assistant, Surgical Neurophysiologist, and positions as Biological Science Technicians are a direct application of what they learned about living organisms and biological systems. Teaching roles also fit into this category, showing that there are definitely pathways for those with a biology degree to get into careers that require a sound understanding of biological concepts. So, while it’s clear that many grads are using their biology degrees in ways that aren't exactly aligned with the science field, there are still some who are making the most of their education by sticking close to their biology roots!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biology graduates (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Francis Marion University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Francis Marion University with a degree in Biology, it seems like their paths can vary quite a bit right after graduation. Many of them, for their first jobs, seem to land in roles that are somewhat tangential to biology, with positions in event coordination, procurement, and even bartending. This suggests that while they may have a solid foundation in the life sciences, they often find themselves in fields that aren’t directly related to biology or healthcare right out of the gate. For example, some folks started as event coordinators or in customer service roles, which might feel like a stretch from their biology studies.
However, it’s interesting to note that as time passes—say, after five to ten years—some of these graduates start to find their footing in more biology-related careers. A few have successfully transitioned into roles such as physician assistants, biological science technicians, and even surgical neurophysiologists, highlighting that the foundational skills gained from their biology degree do come into play later on. Others have made notable shifts into program advising and strategic initiatives in educational settings, like at MIT. It appears that while the immediate post-graduation job market may not always align perfectly with their major, many alumni eventually find their way into relevant careers in healthcare, research, and education, showcasing a mixture of adaptability and eventual alignment with their original field of study.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and study habits. At Francis Marion University, like many places, you’ll dive into everything from cell biology to ecology, and there are definitely some tough classes sprinkled in there, especially with labs involved. If you enjoy science and are willing to put in the time to study and engage with the material, you might find it manageable, but it can feel overwhelming if you struggle with those subjects. Overall, it’s about average in terms of difficulty—definitely requires effort, but it's totally doable if you're passionate about it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
When looking at the job histories of these Biology graduates from Francis Marion University, it seems like their financial success varies quite a bit. Some, like the ones in roles such as Orthopedic Spine Physician Assistant or those who eventually landed positions as Manufacturing Scientist II, likely make pretty decent salaries since those jobs commonly come with solid paychecks. Others, especially those starting out in assistant and entry-level positions or jobs like bartending, might not be making as much initially but could be on an upward trajectory as they gain experience. Overall, it looks like there's a mix of paths here, with some graduates potentially making good money right off the bat, while others might need to climb the ladder a bit before hitting those higher salary brackets.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biology (this is across all Biology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Francis Marion University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: