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First, some facts. Of the Civil Engineering graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 96%, Civil Engineering graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a substantially higher likelihood (+29%) 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:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor in Science in Civil Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONUndergraduate Research Assistant The Thomas M. Murray Structures and Materials Laboratory Sep 2015 - Dec 2015 Engineer McLean Contracting Company Feb 2016 - Apr 2016 Project Manager Cce Specialties LLC Jun 2016 - Oct 2017 Structural Engineer Alliance Oct 2017 - Jan 2022 Senior Structural Engineer Network Building + Consulting Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 Principal Structural Engineer- DuPont Spruance Plant KBR, Inc. Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTWorking as a consultant engineer providing engineering and design supports for heavy industrial projects. Previously worked in the construction side of the business providing construction management and support for projects both domestically and overseas. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
It looks like a lot of graduates from Virginia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering have found their way into jobs that are pretty closely tied to their major. The most common roles seem to be in transportation engineering, project management, and structural engineering. Many of these positions, like Transportation Engineer or Project Engineer, directly use the skills and knowledge learned during their studies, such as designing transportation systems or managing construction projects. Even roles like Development Transportation & Infrastructure Coordinator or Bridge Engineer require a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, reflecting relevant applications of their degrees.
However, not every job is directly related. Some recent graduates have taken on roles that don't fully embrace their engineering background, like Construction/Inspection Technician or Maintenance & Compliance Coordinator, which tend to focus more on oversight and compliance rather than hands-on engineering work. While their coursework still supports their abilities in these roles, the connection to core civil engineering isn't as strong. Overall, it seems like there’s a good mix of positions that deeply relate to Civil Engineering and some that veer off into areas where the technical know-how isn't at the forefront, but graduates are still making their engineering backgrounds work for them in diverse ways.
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of Civil Engineering graduates from Virginia Tech, it seems like many of them are finding solid footing in relevant fields right after graduation. For their first jobs, a lot of these graduates start off as engineers in various specializations—like transportation, construction, and project management roles. They often take on positions such as Engineering Technician or Project Engineer which gives them the hands-on experience they need in the industry. This kind of entry-level work lays a strong foundation for them, setting them up for more advanced roles in just a few years.
Fast-forward five or ten years, and you can see a pretty clear pattern of advancement. Many graduates have moved into senior positions like Project Manager or even higher roles such as Project Executive and Branch Manager. They tend to stay within relevant civil engineering sectors, and it looks like a lot of them are enjoying robust careers with continuous upward movement. This consistency suggests that a degree from Virginia Tech not only provides a good start but also supports career growth in engineering fields, proving to be a wise choice for aspiring engineers.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech, or really anywhere, is definitely a solid challenge. It’s not a walk in the park by any means; you'll dive deep into math, physics, and a lot of complex concepts that require some serious analytical skills. Virginia Tech has a strong program, which means you'll be pushed to really understand your materials rather than just memorizing them. That said, if you’re passionate about the subject and willing to put in the effort, it can be super rewarding. It's on the tougher side compared to many other bachelor's degrees, so just be ready to buckle down and work hard!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.
Looking at the career paths of these Civil Engineering grads from Virginia Tech, it seems they're doing pretty well for themselves financially. Most have leveled up through various roles, moving from entry-level positions to project manager or senior roles, which usually come with nice pay increases. For instance, guys who started as project engineers are now project managers and even executives, which typically means they're raking in a decent salary. Plus, many of them have stable jobs at reputable companies or government agencies, likely providing good benefits too. So overall, it looks like they're making a solid living in the engineering field!
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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:
