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First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Chemical Engineering graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have a slightly lower 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, only 12% 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: 22% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResearch Trainee Harvard Medical School Feb 2018 - May 2018 Research Intern Jackson State University Jun 2018 - Sep 2018 Software Engineer Co-op  Medtronic Jan 2021 - Sep 2021 Software Engineer  DraftKings Inc. Feb 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSNortheastern University 2019 - 2021 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the LinkedIn profiles analyzed, the most common types of jobs held by graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Chemical Engineering seem to center around roles in engineering, compliance, management, and consulting. Many individuals have secured positions as Process Engineers, Production Managers, or Research Associates, where they can directly utilize their specialized knowledge in chemical processes and regulations. Positions at companies like Procter & Gamble, Boeing, and Regeneron highlight how graduates are applying their technical expertise in fields related to manufacturing, materials, and compliance, which are pretty relevant to their education.
However, there is also a noticeable trend of graduates venturing into roles that are only tangentially related to chemical engineering or completely unrelated. For instance, many have found themselves in positions like software engineering, retail management, or customer service, where the skills and knowledge from their degree might not be directly applied. While some roles may benefit from the analytical and problem-solving skills gained during their studies, they often do not encompass the core competencies of chemical engineering. So, while a solid chunk of RPI graduates do end up in relevant engineering roles, it seems like there's also a significant number exploring other fields that don’t really align with their chemical engineering background. This opens up interesting possibilities, but it can dilute the direct application of their formal education in their career paths.
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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute):
Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute who earned a degree in Chemical Engineering tend to have pretty solid career trajectories, especially in the early stages. Most of the profiles I looked at show that their first jobs after graduation are often in engineering roles at major companies, such as Procter & Gamble or Boeing, where they start off as process engineers, compliance specialists, or materials engineers. These positions generally align well with their academic backgrounds and provide a strong foundation in the industry. It's common to see them climb up the ranks within a few years, taking on more responsibility and leadership roles, like becoming a production line manager or a senior consultant in a specialty field.
As they hit the 5 to 10-year mark, many graduates seem to maintain a focus on careers relevant to Chemical Engineering, either advancing within their original companies or transitioning into roles that still leverage their technical skills. For example, some take unique paths, moving into management consulting or research roles, which could indicate that they’re applying their engineering knowledge in broader contexts. Others have ventured into varied sectors like renewable energy or software engineering, although it’s worth noting that not every graduate has stayed strictly within the Chemical Engineering field. Overall, it looks like RPI alumni are generally doing well, with many landing meaningful jobs and enjoying robust career growth, reflecting a positive outlook for new graduates in this field.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, especially at a place like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, can be pretty challenging. It’s not just about sitting in a classroom; you’re dealing with a lot of advanced math, chemistry, and physics, along with some really intense lab work. The coursework is designed to push you, so if you’re someone who loves problem-solving and doesn’t mind putting in late nights studying, you might find it rewarding. But honestly, it can be tougher than average because you’re often juggling complex concepts and practical applications at the same time. So, if you’re thinking about it, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dive in deep!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering.
From what I can gather, it looks like most of these Chemical Engineering graduates from RPI are doing pretty well financially. Many of them have climbed the career ladder quickly, landing roles with significant titles at big-name companies like Regeneron, Boeing, Procter & Gamble, and Tesla. Positions like Senior Consultant and Compliance Specialist suggest that they're earning decent salaries, especially compared to other fields. Even recent grads are stepping into important roles, which usually come with solid paychecks. Overall, it seems like these folks are making good money and have bright futures ahead of them 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). 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:
