First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from North Carolina State 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 28 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Biology graduates from North Carolina State University have a lower likelihood (-6%) 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, 53% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Biology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAnesthesiology ResidentDuke University Medical Center Jul 2014 - Jun 2018 Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellow Duke University Medical Center Jul 2018 - Jun 2019 Clinical Associate - Department of Anesthesiology Duke University Medical Center Jul 2019 - May 2020 Anesthesiologist St. Vincent's Birmingham Sep 2020 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Medicine - MDDuke University School of Medicine 2010 - 2014 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we take a look at the career paths of graduates with a Biology degree from North Carolina State University, it seems like there are a few standout roles that many have gravitated towards. A significant number of these individuals have found themselves in technician and laboratory positions, particularly in pharmaceutical companies like Merck and LabCorp. These roles, while related to biology, often lean more towards technical tasks rather than deep biological applications. For instance, many of the technician or engineering roles primarily focus on laboratory processes, compliance, and operational management, where the hands-on biological knowledge isn’t used as much as one might expect for someone holding a Biology degree.
On the other hand, we do see a notable number of graduates landing in more clinically relevant jobs. Positions like Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Physician Assistant, and Physical Therapist directly utilize biological knowledge daily, showcasing the true essence of their education. However, there’s a mixed bag overall; while some have been able to align their careers closely with biology, many others have ventured into sales, management, and completely unrelated fields like construction or customer service, suggesting that a Biology degree can lead you down paths that aren't traditionally scientific. So, while biology graduates can and do find meaningful roles directly tied to their studies, a good chunk of them end up in jobs where that connection isn’t as strong, and that’s something to consider if you’re thinking about what to do after college.
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 North Carolina State University):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from North Carolina State University's Biology program, it's clear that many have pursued roles closely tied to their degree, especially in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research. For those who graduated around 2010, the pattern seems strong: many started their careers in technical or lab positions at reputable companies like Merck and LabCorp. Positions like laboratory technicians or technologists often marked their initial steps, which is pretty typical for biology grads. Fast forward about 5 to 10 years, and many of these same individuals have climbed the ranks, taking on roles such as project engineers or even directors within those organizations. It seems like they found their niche, with many sticking around in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
However, it’s also worth mentioning that not everyone has stuck with biology-related careers. Some graduates shifted gears entirely—like the ones who moved into sales or real estate—and while those paths can be successful, they often don't utilize the biology background directly. Additionally, there are folks who have ventured into legal fields and specialized medicine, which also showcases the versatility of a biology degree. Overall, while there's a healthy amount of graduates who’ve landed great jobs relevant to their studies, there are others who took alternative routes, indicating that a biology degree can lead to various paths, some straying from the initial biology focus. It's a mixed bag, but many seem to thrive in environments related to their training, especially in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at North Carolina State University can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on how much you enjoy the subject and how well you manage your time. The program covers a ton of material, from cell biology to ecology, and there are definitely some tough classes with hefty lab work and exams. If you're into science and are willing to put in the effort, you might find it manageable, but it’s not a walk in the park either. It's pretty much on par with what you'd expect from a biology degree at most universities—there will be moments of stress, but it can also be super rewarding if you’re passionate about the subject.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
Looking at the career paths of these NC State biology grads, it seems like they have had a pretty solid journey overall, especially those who landed roles in established companies or healthcare. The one who steadily climbed the ranks at Merck got promoted multiple times and eventually became an Associate Director, which likely means they're earning a nice salary now. The law grad has also done really well, moving up to partner at a solid firm, which usually means good money. Others in healthcare roles, like the anesthesiologist and physician assistant, are also in fields known for decent salaries. On the other hand, some of the recent grads are still figuring things out with more entry-level positions, so they might not be raking it in just yet. Overall, it looks like a mix, but many have found decent-paying jobs, especially in healthcare and tech!
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 North Carolina State 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: