First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 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 25 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 92%, Computer Science graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have a substantially higher likelihood (+25%) 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 32% 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 2018 from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTechnology AnalystAIG Sep 2018 - May 2020 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeCockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin 2020 - 2023 ABOUTAs a freshman, I have a strong knowledge of programming and mathematics, as well as the ability to follow detailed instructions and protocols. In addition I have project experience in data structure and statistics analysis, which help me develop basic skill as a quality control engineer. Also, the economics courses I have taken enable me understand factory operation and marketing better and would be an addition to my performance in the job. At IEFX, a summer program in 2014, I job shadowed and got in touch with professional engineers. I could understand the life of an engineering and working towards that target. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it seems like the most common career paths they've taken are in software engineering and development roles. Many individuals have landed jobs as Software Engineers at major companies like Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon, showcasing a strong trend in tech-focused positions right after graduation. Other roles such as Computer Scientist, Technical Consultant, and even Project Manager also pop up, indicating a mix of hands-on technical work and some leadership roles that involve coordinating tech projects. Overall, these jobs often require specific programming skills, system design knowledge, or other technical competencies directly related to what students learn in their Computer Science degrees.
However, not every role is strictly relevant to core computer science skills. For instance, some research assistants or project management positions may involve analytical or organizational skills but don't require extensive programming knowledge daily. Similarly, roles like the Chief Information Officer or President of tech solutions companies could utilize a broader skill set. Ultimately, while the majority of jobs are well-aligned with a Computer Science background, there's definitely a mix, with some roles straying into related but less technical territories. This just shows the variety of paths available to computer science graduates, which is pretty cool!
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 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign):
Graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Computer Science seem to have generally positive career trajectories. Right out of college, many of them land their first jobs as software engineers or in related technical positions, which is pretty typical for this field. For instance, graduates from 2010 to 2023 have taken on roles at well-known companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Northrop Grumman, indicating that they often secure positions at reputable tech organizations. This suggests that their degree is valued in the tech industry and that they possess the necessary skills to start strong right after graduation.
Fast forward five to ten years, and these same graduates often move up the ladder into senior or specialized roles. Many have transitioned into leadership positions, like staff software engineer, security researcher, or product manager roles. Others have branched out into sectors involving cybersecurity and data analytics, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. Overall, it looks like these graduates are on solid paths that allow them to develop their careers meaningfully, with a good portion of them still working in tech-focused roles that relate closely to their degrees. So, if you're considering a degree in Computer Science here, the outlook seems pretty bright!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is definitely on the tougher side compared to many other majors. The coursework is pretty rigorous, with a heavy emphasis on math, algorithms, and programming, and the professors often have high expectations. While some students find it super interesting and can really thrive, others might feel overwhelmed by the competitive atmosphere and challenging projects. Overall, it’s not the easiest path—if you’re passionate about tech and willing to put in the effort, you'll definitely find it rewarding, but it's definitely a commitment!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Science.
Looking at the job titles and career paths of these Computer Science graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it seems like they've landed pretty decent gigs overall. A lot of them started off in solid roles as software engineers, some even at well-known companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which typically pay well right out of the gate. Those who've worked in government or defense roles, like at Northrop Grumman or NAVAIR, also tend to score good salaries. Plus, with some of them moving into senior roles or management positions, that usually means their earnings have increased significantly over time. Sure, there might be a few who have taken a more circuitous route or are still starting out, but on the whole, it looks like these grads are doing alright financially.
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 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). 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: