First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from University of California, Santa Barbara 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Biology graduates from University of California, Santa Barbara have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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, 66% 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: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Biology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONChiropractic AssistantAdvanced Chiropractic Group Feb 2021 - May 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job trajectories of those who graduated with a Biology degree from UCSB, it's interesting to note a mix of roles that range from directly related to biology to those that are quite far removed. Many graduates found themselves in healthcare or research roles, like Medical Assistants, Registered Nurses, and even Research Assistants, which clearly leverage the biological knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. These positions often involve working with patients or conducting biological research, making them highly relevant to the degree. On the other hand, you also see graduates in fields like finance, sales, or education, where the connection to biology is minimal, if not non-existent. For example, roles such as an Accountant or a Sales Associate at a retail store focus more on interpersonal skills or financial acumen rather than any biological expertise.
Overall, while there are certainly many graduates who have employed their Biology degree in meaningful ways within the healthcare and research sectors, a significant number have ventured into areas where their biological knowledge is not a prerequisite. A lot of jobs seem to lean towards management, administration, or even entirely different fields, indicating that while a Biology degree provides valuable skills, it's not always directly applied in practice. So, if you’re considering pursuing biology, it’s good to keep in mind that the path may lead you to unexpected areas beyond the lab or clinic!
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, Santa Barbara):
Graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Biology often embark on various career paths, especially in health-related fields. Right after graduation, it's common to see recent grads taking on roles such as medical assistants, health service specialists, or interns in healthcare settings. There are also those who dive into research positions or even roles at the intersection of biology and business, like quality assurance associates in biotech companies. While some graduates find themselves in roles that align with their major, others pursue opportunities that may seem unrelated, such as sales or even coaching at schools. This indicates a diverse range of interests and expectations among graduates.
Five to ten years down the line, many of these alumni tend to carve out solid careers within the healthcare or research sectors. For example, several have moved into managerial or clinical roles in established healthcare organizations, while others have ventured into innovative biotech firms, contributing to significant research projects. There's also a notable trend toward entrepreneurship and leadership positions, with some starting their own companies or becoming involved in academia. However, it’s worth mentioning that not all paths appear to stay closely aligned with biological sciences; some graduates have drifted into areas that might feel less relevant, which can be a reality in today's job market. Overall, while many UCSB Biology graduates are doing well within relevant careers, there’s a mix of experiences that reflects both the challenges and opportunities faced after graduation.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at UC Santa Barbara can be pretty challenging, but it’s also super rewarding if you’re into science and nature. The coursework is rigorous, with a mix of lectures, lab work, and research that can really push you to think critically and apply what you learn. UCSB has a strong emphasis on rigorous academic standards, so expect to do a fair amount of studying and collaborating with peers. Some students find it tougher than other majors because of the heavy emphasis on concepts, data analysis, and the volume of material you need to master. But if you have a passion for biology and stay organized and motivated, you can definitely handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
From looking at the career paths of these Biology grads from UC Santa Barbara, it seems like some of them have been able to score pretty decent-paying jobs, while others are still climbing the ladder. For instance, the ones who moved into healthcare roles, like the registered nurse and physician assistant, are likely pulling in solid salaries. Meanwhile, those who started off in more entry-level roles, like sales associate or even interns, probably had a rougher start financially. Over time, a lot of them transitioned into managerial or specialized positions, which typically offer better pay. So, yeah, it looks like a mixed bag overall—some are doing well, while others are still finding their footing. But with persistence and the right moves, they seem to be making their way toward better financial stability!
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, Santa Barbara). 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: