First, some facts. Of the Biology graduates from University of Washington 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 51 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Biology graduates from University of Washington have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) 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, 45% 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: 42%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAcademic Advisor- College of EngineeringUniversity of Washington Aug 2017 - Jun 2019 Enrollment Counselor Drexel University Online Sep 2019 - Sep 2021 Academic Advisor Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions Sep 2021 - Jul 2022 Student Services Manager Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions Jul 2022 - May 2023 Graduate Academic Advisor University of Washington Bioengineering Aug 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSDrexel University 2020 - 2022 ABOUTExperienced Academic Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Lesson Planning, Event Planning, Leadership, Student Leadership, and Public Speaking. Adept critical thinker with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in General Biology from the University of Washington. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with a Biology degree from the University of Washington reveals a diverse range of job roles, many of which diverge significantly from the foundational knowledge acquired during their studies. Predominantly, the most common job types include roles in physical therapy, healthcare, environmental health, and various positions in research and education. However, a notable portion of these graduates has pursued careers in sales, management, and other fields that don't directly relate to biology at all. In the analysis, it becomes clear that while some graduates found positions that align closely with their academic background, many ventured into domains where their biology education played little to no role.
Among the jobs directly related to biology, roles such as Physical Therapist, Environmental Health Specialist, and various research positions stand out. Physical therapists extensively use biological knowledge and anatomy, which is crucial for patient rehabilitation, reflecting the core principles taught in biology programs. Similarly, Environmental Health Specialists utilize their understanding of biological systems to assess and address health-related environmental issues, demonstrating a high relevance of their degree. On the flip side, positions like Account Manager, Sales Executive, and roles in the retail sector showcase the disconnect many graduates have from utilizing their biology education. These jobs primarily focus on skills in sales, management, and customer service—areas that don't typically require a deep understanding of biological concepts. Moreover, positions in marketing, administration, and even as a general craftsman or artist seem to further step away from the educational path. In conclusion, while some biology graduates have successfully translated their education into relevant work opportunities, a significant number find themselves engaged in professions that don't reflect the specialized training they underwent during their degrees. This speaks to the broader trends in the job market, where a degree may open various doors, but the alignment with one's field of study can vary widely.
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 Washington):
So, let's dive into what graduates from the University of Washington's Biology program have been up to in their careers after college. Looking through the profiles, it seems like these folks have had a pretty diverse range of paths. Right after graduation, many of them jumped into roles that aren't strictly science-based. For example, we see graduates taking positions as account managers, customer service representatives, and even students in various healthcare training programs. These first jobs often don't scream "biology" and can kind of feel like a detour from their major. But for some, like those who went into physical therapy or specialized health roles, it’s clear they stayed closer to their roots.
Fast forward five to ten years, and more graduates appear to have settled into careers that relate better to biology. Many graduates have found their niche in health-related fields, including physical therapy, nursing, and positions within healthcare settings. For those who started off in sales or tech jobs, a few ended up transitioning back into scientific roles or healthcare environments—like research roles and management positions in health departments—showing a blend of their initial roles and biology backgrounds. However, a number of graduates also remained in less relevant fields, such as business, marketing, and teaching, which might not leverage their biology degree directly.
Overall, it seems like graduates are carving out unique paths, with a mix of both biology-focused careers and unrelated fields. This suggests that while a degree in biology opens the door to a variety of opportunities, not everyone moves directly into life sciences roles after graduation. So if you’re thinking about majoring in biology, know that it can lead you down different roads—some right in the heart of the science world and others possibly taking you on a more unexpected journey.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Washington can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and how dedicated you are. The coursework can be intense, with a good mix of lectures, lab work, and exams, especially in areas like cell biology and genetics that require a solid understanding of complex concepts. While some students find it manageable, others might struggle with the faster pace and depth of the material, especially if science isn't their strong suit. Overall, it's definitely more on the demanding side compared to some other degrees, but if you're passionate about the subject and willing to put in the effort, you'll likely find it rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biology.
So, looking at these Biology grads from the University of Washington, we can get a pretty good idea of their earning potential based on the jobs they've taken. For those who went into healthcare, like physical therapists and medical residents, they often start off a bit low on the pay scale as they work their way through internships and residencies. But once they’re settled, the salaries can really ramp up, often reaching six figures after a few years, especially for those in specialized fields like cardiology or surgery. The same goes for many roles at big companies like Amazon or Microsoft, where starting salaries can be competitive and increase significantly with experience.
On the flip side, some graduates seem to have chosen paths that might not lead to as hefty a paycheck. For instance, jobs in teaching, sales, or customer service typically offer lower starting salaries. And while some positions, like account managers and marketing managers, can earn decent incomes, they may take longer to reach higher salary brackets compared to those in healthcare or tech roles. Overall, it looks like the grads who pursued specialized medical or tech careers are probably making pretty good money, while others might be still working up to that level. It just goes to show that your choice of path can really affect your wallet!
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 Washington). 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: