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First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from Penn 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 21 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Chemical Engineering graduates from Penn State University have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) 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 19% 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: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Chemical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSupply Chain Leader PepsiCo Jun 2021 - Present ABOUTI am currently working as the Food Safety Supply Chain Leader at PepsiCo Frito Lay in Rancho Cucamonga. I graduated from Penn State University in 2021 from the College of Engineering, studying chemical engineering. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job outcomes for graduates of Chemical Engineering from Penn State University, you can see a mix of roles, but there are definitely some clear patterns. A lot of these grads are landing positions like process engineers, project managers, and roles in the energy sector, especially related to oil and gas. These jobs usually involve applying the core principles of chemical engineering—things like optimizing processes, managing projects related to chemical processes, and ensuring compliance with regulations. It's pretty clear that most of the graduates are getting work that directly relates to their studies, especially in roles tied to process engineering and R&D, where they can use the specific skills and knowledge they gained during their degree.
However, it’s not all directly related to chemical engineering. Some graduates, especially those who ventured into consulting, management, or tech fields, are in jobs that don’t directly apply chemical engineering principles on a daily basis. Positions in tech consulting or management, for example, may use general analytical and problem-solving skills from their engineering training but don’t heavily rely on the specialized knowledge from their chemical engineering curriculum. So, while many graduates end up in relevant roles, there are quite a few who find themselves in positions where their engineering background is not the main focus of their work. It's a bit of a mixed bag, but overall, a good number of these grads are successfully leveraging their degrees in fields that benefit from their chemical engineering training.
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 Penn State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of Penn State Chemical Engineering graduates, it seems like they often kick off their careers in solid, relevant positions shortly after graduation. Many of them land entry-level roles like process engineers, research assistants, or field engineers in companies that directly relate to their field, such as energy, pharmaceuticals, or consulting. For instance, graduates who finished in the earlier years often took on roles like engineers in energy companies or even research positions in pharmaceuticals, which is a great way to start applying their engineering knowledge right away.
As time goes by—like 5 to 10 years post-graduation—most of these individuals still seem to be climbing the ladder in their respective fields. A significant number have moved up to senior management roles, specialized positions, or even started their own ventures. Many have transitioned into management consulting or advanced engineering roles, indicating a strong demand for their skills. So, while some graduates may have ventured into consulting or technology fields, for the most part, it looks like these Chemical Engineering graduates from Penn State have successfully carved out careers that are not only relevant but also promising in terms of growth and responsibility. Overall, if you're considering this path, it seems like a pretty solid choice with a range of avenues to explore in the future!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, whether at Penn State or anywhere else, can be pretty tough. It’s a demanding program with a mix of rigorous math, chemistry, and physics courses that really push you to think critically and solve complex problems. You’ll spend a lot of time on projects, labs, and studying, which can be overwhelming at times. Penn State has a solid reputation in engineering, so you can expect to be challenged and work hard. But don’t worry; if you stay organized, seek help when needed, and keep a good study routine, it’s definitely doable. It’s definitely on the harder side compared to some other majors, but many students find it rewarding and fulfilling as they go through the program.
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 the career paths of these Penn State Chemical Engineering grads, it seems like they’re generally doing pretty well financially! Many of them have landed solid roles right out of college, with titles like "Manager," "Senior Engineer," and even "Principal Research Scientist" popping up, which usually come with decent salaries. The older grads have worked their way up in established companies, showing their skills and earning potential has grown over time. Even the recent graduates are starting off in good positions with companies that typically offer competitive pay. Overall, it looks like they’re on track to make some decent money in their careers!
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 Penn 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:
