Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Chemical Engineering graduates from Virginia Tech 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 above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Chemical Engineering graduates from Virginia Tech have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) 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 31% 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:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Chemical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProcess Development Engineer Volvo Group May 2018 - Aug 2023 Process Engineer Standard Automation Sep 2023 - Present ABOUTI am actively contributing technical leadership as a Process Engineer on the Process Engineering Team at Standard Automation in Auburn Hills, Michigan. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the career paths of Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering graduates, it seems like a variety of job roles have emerged, but a clear distinction between relevant and non-relevant roles is present. A lot of graduates have found positions as Process Engineers, which makes perfect sense since these roles heavily lean on the principles and concepts learned during their degree. Other positions that align well with chemical engineering include roles like Product Development Engineer and various positions at research institutions that focus on applying chemical engineering knowledge directly in the field. It's awesome to see that many grads, especially those who graduated more recently, have found jobs that really tap into their specialized skills!
However, not all jobs aligned with their studies. Some graduates ended up in really different fields, like roles in supply chain management, consulting, or even working in food services. While some of these positions might utilize some analytical or management skills that could be applicable, they don't directly relate to the core knowledge of chemical engineering. The trend seems to show that while there are solid job opportunities that fit the Chemical Engineering degree, there are also quite a few paths that veer away from the technical side of things, especially for certain roles undertaken by graduates right after their studies. Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag, with plenty of students utilizing their chemical engineering background, but others finding their way into fields that are only indirectly related to their degree.
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 Virginia Tech):
The career trajectories of graduates from the Chemical Engineering program at Virginia Tech show a mix of paths, with many aligning closely with the field, especially in the early years after graduation. For those who graduated around 2013 to 2020, many landed their first roles in process engineering or research-related positions, which are directly linked to their studies. For instance, graduates from the class of 2017 started as process engineers and then moved into roles like program management and implementation, which, although slightly tangential, still support their engineering background. This trend continues with newer graduates, who are also taking on roles such as process development engineers and REACH engineers right after school, suggesting a strong connection between their studies and the jobs they secure immediately after graduation.
Looking further down the career paths, it’s clear that many graduates have successfully navigated their way through various roles in engineering and consulting, often moving into leadership positions. For example, graduates from 2020 have transitioned from supply chain associate roles to consultants at major firms like EY and Deloitte, showcasing adaptability even beyond traditional chemical engineering roles. Others have climbed the ladder from engineer to more technical or managerial positions within their companies, indicating steady career growth. However, there are a few outliers, like recent graduates who have taken on roles unrelated to their degree, such as managing at Chick-fil-A, which could suggest either a change of interest or the challenging job market. Overall, while many have found fulfilling careers in engineering or related fields, there are hints of some navigating away from their core studies, reflecting the diverse interests and opportunities that arise after college.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech, or really anywhere, can be pretty tough but also super rewarding. You’re diving into a lot of complex subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and chemical reactions, and the coursework is generally more challenging than the average college degree. Expect to spend a good amount of time in labs and working on problem sets that can be pretty intense. If you’re someone who enjoys math and science, you’ll probably find it interesting, but be prepared to work hard; it’s not something you can just coast through. Overall, it’s definitely on the harder side compared to many other majors, so if you’re passionate about it, just be ready to put in the effort!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering.
Alright, so when you take a look at these Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering grads, it seems like most of them have snagged pretty solid jobs that would likely pay decently. A lot of them started with internships or assistant roles, which is classic for fresh graduates, but they quickly moved up into roles like Process Engineer and Technical Leader, which usually come with good salaries. The trend leans towards them making a pretty good income as they progress, especially those in consulting and engineering management. However, it looks like some recent grads are still figuring things out, like those working at Chick-fil-A or taking on more entry-level roles. Overall, though, it seems like the majority of these folks are on a promising path to making decent money, especially with their advanced degrees and engineering backgrounds.
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 Virginia Tech). 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:
