First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from University of California, Riverside 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 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Biology graduates from University of California, Riverside have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as 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, 40% 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: 65%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Biology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLab Technician IIIPRO-TECH Design & Mfg, Inc. Jun 2016 - Dec 2016 Lab Supervisor PRO-TECH Design & Mfg, Inc. Jan 2017 - Jun 2018 Sterility Assurance Intern - Acclarent Johnson & Johnson Jun 2019 - Sep 2019 Graduate Student Consultant, Global Product Development Pfizer Sep 2019 - May 2020 Lab Technician III PRO-TECH Design & Mfg, Inc. Feb 2019 - Jun 2020 Clinical and Regulatory Development Program Associate Edwards Lifesciences Jul 2020 - Present Specialist, Clinical Research Monitoring Edwards Lifesciences Aug 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Business and Science - MBSKeck Graduate Institute 2018 - 2020 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the careers of graduates from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Biology, it becomes clear that the paths taken by these individuals are diverse. A significant number of them have pursued roles in healthcare and medical settings, such as nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, and emergency medical technicians. These positions often require a deep understanding of biological concepts, which makes sense given that they directly relate to patient care and medical practices. For instance, a Registered Nurse or a Clinical Pharmacist utilizes a wealth of biological knowledge on a daily basis, directly linking their job roles to their academic background.
However, not all graduates have stayed within the realm of biology or healthcare. A fair portion has ventured into fields that are seemingly unrelated to their Biology degree. Many graduates have taken on roles in customer service, education, and even administrative positions. For example, positions like customer service representatives, ESL instructors, or retail associates do not necessitate the application of biological knowledge, which raises questions about the direct relevance of their degrees to these jobs. While these roles may draw on soft skills or general competencies developed during their studies, they lack direct ties to biological sciences.
In terms of relevance to the Biology degree, it’s evident that those who have entered the medical and research fields typically find jobs that are highly relevant. On the other hand, individuals in roles such as administrative assistants or retail managers reflect a notable disconnect between their education and career path. Interestingly, occupations in research, laboratory technology, and specialized roles like genetic counseling demonstrate a strong association with the foundational knowledge gained through their studies. Overall, while many graduates successfully apply their biological knowledge in impactful ways, a substantial segment has ended up in fields where their degree may not be the primary driver of their career success.
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 University of California, Riverside):
So, let's dive into the career paths of graduates from the University of California, Riverside who studied Biology. The experiences shared here show a mix of career trajectories, but overall, there are some patterns we can notice over the years. For the most part, these graduates have shown a strong inclination towards health-related fields, research positions, and various roles in life sciences.
When looking at their first jobs right after graduation, many seem to take on roles that relate directly or tangentially to their Biology background. For example, several graduates started as laboratory technicians, medical assistants, or in positions like medical scribe roles. These jobs provide a solid foundation in the healthcare field, offering practical experience that many students are keen to acquire right after college. This makes sense, as many students in Biology are often aiming for jobs in medicine, pharmacy, or research right off the bat.
Fast forward five or ten years, and the trend continues where many alumni have moved on to more advanced and specialized roles. You see individuals stepping into higher positions such as clinical pharmacists, researchers at prominent institutes, or even directors of educational programs within the biomedical field. Some have also taken paths towards academia as professors or educational coordinators. It's clear that a significant number of graduates have found their way into productive careers that utilize their Biology degrees well. However, there are also several who ventured into unrelated fields, like education and customer service, which might suggest they are either pursuing diverse interests or possibly struggling to find positions directly tied to their academic backgrounds.
Ultimately, while there are some variations, it's quite encouraging to see that many UCR Biology grads have been able to align their careers with their degree. Sure, some have ended up in positions that don’t quite make use of their Biology background, but the overall trend leans more toward successful utilization of their education in relevant fields, especially in healthcare and research. This suggests that with a degree in Biology from UCR, the opportunities are genuinely there if students are willing to seek them out and actively pursue their interests in the life sciences.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at UC Riverside can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible—especially if you love science and are willing to put in the effort. You'll cover a lot of ground, from cell biology to ecology, and the coursework can get pretty intense with labs, research projects, and exams. It's generally on par with what you’d expect from most universities, meaning it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it's manageable if you're dedicated and stay organized. Just be prepared for some late-night study sessions and, of course, plenty of group work and projects along the way!
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 careers of these UC Riverside Biology graduates, it seems like there's a pretty wide range in terms of earning potential. For those who've gone into medical fields, especially roles like Emergency Medicine Section Chief or Clinical Pharmacist, it’s likely they’re making decent money—often six figures or more. Positions in hospitals, medical centers, and the pharmaceutical industry usually come with salaries that reflect the high level of expertise and the responsibilities that come with them. Even the folks doing quality assurance or technical support in biotech companies can earn a solid salary.
On the flip side, graduates who went into teaching or administrative roles might not be pulling in as much. Positions like customer service representative or teaching ESL don't typically pay as well, especially early in their careers. It looks like some are building their way up while balancing other responsibilities, like being a stay-at-home parent or taking on freelance work. In summary, while many graduates seem to be on a path toward decent earnings, others might find themselves in roles that don’t quite match the investments they made in their education.
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 University of California, Riverside). 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: