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First, some facts. Of the Chemistry graduates 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 2155 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Chemistry graduates 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, 56% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Chemistry graduate.
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 2017 from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDeveloper of Youth, Family, and Young Adult Ministries [NAME REMOVED]lehem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud Jun 2017 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the careers of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Chemistry, one of the most common themes is that many of them find themselves in roles related to pharmaceuticals and medical sciences. Jobs such as pharmacy technicians, chemists, and roles in research and development are often highlighted. These positions leverage the technical skills and knowledge acquired during their studies, especially in understanding chemical principles, conducting experiments, and ensuring safety and efficacy in drug formulations. For instance, many graduates have become pharmacists or pharmacy interns, where they apply their chemistry knowledge in a practical setting by managing medications and understanding their interactions within the human body.
However, not all graduates end up in roles that directly relate to their Chemistry degree. A significant portion take on jobs in sales, teaching, or even unrelated fields like business and management. Positions such as customer service representatives and administrative roles, while beneficial for developing soft skills, do not utilize the specialized chemistry knowledge that the graduates invested years into studying. This divergence raises interesting points regarding the flexibility of a Chemistry degree; while it prepares students for technical and scientific careers, it also serves as a sound foundation for various pathways, albeit not always in chemistry itself.
Moreover, the relevance of a Chemistry degree varies widely across different positions. For instance, roles like Quality Control Chemist or Research Scientist are highly relevant, as they demand a strong grasp of chemistry principles and hands-on application of laboratory skills. Conversely, roles such as software engineer, market analyst, or even positions in the military may benefit from an analytical mindset developed through chemistry courses, but they do not directly utilize the discipline’s core knowledge. Thus, graduates need to be strategic in their career choices to ensure they are aligning their jobs with the skills and knowledge garnered from their Chemistry degree, should they wish to stay within their field of study.
Ultimately, while the path for Chemistry graduates can diverge into many fields, the commonality remains that those who engage with their degree in relevant roles often find fulfilling careers in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, and chemical analysis, making valuable contributions to their industries. And for those who venture into other areas, the skills developed through their education can still provide a solid foundation in various professional environments.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Chemistry graduates:
Based on the extensive data gathered from various LinkedIn profiles of Chemistry graduates, it's interesting to observe the diverse career trajectories that these individuals navigate after completing their degrees. A significant number of these graduates begin their careers in roles directly related to their chemistry studies, such as laboratory technicians or research assistants. Many of them land their first jobs in academic environments or companies that focus on research and development. This is especially prevalent in profiles from those who graduated as recently as 2020, where initial positions often include titles such as "Graduate Research Assistant," "Lab Technician," or "Analytical Chemist." Such positions provide them practical experience and a solid foundation, which is crucial for those aiming to climb higher in the scientific arena.
Looking five to ten years down the line, the career paths of these chemistry graduates begin to manifest more variation. Those who initially started in laboratory roles often advance to positions such as Senior Chemist, Research Scientist, or even leadership roles like Laboratory Manager or Principal Scientist. However, not every graduate stays within a strict chemistry-related career path. Several have transitioned into roles like product development, quality control, and even education, indicating that a chemistry degree can open doors to various fields beyond traditional research. That said, there are also notable cases where graduates veer significantly away from science-related jobs altogether. Some profiles mention positions in marketing, law, sales management, and even education sectors unrelated to chemistry, which may suggest exploring variety in interests or maybe a lack of high demand in their initial fields.
Overall, while many chemistry graduates are successfully finding crucial roles that utilize their education, there are also those whose paths diverge significantly from their original field. This highlights the importance of adaptability and the diverse opportunities that arise from a chemistry background, whether one chooses to stay in science or explore other avenues. In conclusion, the initial optimism of starting in relevant fields can lead to rewarding careers, but it’s crucial for graduates to remain open to various pathways for their professional journeys.
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy subjects like math and science, you might find it easier to grasp the concepts, but be prepared for a lot of studying and some tough courses like organic chemistry and physical chemistry, which are known to be rigorous for many students. There’s a fair amount of lab work too, which can be both fun and demanding. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but if you’re passionate about chemistry, the challenge can be really rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Chemistry.
Looking through the career paths of these chemistry graduates, it's clear that many have found well-paying positions or are on a strong growth trajectory in their fields. For instance, those at big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, GSK, or Merck typically command higher salaries compared to those in educational or less specialized roles. Some graduates have climbed the ranks to senior or principal scientist roles, which often come with lucrative compensation packages. On the flip side, graduates working in teaching or entry-level lab positions may not see the same financial rewards, especially initially. Overall, while many have the potential to earn decent money based on their qualifications and experience, there's a noticeable disparity depending on the sector and specific job roles they've chosen.
On a brighter note, many graduates from top-tier institutions land impressive roles and consequently better pay, while others appear to be steadily advancing in their careers through progressive positions in research and quality control. For those who have created a path in industries like biotech, pharmaceuticals, or even education, the financial outlook seems promising in the long run. So, in summary, while there’s a mix of earning potential, the industry generally supports solid financial growth for those willing to pursue it in chemistry-related fields.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Chemistry. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Chemistry (ordered by the average relevance score of their Chemistry graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Santa Cruz
|
88 | 10 |
 University of California, Davis
|
86 | 11 |
 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
|
85 | 19 |
 Texas A&M University
|
83 | 11 |
 Georgia State University
|
82 | 11 |
 Purdue University
|
80 | 11 |
 Virginia Commonwealth University
|
80 | 15 |
 The Ohio State University
|
79 | 13 |
 University of Pittsburgh
|
78 | 12 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
76 | 15 |
 Penn State University
|
75 | 11 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
|
75 | 19 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
|
73 | 10 |
 University of Wisconsin-Madison
|
70 | 12 |
 University of Washington
|
67 | 15 |
 Emory University
|
62 | 10 |
 Florida International University
|
60 | 10 |
 UC Santa Barbara
|
46 | 10 |
 Texas Tech University
|
42 | 10 |