What can you do with a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates 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 117 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 75%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 41% 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 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduate.

See the details:

View a random Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 38%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Loss Mitigation Specialist
Regions Bank
Jun 2020 - Jan 2023
The position of Loss Mitigation Specialist at Regions Bank does not require any skills or knowledge from a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, as it focuses on financial risk management rather than engineering principles.

Manufacturing Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Jan 2023 - Present
The role of Manufacturing Engineer at Northrop Grumman directly utilizes engineering principles and practices related to chemical processes and biomolecular systems, making it highly relevant to the Bachelors degree.

ABOUT

Manufacturing Engineer with Northrop Grumman, working on large composite structures in Aeronautics Systems. Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering - Biomolecular concentration with a minor in Mathematics, focusing in statistical inferences. Leadership honors from the Montgomery Leadership Program.

What jobs can you get with a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When examining the career trajectories of individuals who have earned degrees in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, a clear pattern emerges. Many graduates gravitate toward roles that leverage their engineering skills directly, particularly in industries that rely heavily on chemical processes. The most prevalent positions include Chemical Engineers, Process Engineers, and various roles in research and development. These positions tend to utilize the specialized knowledge and skills gained during their academic programs, reflecting the substantial relevance of their educational background to their career paths.

However, as we delve deeper into the job titles and descriptions, it becomes apparent that not all roles align perfectly with the core competencies expected from a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree. For instance, several graduates have transitioned into positions in the legal, sales, or business sectors where their engineering background, while beneficial, is not the primary focus of their work. Roles such as account managers, consultants, and various analyst positions offer little direct application of chemical engineering principles, highlighting a divergence from the technical foundation typically associated with their degree. While the skills acquired during their studies—such as analytical thinking and problem-solving—can be advantageous in these roles, the direct connection to chemical and biomolecular engineering is indeed weaker.

In summary, while many graduates successfully apply their Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering skills in relevant fields, an observable portion veers into roles that do not fully utilize their engineering expertise. Overall, graduates tend to find their way into positions that, despite varying degrees of relevance to their studies, underscore the versatility and breadth of opportunities available with a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This reveals a dual narrative: a robust grounding in engineering principles for many, but a notable shift toward diverse roles that may obscure the direct relationship with their educational background.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

From analyzing the career trajectories of a variety of graduates in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, it’s clear that these individuals often begin their professional journeys with strong foundational roles in engineering and research, particularly within chemical production, pharmaceuticals, and related industries. Many graduates land entry-level positions as process engineers or research assistants, where they can apply the technical skills honed during their studies. Over the first couple of years, these early career roles often include managing processes, conducting experiments, and assisting in product development. For instance, graduates from institutions like Georgia Tech and University of Maryland commonly secure roles that align well with their coursework, such as process improvement engineers or R&D scientists, showcasing a direct transition from academia to impactful industry roles.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the career trajectories become more varied, with many graduates advancing to mid- and senior-level positions, while some shift to roles that might not be directly related to Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. For instance, graduates may move into leadership roles within the same companies or may transition into different functions, such as technical sales or project management. A notable number of individuals have made transitions into consulting, business development, or even legal careers, particularly those who attended prestigious engineering schools or pursued additional education, such as law school, like graduates from Georgia Tech who moved from engineering roles to law associates. However, there are also examples of graduates who have not stayed within the chemical engineering sphere and pursued entirely different industries, indicating that while many do find fulfilling careers related to their degree, a significant portion seems to drift towards non-engineering roles as they progress in their careers.

In summary, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates generally kick off their careers with strong technical positions that effectively leverage their educational backgrounds. While many find success and advancement within engineering roles, others choose to diversify their paths significantly. So, if you're considering this field, it's fair to say that it can open a range of opportunities—some of which might steer away from traditional chemical engineering roles—and this versatility can be both a strength and a potential concern depending on what career path you envision for yourself.

How hard is a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree?

A Bachelor degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering can be quite challenging, often more so than average degrees. You'll dive deep into subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and organic chemistry, which can be pretty intense if those topics don’t come naturally to you. Expect a lot of problem-solving, critical thinking, and even some heavy-duty math. There are moments that might feel overwhelming, especially during lab sessions or while tackling complex equations, but if you have a solid interest in chemistry and enjoy the science behind it, you can definitely handle it. Just remember, it's all about managing your time and seeking help when you need it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Do Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

So, looking at the career paths of these Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates, it really seems like a mixed bag when it comes to their earning potential. People from Georgia Tech, for instance, have landed jobs at reputable companies and have climbed up the ladder into higher-paying positions, particularly those in management or technical roles. Graduates from top-tier schools like Princeton and Johns Hopkins also seem to be doing well, especially with roles at firms like McKinsey and various scientific organizations, which typically pay pretty well.

On the flip side, some graduates, like those from more niche or lesser-known programs, are starting in roles that might not be as lucrative right off the bat. Positions like intern or research roles can take some time to translate into decent salaries, depending on the sector. For a high school student considering this path, it might be worth noting that while some graduates do seem to be on a clear trajectory toward making good money, others could require more time and experience to see significant financial benefits in their careers. Overall, if you choose the right program and seize opportunities, there's definitely potential to make good money in this field!

What buzzwords do Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Georgia Institute of Technology 75 28
The Johns Hopkins University 75 11