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First, some facts. Of the Computer Programming 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 60 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Computer Programming graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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, only 28% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Computer Programming graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 80% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Farmingdale State College with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Programming. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHP Technology Sales Specialist MarketSource Inc. Jul 2018 - Nov 2018 Computer Sales Associate  Best Buy Nov 2018 - Nov 2019 Warehouse Stock Clerk Best Buy Nov 2019 - Jan 2020 IT Support Specialist  Island Architectural Woodwork, Inc. Jan 2021 - Jul 2022 Support Engineer SmartAdvocate LLC Jul 2022 - Present ABOUTProud cum laude graduate of Farmingdale State College looking to apply my knowledge and experience to leave a lasting impression on the industry. Articulate and professional communication skills, including formal presentations and non-verbal communications. Looking for an opportunity to grow within a company where my true potential can shine and my skills can further develop.GitHub: github.com/[NAME REMOVED]Gottilla |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After examining a diverse array of job titles held by individuals with degrees in Computer Programming, it's clear that many graduates have carved out careers in a variety of fields. The most common job titles include developers, software engineers, and IT specialists, with a notable emphasis on roles that directly involve programming skills, such as Software Engineer, Application Developer, and Programmer. Interestingly, while many of these roles leverage the programming skills acquired during their educational journeys, there are also numerous examples of graduates who have taken positions that do not utilize their programming knowledge directly. For example, roles in technical support, management, and other non-technical fields are prevalent among those who hold a Computer Programming degree but end up in positions that focus more on interpersonal skills or operational tasks.
Overall, it's clear that a significant portion of jobs held by Computer Programming graduates are indeed relevant to their specialized skills, particularly in fields like software development and IT. Jobs like Software Engineer, Application Developer, and Programmer Analyst directly apply the technical skills learned in their degree programs, demonstrating high relevance. However, many individuals also find themselves in roles that, while they may benefit from a technical background, do not capitalize fully on their programming expertise. Positions like IT Support, NOC Support, and even customer-facing roles like Account Manager highlight a trend where graduates may use some knowledge indirectly, but can't fully utilize the coding skills they spent years developing. This paints a broader picture of the job market for Computer Programming graduates, showcasing both the fulfilling career paths that stay true to their training and the diverse directions their careers may take, which may not always align with their educational focus.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Programming graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates who studied Computer Programming, there's a mixed bag of outcomes, but there are definitely some patterns that stand out. Many of these individuals find themselves landing entry-level positions right after graduation that are relevant to their degrees. For instance, we see roles like "Programmer," "Software Engineer," and "Information Technology Desktop Support," which all suggest that these graduates are getting directly into the tech field. This is promising because it shows that their education is aligning well with actual job opportunities in the programming world.
Fast forward a few years, and the picture continues to look fairly bright for the most part. Graduates often progress to more advanced roles like "Senior Software Engineer" or "Data Analytics Engineer." For example, those who graduated around 2016 or so demonstrate a gradual climb up the career ladder, moving from entry-level positions to more specialized roles. In contrast, some graduates seem to stray from their programming roots, with a few taking jobs that are not directly related to their field—like those who became "Aviation Electricians" or worked in retail. This speaks to the reality that job markets can be unpredictable and not all grads may find their ideal tech roles immediately.
After about five to ten years, you see a clearer division. Many of those who stuck to programming or tech-related jobs tend to have solid careers, with job titles that reflect significant responsibilities, such as "Solution Architect" or various levels of Software Engineer. On the flip side, some alumni have shifted completely away from tech, either due to personal choice or market circumstances, finding themselves in unrelated fields. This highlights an important point for anyone considering a career in computer programming: while many experiences validate this pathway, the journey can be varied and sometimes winding.
Ultimately, if you're thinking about going into computer programming, it's clear that starting out in a relevant job is definitely achievable. The success stories are encouraging, but it’s also a good idea to remain open-minded because your career path can take unexpected turns. The tech field is wide and ever-changing, and the skills learned in programming can open doors to numerous opportunities, even if they don't always look like traditional programming roles.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming can definitely be a mixed bag—it can be harder or easier depending on your interests and strengths. If you’re geeky about computers and enjoy solving problems, you might find it pretty engaging and not too tough. But, if math and logic aren’t your jam, some of those more advanced classes could feel like climbing a mountain. Overall, it’s got its challenges, especially with things like algorithms and data structures, but a lot of people also think it’s a pretty doable and fun journey along the way. Just be ready to put in the work and stay curious!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Programming.
Looking at these Computer Programming graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to their earnings. For instance, some folks like the ones from Farmingdale State College who went straight into positions like Senior Software Engineer or Data Lead at established companies are likely raking in decent salaries, especially given the demand for tech skills. On the flip side, there are graduates like the one from Western Governors University who is just starting out as a Programmer; they may not be making much yet since they are still early in their career.
In general, many of these grads have landed jobs in fields known for good pay, like software development and data engineering. However, it really depends on their levels of experience and the types of companies they work for. Overall, it seems like a good number of these graduates have made decent money, especially those who progressed into more senior roles, but some others may still need to grind for a while before hitting those higher pay brackets.
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 Programming. This may or may not be useful:
