First, some facts. Of the Child Development graduates from San Jose 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Child Development graduates from San Jose State University have a much higher likelihood (+13%) 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, 60% 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 Child Development graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 96%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Child Development. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLead TeacherKinderCare Learning Companies Jun 2011 - Jun 2014 Shift Supervisor WILLOW GLEN COMMUNITY EXTENDED DAY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Jun 2014 - Nov 2018 Preschool Teacher Peter Pan Preschool Nov 2018 - Mar 2019 Lead Teacher Jumpstart Discoveries Learning Center Feb 2019 - Jun 2020 Childcare Provider Kania Family Jul 2020 - Jun 2021 Preschool Teacher The Room to Grow Jul 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Most people from San Jose State University who graduated with a degree in Child Development seem to gravitate towards educational roles, particularly working as teachers or in management positions in child care settings. Positions like Preschool Teacher, Child Care Teacher, and Lead Teacher are pretty common and are directly connected to what they studied. These jobs require a solid understanding of child growth and educational techniques, which are core components of a Child Development degree.
While a lot of these roles are clearly relevant and impactful in the field of education and child care, there are some outliers. For instance, a few grads went into jobs that have little to do with their major, like working as Talent Acquisition Specialists or Autonomous Vehicle Operators. Overall, though, if you look at the bigger picture, most of the jobs are deeply intertwined with child development knowledge and skills, suggesting that the degree effectively prepares students for careers working with children and in educational environments.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Child Development graduates (this is across all Child Development graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University):
When checking out the career paths of graduates from the Child Development program at San Jose State University, it’s pretty clear that many of them begin their professional journeys in early childhood education roles, like teaching or directorship positions at daycare centers and preschools. For instance, graduates from 2010 and 2011 quickly landed jobs as assistant directors or lead teachers at well-known childcare companies like KinderCare and the YMCA. This trend seems to hold strong for several years post-graduation, as many stay in educational roles, transitioning from preschool teachers to directors or supervisors within the educational landscape. While this indicates a degree of stability, it also shows a lot of people sticking close to the core of Child Development, which is great for those committed to nurturing young minds.
However, as we look deeper into the careers of some graduates five to ten years down the line, it appears that not everyone remains in Child Development. Some shifts occurred to roles that are less about direct education. For example, a few graduates ended up in positions unrelated to Child Development, like in clinical or even tech-related jobs, showing a more diverse trajectory. It's interesting to note that while a significant number of grads find solid roles in early childhood education, there are also those who venture into entirely different fields, signaling that the degree offers versatility but might not always lead to a focused career in Child Development. In summary, while many graduates find meaningful work aligned with their studies, there’s also a mix of paths that diverge from the core purpose of the degree over time.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development at San Jose State University isn’t the easiest thing out there, but it's not the hardest either. It definitely requires some commitment and study time, especially because you’ll dive into a mix of psychology, education, and sociology related to kids and families. The coursework can be a bit heavy on theory and application, so you’ll need to stay engaged and do your readings. But if you’re passionate about the subject and willing to put in the effort, you’ll probably find it manageable. Plus, there are usually plenty of resources and support from professors and advisors, which can really help you along the way. Overall, it’s probably about average in terms of difficulty, especially if you find the material interesting!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Child Development.
Looking at these graduates from San Jose State University, it seems like they've found pretty decent jobs, particularly in the early childhood education and child development fields. There are roles like "Director" and "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor," which typically pay a good salary, especially as you gain experience. However, some positions, like teachers and preschool educators, can feel a little on the lower end in terms of pay, especially when you consider the cost of living in California. Overall, it looks like they're making a reasonable living, but the income level really varies based on the specific job and experience. So, while some might be comfortable, others might be hustling a bit more to make ends meet.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Child Development (this is across all Child Development graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Child Development (ordered by the average relevance score of their Child Development graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
College | Score | Count |
---|---|---|
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 83 | 10 |
San Jose State University | 80 | 10 |
California State University, Fullerton | 79 | 12 |
California State University, Northridge | 77 | 11 |
California State University-Sacramento | 73 | 22 |