What can you do with a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications degree?

First, some facts. Of the Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications 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 105 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates have a lower likelihood (-6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 61%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 17% 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 Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2015 from Park University with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Client Accounting Specialist III
Prairie Fire Resources, LLC.
Sep 2023 - Present
As a Client Accounting Specialist, some skills like analytical thinking may be indirectly transferable, but the core responsibilities of the role do not require in-depth knowledge of computer systems, networking, or telecommunications.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the job trajectories of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, a clear picture emerges about the kinds of roles they often take on and how relevant these positions are to their field of study. Most graduates from programs like this seem to find themselves in positions related to technical support, network administration, or roles involving some level of IT infrastructure management. However, it's striking to see that a significant number of these graduates transition into jobs that don't fully utilize their technical training or knowledge, instead engaging in roles related to retail, sales, or general administration.

For example, many graduates end up in positions such as sales managers or customer service representatives. Roles like "Store Manager" at various tech companies usually emphasize retail management, sales, and customer relations rather than drawing upon the more technical skills developed through their degrees. Similarly, several individuals worked as administrative assistants or project managers that, while they may apply some analytical skills, do not fundamentally engage with computer networking or telecommunications principles. This trend of graduates not fully utilizing their technical skills is concerning, as it raises questions about the applicability of their education in the job market.

On the flip side, there are also many graduates who secure positions that directly apply their network and telecommunications knowledge, such as Network Engineers, Technical Support Specialists, or System Administrators. Here, the relevance of their roles is clear; they utilize the foundational concepts taught in their degree programs to troubleshoot issues, manage networks, or secure systems. This alignment shows that while some graduates may veer away from their specialties, others successfully find paths that leverage their technical backgrounds.

In summary, the most common roles taken by graduates in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications seem to blend a mix of relevant and irrelevant job experiences. While many land positions that tap into their specialized training, a substantial number find themselves in roles detached from their technical education. This presents not only a challenge for future graduates in this field but also highlights the necessity for institutions to better equip students with skills that are directly transferrable to positions they may encounter in various job markets, thus ensuring a smoother and more relevant career transition.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career paths of graduates who studied Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, it's clear that there's quite a range of outcomes, and some patterns emerge from the different profiles. Right after graduation, many of these individuals often found themselves in roles that might not directly relate to networking or telecommunications. While some landed positions like IT support or technician roles, many ended up in retail management or even unrelated fields like operations and customer service, as highlighted by the experiences of graduates from DeVry University and other institutions. This suggests that the initial job search out of college can be quite a scramble, with many taking what they can get just to start earning money.

Looking a bit further down the line, say five to ten years after graduating, the distinctions become clearer. Some of these graduates have definitely climbed the ladder and secured positions that align more closely with their degrees, such as network engineers, IT managers, and cybersecurity analysts. For example, graduates from institutions like the University of Phoenix and Florida State College at Jacksonville transitioned into these specific roles after gaining relevant experience. However, a notable number still seem to be in roles that are not directly tied to their studies, as seen in those who stayed in customer-facing or management positions. The varied outcomes indicate that while some have found their way into fulfilling careers in tech, others are still navigating their professional paths, which might be influenced by local job markets and personal choices. It’s important for current students to recognize that the journey might not always be linear, and obtaining a degree can still lead to diverse and sometimes unexpected career trajectories.

How hard is a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you're into tech, enjoy problem-solving, and have a knack for understanding how networks operate, you might find it more fun than hard. There are some tough subjects like network security, protocols, and configurations that can get pretty technical and overwhelming if you're not into that stuff. It's not the easiest degree out there, but if you're passionate and willing to put in the effort, you can totally handle it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.

Do Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates tend to make good money?

So, looking at the job paths of these Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates, it seems like everyone's on different financial tracks. For instance, some of them have worked at well-known companies like Apple and AT&T, which generally pay pretty well, indicating they might be earning decent salaries. There's also noticeable upward movement in roles for some, like the person from DeVry University in 2013 who climbed from a sales manager to a district sales manager, suggesting they’re likely doing alright financially. However, a few seem to have more varied jobs, possibly leading to less stability or income, especially if they’re jumping from one temporary position to another.

Overall, it’s a mixed bag. While some folks clearly have stable careers and decent earning potential, others might not be raking in as much dough, either due to job type or the companies they worked for. If you're aiming for a strong paycheck down the line, it might help to look at where these graduates started and how they managed to climb the ladder—or if they switched fields entirely. Just something to think about if you’re contemplating a similar path!

What buzzwords do Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates use to describe themselves?

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 Systems Networking and Telecommunications. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (ordered by the average relevance score of their Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
DeVry University 53 13