First, some facts. Of the Computer Science graduates from University of Washington 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 61 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 93%, Computer Science graduates from University of Washington have a substantially higher likelihood (+26%) 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 16% 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: 91%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) (Mathematics Minor) Magna Cum Laude in Computer Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONManager - Reporting and AnalyticsDaVita Kidney Care Jan 2014 - Mar 2017 Part Time Lecturer University of Washington Mar 2016 - Present Business Intelligence Analyst BLUE ORIGIN Apr 2017 - Feb 2019 Sr. Manager, Business Intelligence BLUE ORIGIN Feb 2019 - Aug 2021 Senior Data Architect BLUE ORIGIN Aug 2021 - Jun 2023 Leader, Enterprise Solution Architecture BLUE ORIGIN Nov 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science (M.S.)University of Washington 2014 - 2016 ABOUTExperienced Data Architect/Engineer, and IT manager with demonstrated history of Analytics and problem-solving. Strong professional skills in data engineering, analytics, design and architecture, business intelligence, cloud computing, big data technologies, database solutions and infrastructure, software development life cycle, and Business Process Improvement tools. A proven leader with experience building teams from the ground up while managing geographically dispersed professionals, resources and budgets. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When it comes to career paths for graduates with a Computer Science degree from the University of Washington, a strong trend clearly emerges. The overwhelming majority of alumni have ventured into coding-related roles, primarily as Software Engineers. From Amazon to Microsoft and even Google, these positions typically demand robust programming skills, which align directly with what students learn during their studies. It seems that many graduates have found their niche in software development, proving that the foundational knowledge from their degree has equipped them well for these roles.
However, it’s not just about Software Engineer positions; there’s a variety of tech-related paths that graduates have explored. Roles like Software Development Engineers, Software Test Engineers, and even Software Engineering Managers are prominent. These jobs naturally require a solid understanding of programming, algorithms, and other computer science concepts. Interestingly, there are a handful of roles that might not utilize the core computer science knowledge as directly. For instance, positions like General Manager or even roles in management don't often draw specifically from the programming and analytical skills learned in a CS degree but rather leverage broader technical knowledge. Still, most positions identified in the analysis align well with the curriculum topics, confirming that many graduates have indeed waded deep into the tech field, where their Computer Science degree is not just relevant, but essential.
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 Washington):
So, if you're curious about what kind of careers folks with a Computer Science degree from the University of Washington tend to have after graduation, you've landed in the right spot! Looking over the profiles of graduates from 2010 all the way to 2023, it's pretty clear that most of these people are doing really well in tech-related positions. The majority start off as software engineers, developers, or in similar tech roles, which makes a lot of sense given the skills they acquire in school.
For the first job after graduation, many hit the ground running in positions like software engineers or developers at big-name companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Internships during college seem to play a vital role in landing these first jobs since quite a few graduates transition directly from internships with major tech firms to full-time roles. There’s a strong trend that leads graduates into software engineering roles, typically within the first year of graduating. It’s a pathway that shapes their careers in tech right from the get-go.
Fast forward five or ten years, and it looks like a lot of these grads continue to climb the career ladder, often taking on senior positions or specialized roles in software engineering, product management, or even moving into leadership like CTOs or engineering managers. Many stay with the technology giants, while others branch out into startups or different tech sectors. However, not everyone sticks strictly to software engineering; some have taken slightly different paths, such as moving into cybersecurity or data analysis roles, which still capitalize on their tech backgrounds. A few even took detours into more managerial or consulting positions, which shows some diversity in career choices over time.
In summary, a degree in Computer Science from the University of Washington opens many doors in the tech world. Most graduates land solid jobs that align with what they studied right after finishing their degree, and as they gain experience, many seem to grow into influential roles within their companies. Overall, it’s a promising picture for grads, suggesting that they are, for the most part, on successful and relevant career trajectories in tech. If you're considering a similar path, the outlook seems very bright!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Washington can be pretty challenging, but it’s not impossible if you're dedicated. The coursework covers a lot of ground—everything from programming to algorithms and systems design—which means you’ll be hitting the books and coding quite a bit. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous, and many students find themselves really pushing their problem-solving skills and understanding of complex concepts. That said, if you’re passionate about tech and enjoy tackling challenges, you might find it super rewarding. It’s definitely more demanding than some other majors, so be prepared to put in the effort!
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 trajectories of these University of Washington graduates in Computer Science, it’s pretty clear that most of them have landed some decent gigs. Many have had positions at big tech companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, which are known for paying good salaries. For example, those who graduated between 2010 and 2015 quickly moved up from entry-level roles as software engineers to senior positions, often within just a few years. It’s not just about starting salaries; they’ve got promotion paths leading to roles that likely pull down six figures. The same applies to recent grads—those who just finished school are already getting into roles at reputable firms, which indicates that the trend of lucrative starting pay is holding strong.
That said, not all paths are the same. Some graduates have taken a longer route or have held roles at smaller companies or different fields like business analytics that might not pay as much as pure software engineering roles. Departments like technical project management and data analytics tend to be slightly less lucrative compared to hard-core software engineering positions. However, even in those roles, they're usually looking at solid salaries compared to a lot of other fields. Overall, if you're in computer science and graduate from a solid school like UW, chances are you’ll be making decent money down the road.
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 Washington). 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: