What can you do with a Computer Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Computer Engineering 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 1596 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Computer Engineering graduates have a much higher likelihood (+14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 81%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 37% 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 Computer Engineering graduate.

See the details:

View a random Computer Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from St Vincent Pallotti College of Engg & Tech with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Engineering. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Software Engineer
Dion Global Solutions Ltd
Jun 2012 - Dec 2014
As a Software Engineer at Dion Global Solutions Ltd, this position directly utilizes skills and knowledge gained from the Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, requiring specific technical expertise on a daily basis.

Senior Software Engineer
Dion Global Solutions Ltd
Jan 2015 - Aug 2016
The role of Senior Software Engineer also entails significant software development tasks that are closely aligned with the knowledge and skills acquired through the Computer Engineering degree.

Senior Software Developer
Amdocs
Aug 2016 - Sep 2019
As a Senior Software Developer at Amdocs, this position relies on core competencies from the Computer Engineering degree, involving substantial software development that matches the academic curriculum.

Software Development Team Lead
Amdocs
Sep 2019 - Aug 2021
The Software Development Team Lead role at Amdocs requires both technical expertise and leadership skills derived from the Bachelors program in Computer Engineering, making it highly relevant.

Software Engineering Manager
Amdocs
Sep 2021 - Present
As a Software Engineering Manager at Amdocs, this position utilizes advanced technical knowledge and management skills related to software engineering concepts taught in the Computer Engineering degree, ensuring relevance.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Computer Engineering degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


The job market for graduates in Computer Engineering is quite diverse, with many individuals landing roles that deeply resonate with the core competencies obtained through their education. Based on the analyses of various LinkedIn profiles, it seems clear that most individuals with degrees in Computer Engineering pursue careers primarily in software development and engineering roles. The most commonly held positions include Software Engineer, Software Developer, and various software-related internships and entry-level jobs within major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin. These positions typically require strong programming skills, problem-solving capabilities, and application of engineering principles, which directly correspond to what students learn during their degree programs.

However, it is also notable that there is a share of graduates whose job experiences do not directly apply the specialized knowledge gained from a Computer Engineering degree. Some have taken on roles in areas such as support, administration, and even teaching, where the core principles of computer engineering are not utilized on a daily basis. For instance, positions like Technical Support Analyst or IT System Administrator often don’t require a deep technical foundation in computer engineering concepts, reflecting a broader shift where some graduates find themselves in occupations that leverage analytical skills rather than the direct application of engineering knowledge. While these roles can employ skills learned during their studies, the connection to their specific Computer Engineering training can be tenuous.

In conclusion, while a majority of roles pursued by Computer Engineering graduates are highly relevant to their degree, there exists a significant portion of alumni navigating career paths where their technical education is underutilized. This divergence highlights the need for not only specializing in engineering skills but also being adaptable and considering how closely related job functions align with one's educational background.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Computer Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering, it becomes evident that many of them have successfully landed positions in tech-related roles right out of college. For instance, fresh graduates from universities like UC San Diego, The University of Kansas, and Purdue University often kick off their careers as software engineers or in engineering-related roles in reputable companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, or Garmin. Internships during their studies, like those at Walmart Global Tech and Ford Motor Company, seem to pave the way for full-time roles shortly after graduation. This pattern suggests that many graduates enter the workforce in relevant positions that utilize the skills they acquired during their education.

As we consider their paths five to ten years down the line, the success stories become even more compelling. Many individuals from this field not only retain their footing in technology but also climb the corporate ladder. Graduates who began as software engineers are now in senior or managerial roles at major tech companies. For instance, those who started as software engineers are often seen advancing to roles like Software Development Engineer II, Senior Software Engineer, or even higher managerial positions at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Toyota. Conversely, some have transitioned into specialized positions such as data scientists or product managers, reflecting a broader trend that highlights the diversifying opportunities within the tech sector.

However, amidst the success, it’s important to recognize that not every graduate finds their place in the Computer Engineering field. Profiles of individuals who graduated from universities like Marquette or Kennesaw State University reveal some are working outside their field, often in roles that have little to do with technology or computer science, like bartenders or in customer service. This hints at the challenges faced by a segment of graduates who may not have built the relevant experience or connections during their time in college, leading them to take jobs that don’t align with their education. Therefore, while the overall picture appears positive, indicating that a significant number of Computer Engineering graduates find successful and relevant careers, there exists a notable minority who seem to struggle in the transition from academia to professional life. Although the degree opens many doors, personal circumstances and market conditions can impact career outcomes significantly.

Ultimately, Computer Engineering graduates often find themselves in promising careers shortly after graduation, with many achieving significant advances within a few years. The skills gained during their studies, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, enhance their employability and potential for growth. But as highlighted through some career paths, success isn’t guaranteed for everyone; some graduates may face hurdles that lead them into unrelated fields, indicating that while the degree is valuable, individual experiences play a crucial role in shaping career trajectories.

How hard is a Computer Engineering degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering can be quite challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy math, physics, and problem-solving, you might find it engaging, although there will definitely be some tough classes, like circuits and algorithms, that can be pretty intense. On top of that, there's a lot of hands-on work, projects, and lab sessions that require a good amount of time and dedication. So, while it might be harder than some other degrees, it can also be super rewarding if you're into tech and like to tinker with gadgets. Just be ready to put in the effort and stay organized, and you’ll be fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering.

Do Computer Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at these graduates, it’s clear that most of them have navigated their careers into positions that likely bring in decent pay, especially for those with strong roles in major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The trend shows that those who graduated from reputable institutions often start in internships or entry-level positions and progressively move up into more lucrative roles. Many are already in roles that suggest a stable income, such as software engineers or analysts at recognized companies. So, it seems like they’re on a promising trajectory for making good money.

However, not every graduate’s journey reflects this success. Some individuals have taken paths that appear less financially rewarding, such as bartending or roles in less competitive markets. For instance, positions that start with a few internships might not lead to high salaries quickly if the individual doesn’t transition into higher-demand tech positions later. Overall, while many graduates seem to be heading towards solid financial futures, there’s a mix of experiences that could suggest some might not find the financial success they aspire to as swiftly as their peers in more tech-focused roles.

What buzzwords do Computer Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Computer Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of Florida 95 18
Michigan State University 94 10
Brigham Young University 94 10
Penn State University 92 14
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 91 14
University of Central Florida 90 14
Georgia Institute of Technology 90 14
Purdue University 86 34
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 86 30
Iowa State University 86 25
Texas A&M University 85 17
San Jose State University 85 16
Clemson University 85 14
Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering 85 10
North Dakota State University 84 12
Savitribai Phule Pune University 83 25
University of Mumbai 82 43
New Jersey Institute of Technology 81 11
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 79 11
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 76 11
The University of Texas at Dallas 76 18
University of South Florida 69 10
Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedbabd 55 13