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First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from Iowa 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 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Chemical Engineering graduates from Iowa State University have a higher likelihood (+8%) 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, only 27% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Chemical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 79% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONOperations Intern Ardent Mills May 2021 - Aug 2021 Assistant Superintendent  CGB Enterprises, Inc. Feb 2022 - Oct 2022 Associate Engineer  Cargill Sep 2022 - Jan 2023 Utility/Mill Reliability Coordinator Cargill Jan 2023 - Present ABOUTCurrently working as an assistant superintendent for Consolidated Grain and Barge. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job profiles of Iowa State University graduates with a degree in Chemical Engineering, a solid trend emerges. Many of them have landed roles such as Project Engineers, Application Engineers, and various positions related to research and development in chemical processes and manufacturing. These positions typically require a strong application of the principles and knowledge acquired during their studies, making them quite relevant to their degree. Jobs like being a Research Assistant or in technical roles at companies like Cargill and Dow seem to frequently utilize core chemical engineering skills, showing a clear pathway from education to relevant industry roles.
However, not all positions are as closely related to the field of Chemical Engineering. Some graduates have taken on roles where the chemical engineering background is either an asset or somewhat peripheral, such as project management or sales-related jobs, where the core engineering knowledge isn't the main focus. Positions like Senior Data Analyst or Management Consultant, for instance, might involve some analytical skills relevant to engineering but don't revolve around applying chemical engineering principles daily. So, while many have found their way into specific engineering roles, others have branched out into roles where their degree is beneficial but not necessarily central to the job description. Overall, it's a mixed bag but definitely leans toward many relevant opportunities in engineering fields for these graduates!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Chemical Engineering graduates (this is across all Chemical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Iowa State University):
So, if you're thinking about what kind of career paths people with a Chemical Engineering degree from Iowa State University take, you’ll notice a pretty solid trend. Right after graduation, a lot of these grads land jobs as project engineers or in positions that allow them to apply their technical knowledge directly, often in fields like manufacturing, food production, or research. For example, many began their careers at companies like Cargill, Dow, and various engineering firms. They often build upon their entry-level roles and quickly move into more senior positions. You can see some graduates sticking with the same company, transitioning from roles like Application Engineer to Operations Manager or even Director roles within just a few years. That’s a good sign that they’re able to grow and advance in their careers.
Fast forward five or ten years, and many of these graduates continue to climb the ladder. It’s not uncommon to see them moving into managerial or specialized technical roles, such as Senior Improvement Engineers or Project Managers. While some do venture into less traditional paths—like those who end up in software development or regulatory affairs—the majority remain connected to their engineering roots. Overall, it looks like graduates of Iowa State's Chemical Engineering program generally find good, relevant careers that leverage their education, and many have the potential to thrive in their fields over the long haul.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, including at Iowa State University, is generally considered pretty challenging. It combines a lot of intense subjects like chemistry, physics, math, and engineering principles, which can be pretty demanding, especially if you’re not super into those topics. You’ll have to deal with difficult coursework, lengthy problem sets, and some serious lab work. While it's not impossible and many students succeed, it definitely requires a solid work ethic, good time management, and a willingness to tackle complex problems head-on. So, if you're ready to dive deep into the sciences and can handle a heavy load of coursework, you’ll be fine, but just know it’s going to take some effort!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering.
Looking at these Chemical Engineering graduates from Iowa State University, it seems like most of them have landed pretty decent gigs, especially considering the typical career trajectory in this field. Many have started off in solid engineering roles and have gradually moved up into higher-paying positions, like senior engineers and management roles. For instance, some are in leadership positions at well-known companies like Dow and Dexcom, which usually come with attractive salaries. That said, there's a mix—some folks have taken roles that might not pay as well initially, especially right out of college. Overall, though, it looks like the majority are doing pretty well financially and have opportunities for advancement, which is awesome!
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 Engineering (this is across all Chemical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Iowa State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Chemical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
