First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from Caltech 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 95%, Computer Science graduates from Caltech have a substantially higher likelihood (+28%) 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 0% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Caltech with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Computer Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSoftware EngineerOracle Sep 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the job titles and analyses for graduates from Caltech's Computer Science program, it’s pretty clear that a large majority have gravitated towards roles in software engineering. Many of them started as software engineers at companies like TripAdvisor and Amazon Web Services, and as they progressed in their careers, they moved up the ladder to positions like Senior Software Engineer and Software Engineering Manager. These roles heavily rely on the programming and technical skills they've mastered during their studies, meaning that their experience is not just relevant—it's a direct application of their education. Even newer grads are finding themselves in backend development roles or working in machine learning, which again ties back to their computer science foundation.
While there are some cases—like the entrepreneur from 2016—where the relevance isn't as clear-cut, the trend is overwhelmingly in favor of jobs that directly utilize computer science skills. Whether it's developing software, managing engineering teams, or even trading with quantitative strategies, the connections to their academic background are strong. Overall, it looks like a Computer Science degree from Caltech opens up a significant number of opportunities in tech-related fields that are not only rewarding but also directly applicable to what they learned in school. So, if you’re considering a career in this area, it seems like the path is pretty well-defined!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Science graduates (this is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Caltech):
When you look at the career trajectories of Caltech Computer Science graduates, it’s pretty clear that they often land solid jobs right after college. Most of them kick off their careers in software engineering roles, and many stay within tech companies, ranging from giants like Amazon and TripAdvisor to cutting-edge firms like Ginkgo Bioworks and Electromagnetic Systems. For instance, the 2015 graduate climbed the ranks at TripAdvisor before taking on significant managerial roles at another company, showing a nice trajectory from engineer to leadership. This trend of starting as software engineers and advancing within their companies continues for many, highlighting a pattern of steady growth and promotion in the tech field.
Fast forward five to ten years, and these grads tend to be in higher-level positions—either as senior engineers, managers, or even entrepreneurs after gaining some industry experience. It's impressive to see that a 2016 grad is now self-employed, which indicates that some are making leaps into entrepreneurship after establishing a solid foundation in industry. The latest graduates are already jumping into competitive roles right out of school, and it seems like they're well-equipped to find success in tech. Overall, Caltech Computer Science alumni appear to be doing very well in their careers, generally sticking to roles that leverage their skills and knowledge, which is definitely encouraging if you’re considering this path!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Caltech is definitely on the challenging side, even for top students. Caltech is known for its rigorous academic environment, so you can expect a heavy emphasis on math, algorithms, and problem-solving skills. The coursework can be intense, with assignments that push you to really think critically and dive deep into complex concepts. Plus, you’re surrounded by other super-smart students, which can add a competitive edge. Overall, while it's a rewarding experience if you're passionate about the subject, be ready to put in some serious hours and effort—it's definitely harder than the average program!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
So, looking at the job histories of these Caltech grads, it seems like they've mainly landed pretty solid gigs that should pay well, especially given the tech industry's typical salaries. The first grad has moved up the ladder at TripAdvisor and then transitioned into management roles at a biotech company, which likely means they're raking in a decent paycheck. The entrepreneur from 2016 is a wild card, but if they're successful, they could be doing well too. The 2020 grad at AWS is working at a top tech company, and that usually comes with some nice compensation. As for the recent grads, getting roles at places like Oracle and Jane Street—both known for paying decently—shows they’re starting strong. Overall, it looks like they’ve made some good money or are on track to do so, especially given the amazing education they've had!
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 is across all Computer Science graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Caltech). 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: