First, some facts. Of the Civil Engineering graduates from Clemson 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 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 74%, Civil Engineering graduates from Clemson University have a higher likelihood (+7%) 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, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
Relevance score: 59%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Civil Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONField EngineerSundt Construction Jan 2013 - Jun 2013 Project Engineer/Discipline Lead Jacobs Jun 2022 - Present Program Manager US Navy Aug 2013 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Engineering - MEngOld Dominion University 2019 - 2022 ABOUTWith over 10 years of work experience, I am a skilled and versatile program manager with a master's degree in engineering management. I am passionate about leading and supporting complex and innovative projects that enhance the capabilities and performance of the US Navy. I have a strong background in operational planning, analytical skills, and military weapon systems, and I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes.As a program manager at the US Navy, I oversee the training, operating procedure, and standardization of the MH-60S/MQ-8C Fleet Replacement Squadron. I manage training, schedule, and quality of the program, and ensure compliance with all policies and regulations. I also coordinate with other departments, contractors, and vendors to facilitate the delivery and maintenance of the aircraft and equipment. In addition, I leverage my engineering and construction experience as a project engineer and discipline lead at Jacobs, where I manage the engineering and construction of conveyor, pipe, and electrical support structures and towers for various industrial and defense clients. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job landscape for Clemson University graduates with a degree in Civil Engineering, it's pretty clear that many of them have landed roles that are either directly related or tangentially connected to their field of study. A large chunk of the graduates, especially those in project management roles, serve as Project Engineers, which is a fantastic match because it requires applying engineering principles they learned in school. Many of these positions—whether they’re in construction management, engineering analysis, or safety engineering—use the technical skills and methodologies obtained during their Bachelor’s program, laying out a solid foundation for their professional careers.
However, there’s also a noticeable number of grads who have ventured into roles that don’t heavily depend on their Civil Engineering education. Positions like Risk Analyst or even roles in real estate management tend to focus more on managerial skills rather than engineering expertise. You’ll find some graduates in jobs like being a pilot or working in financial development, neither of which require any knowledge of civil engineering principles. Overall, while many graduates have found positions that leverage their education, a significant number have branched out into areas where their Civil Engineering background doesn’t play a central role. So, while a degree from Clemson gives you great opportunities in Civil Engineering, it can also lead you down other career paths that might not be as related.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Civil Engineering graduates (this is across all Civil Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Clemson University):
The career trajectories of graduates from Clemson University's Civil Engineering program often begin with solid foundations in engineering roles shortly after graduation. Many of these individuals jump into their first jobs as project engineers or assistant project managers, which is pretty typical for this field. It seems like a significant number of graduates, especially from around 2012 to 2020, landed positions in various engineering firms, construction companies, and even governmental roles. This trend shows that they are generally entering strong, relevant roles that align well with their degrees. For instance, roles like project manager, traffic safety engineer, and various engineering positions at companies like GE Power and the Army National Guard highlight the diversity and applicability of their Civil Engineering education.
Fast forward five to ten years, and many alumni continue to climb the ranks within engineering firms, construction companies, or even leverage their experience into leadership roles like program managers or company presidents. A few have ventured into unique fields, like real estate or military aviation, which may seem unrelated at first but still showcase the skills they've built through their engineering backgrounds.Overall, while there are a few outliers in less traditional paths, the majority of these Clemson graduates appear to have established strong, successful, and relevant careers in the engineering world, making the degree a worthwhile investment for those passionate about civil engineering and infrastructure. This kind of stability and growth is pretty promising for anyone considering this major!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Clemson University is pretty challenging, but it’s not impossible if you’re willing to put in the work. You’ll dive deep into math and science, and you’ll have to tackle a lot of tough coursework, like structural analysis and fluid mechanics. There are also group projects and lab work that can be time-consuming, so you’ll need to be good at managing your time. That being said, if you enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for how things are built and work, you might find it rewarding despite the difficulty. Just be ready to buckle down and study hard, because it’s definitely a rigorous program compared to a lot of other majors.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.
So, looking at these Clemson graduates, it seems like they’re generally doing pretty well, especially for fresh grads entering the civil engineering field. Many of them have landed solid positions like Project Engineer or Manager with reputable companies, which often means decent pay. You’ve got folks who’ve climbed the ladder pretty quickly, like those moving from roles at GE Power to senior positions, and others starting their own businesses, like the owner of Patriot Excavation. While specific salaries aren’t listed, civil engineers usually make a good salary right out of school, and as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities, the pay likely increases significantly. Overall, it looks like these grads are on a positive financial path!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering (this is across all Civil Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Clemson University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Civil Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: