First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from Portland 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 22 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 85%, Computer Science graduates from Portland State University have a much higher likelihood (+18%) 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 18% 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: 0%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProgrammerApex Machine Works Aug 2017 - May 2018 Manufacturing Technician Elite Custom Solutions Inc Apr 2019 - Dec 2019 Assembly Line Worker Benchnmark Electronics Jan 2020 - Feb 2020 Direct Support Professional Hiawatha Homes Apr 2021 - Oct 2021 Package Handler FedEx Jan 2022 - Jul 2022 Lumber Associate The Home Depot Jul 2022 - Apr 2023 Preschool Extended Daycare Assistant Rochester Catholic Schools Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 ABOUTExperience in maintaining computer networks and developing software and applications; excellent ability to restore and maintain applications in Linux OS.Recently pursuing a change of career to be an electrician. Passed the IBEW test on June 29th and hoping to get an interview for an apprenticeship. Also looking into Cyber Security. Covid 19 has reduced significantly the demand for software engineers and computer scientists in general. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of graduates from Portland State University with a degree in Computer Science, it's clear that many of them find themselves in software development roles. Jobs such as Software Engineer, Junior Developer, and Software Developer are pretty common, reflecting a strong connection to the skills and knowledge these individuals acquired during their studies. Many of these positions entail tasks that directly involve programming and software design, which are at the heart of what a Computer Science degree aims to teach. That said, while a lot of graduates have stayed within the tech sphere, others have ventured into positions that aren’t as relevant, ranging from manufacturing roles to support positions that might not fully utilize their technical training.
In terms of relevance, most graduates seem to have found roles that align well with their Computer Science education, especially in software engineering and development. However, there are notable exceptions. Some graduates took jobs that didn’t utilize their programming skills at all, like manufacturing or caregiving positions, suggesting that not everyone stays in a tech-specific role. Overall, though, the data points toward a trend where a significant number of these alumni are working in jobs that leverage their Computer Science skills effectively, helping them build solid careers in the tech industry.
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 Portland State University):
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Portland State University with a degree in Computer Science, it seems like a fair number of them land solid jobs in tech right after they graduate. Many starting roles include positions like software engineer, developer, or intern, which give them a foot in the door at various companies. For example, it’s common to see new grads taking up roles as junior software engineers or entering the field through internships before moving up to more senior positions within just a few years. Many graduates seem to find their niche in roles like DevOps, QA, and software engineering, showcasing a strong correlation between their degree and their initial job choices.
Fast forward five to ten years, and that trend continues. Lots of alumni have been promoted to senior or even lead positions, showing they’re not just marking time but genuinely building their careers. For instance, some have risen to the rank of Senior Software Engineer or Lead Software Engineer, while others have transitioned into roles like Staff DevOps Engineer. Of course, there are a few who took a different route or switched fields entirely, but they seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Overall, most grads from Portland State appear to do well in tech, finding rewarding careers that are very much in line with their Computer Science degrees.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Portland State University, like any CS program, can be pretty challenging but totally manageable if you put in the effort. Expect a mix of math, programming, and theory, and you’ll likely find some classes tougher than others—especially those that dive deep into algorithms or data structures. But if you enjoy problem-solving and coding, you might find some of it exciting rather than overwhelming. The vibe is supportive, with plenty of resources, like tutoring and group work, so you’re not alone in it. Overall, while it can be a bit tougher than some other majors, if you stay on top of your studies and reach out for help when you need it, you can definitely thrive!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
Overall, it looks like the Computer Science grads from Portland State University have managed to find their way into pretty solid job opportunities, especially those who started their careers strong in tech roles. The first grad from 2013, for instance, climbed the ladder pretty quickly to lead roles at reputable companies, which usually pays well. In contrast, the grad from 2014 who ended up in various non-tech jobs might not be seeing the same level of financial success, but it shows that not everyone sticks strictly to their field, which could impact earnings. Those who leaned into software engineering and dev roles seem to be doing fine and likely making decent money, while others who diversified their paths might still be figuring things out financially. So, it's kind of a mixed bag, but in tech, there's definitely a potential for good earning if you stick with it!
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 Portland State University). 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: