First, some facts. Of the Computer Science 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 8683 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Computer Science graduates 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, only 29% 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 Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University of Kentucky with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLaboratory AssistantUniversity of Kentucky Sep 2021 - Dec 2022 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeUniversity of Kentucky 2020 - 2022 ABOUTFor better or worse, computers are part of our daily lives, and learning how to make the most of their use is something I am eager to be a part of. From an early age, I have been fascinated by learning how programs operate. Starting a new PC game was more than simply completing the developers objectives. I was driven to explore and experiment with ways to push the boundaries of a game beyond those anticipated by developers. My goal was to see how far the code would allow me to probe outside the parameters of the games design. Not long after, I began to make contributions to developers by providing feedback when I found mistakes or areas where games might be improved.The aspect of software programming that inspires me the most is that coding has become a puzzle of my own making that I am compelled to solve. Whether those challenges have been presented as part of a programming course assignment or a coding error from a piece of equipment at the engineering lab, the challenge has been to put my hard skills to the test and accomplish the desired task. The more complex the challenge, the more inspired I become to find a solution that not only meets the requirements but often teaches me something new. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job profiles of computer science graduates from various universities, it's clear that many individuals have pursued careers that are either directly or indirectly related to their field of study. The most common positions held by these graduates include Software Engineers, Developers (Full Stack, Software, and Web), Data Analysts, and positions in Software Quality Assurance. Looking closely, we observe that a significant number of these jobs, especially those in software engineering and development, make use of the programming, problem-solving, and technical skills honed during their degrees. For example, roles like Software Engineer at major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google directly align with core competencies of computer science—emphasizing both software development and engineering practices essential for these positions.
However, not all positions are equally relevant. Many graduates took on roles that did not fully utilize their computer science knowledge. Some individuals transitioned into business-oriented positions, such as Consultants and Project Managers, where they leveraged analytical skills without deep technical applications. Others ended up in non-technical careers, such as Customer Service Representatives and Marketing roles, which do not apply the core skills learned in computer science programs. For instance, the analysis revealed that various recruiters and sales roles, while possibly benefiting from general problem-solving skills, did not require the rigorous technical knowledge typical of a computer science curriculum. This observation raises an important point about the versatility of a computer science degree, demonstrating how graduates can adapt their skills in various industries, but also highlighting the reality that many may not work directly in tech-focused jobs where their expertise could be maximally utilized.
In summary, the majority of jobs held by computer science graduates tend to align more closely with their degree, particularly in software development and engineering roles. Yet, there remains a notable portion of graduates who find themselves in positions that either leverage minimal technical skills or drift away from the computer science domain entirely. This duality underscores both the breadth of opportunities available to computer science graduates and the importance of ensuring that educational pathways keep pace with industry demands for technical expertise and innovation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Science graduates:
Based on the wide array of profiles of Computer Science graduates from various universities, it's evident that there are distinct trends regarding their career trajectories. Many of these alumni have found positions in the tech industry that are closely aligned with their studies, clearly demonstrating the value of a computer science degree in securing relevant employment. However, there are also notable instances where graduates have veered away from tech or faced difficulties in launching their careers. This mixed bag provides a nuanced view of what one might expect when pursuing a degree in computer science.
When we delve into the initial jobs held by recent graduates, a strong pattern emerges: many start off their careers in roles such as software engineers, developers, or in technical support. For instance, graduates from schools like the University of Michigan and Purdue University often snag positions as software engineers shortly after graduation, signaling a robust entry into the industry. It's common for graduates to secure internships during their studies, which can lead directly to job offers, as seen with many from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northeastern University. However, some graduates have found themselves taking roles that are less related to computer science. For example, a person from Northeastern Illinois University has taken a customer service management position, which might indicate a detour from their tech-related ambitions.
As we look further into the professional journeys of those with 5 to 10 years of experience, the picture arguably becomes more promising. A large number of graduates make significant advancements, transitioning from entry-level positions to more senior roles such as senior software engineers, technical leads, or data scientists. This upward mobility is often a result of accumulated experience, specialized skills, and networking within the industry. Notably, graduates from top institutions like Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley find themselves in high-demand roles at major tech companies, often leading teams and working on cutting-edge projects. On the flip side, some graduates still find themselves in less fulfilling roles related to tech or having switched careers entirely, such as those who venture into management or customer service sectors.
In summary, while many computer science graduates seem to be carving out successful and relevant careers right out of college, there are also those who face challenges in aligning their first jobs with their degree. Over a span of 5 to 10 years, the focus shifts mostly towards advancement in fields related to their studies. Success stories abound, particularly among those from prestigious universities, but it's important to recognize that the journey may not be straightforward for all. A degree in computer science undoubtedly opens doors, but how far one goes often depends on individual choices, opportunities, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy problem-solving and have a knack for logical thinking, you might find it engaging rather than super hard. There are definitely some tough classes, like algorithms and data structures, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll likely find a rewarding experience. It’s generally considered a bit more demanding than some other degrees due to the technical nature of the work and the need for a solid grasp of math, but it can be a fun ride if you’re into tech stuff!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
When you look at the job history of these computer science graduates, it really seems like a lot of them have landed good jobs, especially in tech firms, which is great news! Many of them are already working as software engineers, data scientists, or in other significant tech roles—these positions usually come with decent salaries, especially at established companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google. For instance, grads from top-tier schools like MIT and Stanford are notoriously snatched up by big-name companies quickly, which often means they’re starting with pretty high salaries too. Of course, some of the less recognized schools or those in non-tech roles might have more modest earnings at the beginning.
That said, it’s clear that entering the tech field often leads to solid career paths and potential for salary growth. Many roles also allow for advancement into more senior positions or specialized areas that tend to pay quite well over time. Even those who start lower, such as in technical support or internships, have opportunities to transition into higher-paying technical roles as they gain experience. Overall, it looks like these computer science graduates are setting themselves up for pretty good financial futures if they continue to develop their skills and seize opportunities as they come!
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 Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: