What can you do with a Chemical Engineering degree from University of California, Davis?

First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from University of California, Davis 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 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of California, Davis have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 73%
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, only 15% 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:

View a random Chemical Engineering graduate from University of California, Davis and our analysis:


Relevance score: 61%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2017 from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Chemical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Equipment Technician
Gahagan and Bryant Associates, Inc.
Nov 2017 - Dec 2017
The role of Equipment Technician may involve some technical skills related to chemical processes, but does not primarily require knowledge specific to chemical engineering.

Laboratory Technician
Constellation Brands New Zealand
Mar 2018 - Jun 2018
As a Laboratory Technician at Constellation Brands, the job directly utilizes chemical engineering principles and laboratory practices that are core to the bachelor's degree.

Winemaking Intern
Notre Vue Estate Wine Group
Aug 2017 - Nov 2018
The Winemaking Intern position requires an understanding of chemical processes and reactions involved in fermentation, which is highly relevant to the chemical engineering degree.

Assistant Winemaker
Margaret River Winemakers
Jan 2019 - Aug 2019
The Assistant Winemaker role relies on knowledge of chemistry and engineering principles in wine production, making it directly applicable to the individuals educational background.

Staff Engineer
Roux
Aug 2019 - Sep 2020
The Staff Engineer position may incorporate some engineering skills, but it is unclear how much it specifically utilizes chemical engineering knowledge on a daily basis.

Business Developer
Chilli Wine Solutions
Apr 2022 - Oct 2022
The Business Developer role at Chilli Wine Solutions does not require specific chemical engineering expertise, focusing instead on business development skills unrelated to the degree.

Cellar Hand
SCEA CHATEAU LA GRANGERE
Aug 2023 - Oct 2023
The Cellar Hand role primarily involves routine cellar tasks and may not require chemical engineering knowledge, making it less relevant to the degree.

Co-Founder
Brojac Wine Alliance
Jun 2022 - Present
As Co-Founder at Brojac Wine Alliance, some entrepreneurial efforts may draw on the individuals background, but the role does not focus on applying chemical engineering expertise directly.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Masters of Science
Bordeaux Sciences Agro
2020 - 2022
ABOUT

As a wine and spirits professional with a Master of Science in Vineyard and Winery Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, I am passionate about international winemaking and commercialization. Throughout my career, I have worked in a range of wineries across the globe, developing a profound understanding of different cultures and an innate ability to adapt to any situation.My engineering problem-solving skills have proven to be a valuable asset in overcoming challenges throughout the winemaking process. My ability to communicate and network effectively, especially in French, has been invaluable when it comes to wine exporting. I thrive on building relationships, whether it's with winemakers, distributors, or the final consumers, and always strive to exceed expectations. Let's raise a glass to the future of the wine industry!

What jobs can you get with a Chemical Engineering degree from University of California, Davis?

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


When looking at the jobs of graduates from the University of California, Davis who earned a degree in Chemical Engineering, a few trends pop up. Many alumni have found themselves in roles that directly apply their engineering skills, particularly in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. For instance, positions like Chemist at Bio-Rad Laboratories and Process Engineer at various companies often utilize the core principles and knowledge learned during their studies. Several have taken on roles that involve manufacturing processes or engineering oversight in sectors like pharmaceuticals and brewing, where chemical engineering concepts are crucial.

However, not all job placements align closely with their academic background. Some students have ventured into roles like private tutoring or customer service that don't require specialized chemical engineering knowledge. While these positions may use some analytical or problem-solving skills, they don't tap into the technical expertise that a Chemical Engineering degree usually provides. In general, it seems that while many graduates have landed jobs that are highly relevant to their major, a fair number are in positions where they aren't making full use of their chemical engineering training. So, there’s a mix—lots of engineering-related jobs, but also quite a few that stray into completely different territory!

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 University of California, Davis):

What kind of career trajectories do Chemical Engineering graduates from University of California, Davis have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from UC Davis who majored in Chemical Engineering, it's a mixed bag, but there are definitely some promising trends. For many, the first jobs out of college tend to be in roles that are relevant to their degree, like production associates or chemists at well-known companies such as Bio-Rad and Tesla. Some have jumped straight into specialized positions in fields like pharmaceutical manufacturing or process engineering as early as a year or two after graduating. This shows that a lot of graduates are finding entry-level positions that not only leverage their engineering knowledge but also set a foundation for long-term careers in related industries.

Fast forward five to ten years, and you can see a solid progression for many of these professionals. A lot of graduates have moved into higher-level roles such as senior engineers or process engineers at reputable companies, indicating a satisfying career growth that is consistent with their educational background. However, some graduates have taken a detour into less traditional fields, like winemaking or even entrepreneurship, which might suggest that while they value their engineering degree, they are also open to exploring different pathways. All in all, while not every graduate sticks strictly to a chemical engineering path, many are successfully carving out fulfilling careers in various engineering and technical roles.

How hard is a Chemical Engineering degree from University of California, Davis?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, whether at UC Davis or elsewhere, can be pretty challenging, no doubt about it. It usually involves a heavy dose of math, physics, and chemistry, so if those subjects aren't really your thing, you might find it tougher than average. There are a lot of complex concepts to wrap your head around, plus lab work that requires attention to detail. That said, if you’re really interested in the subject and willing to put in the work, you can definitely make it through. Just be prepared to spend a lot of late nights studying and working on projects!

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 Engineering.

Do Chemical Engineering graduates from University of California, Davis tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these UC Davis Chemical Engineering grads, it seems like some are doing pretty well, while others might not be making bank right away. For instance, graduates from earlier years, like the ones who went into fields like pharmaceuticals or engineering roles at major companies, tend to hold positions that usually offer solid salaries. However, there's a recent grad already working at Chick-fil-A, which doesn't scream big bucks, and others starting in lower-level positions. So, while many of these alumni are likely earning decent incomes, especially with their engineering backgrounds, some of the newer grads are still navigating their careers and might need a bit more time to hit those higher salary brackets. Overall, it's a mixed bag, but there’s potential for growth!

What buzzwords do Chemical 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 Engineering (this is across all Chemical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of California, Davis). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Chemical Engineering?

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:

College Score Count
Northeastern University 91 11
Rochester Institute of Technology 90 10
Clarkson University 90 10
University of Cincinnati 89 16
Oklahoma State University 88 10
Purdue University 87 20
University of Arkansas 87 13
North Carolina State University 86 22
Arizona State University 85 13
University of Wisconsin-Madison 85 13
University of Delaware 85 13
University at Buffalo 83 10
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 83 13
University of California, Berkeley 82 12
Villanova University 82 10
Montana State University-Bozeman 82 13
Louisiana State University 81 15
The Ohio State University 80 36
Texas A&M University 79 37
Brigham Young University 79 14
University of Arizona 79 15
University of Oklahoma 79 13
University of Massachusetts Lowell 79 12
Michigan Technological University 78 22
Auburn University 76 20
Iowa State University 75 18
Georgia Institute of Technology 74 11
University of California, Davis 73 20
University of Houston 73 17
University of Pittsburgh 73 21
University of Virginia 73 12
Michigan State University 72 24
Oregon State University 72 20
University of Dayton 72 12
Penn State University 71 21
The University of Texas at Austin 71 24
University of Washington 71 10
University of Iowa 71 10
University of Connecticut 70 11
The University of Alabama 69 10
New Jersey Institute of Technology 69 12
Colorado School of Mines 69 21
University of Florida 68 20
Virginia Tech 68 16
Mississippi State University 68 15
University of Notre Dame 68 10
University of Kentucky 67 11
Worcester Polytechnic Institute 67 16
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 66 11
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 65 16
University of Michigan 62 21
The University of Kansas 62 11
Missouri University of Science and Technology 60 14
University of South Florida 58 14
University of California, San Diego 56 12