First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from San Jose 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 45%, Economics graduates from San Jose State University have a substantially lower likelihood (-22%) 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 25% 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 Economics graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAdministrative AssistantRDs Tax Service Jan 2010 - Jun 2010 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the job trajectories of graduates from San Jose State University's Economics program, it seems like there are a couple of paths that stand out. Many of these graduates have ended up in roles like Financial Analyst, Procurement Analyst, or various management positions within financial institutions, where they’re actually putting their economics knowledge to use. These jobs typically require a solid understanding of economic principles, financial analysis, and data interpretation, indicating a strong relevance to their degree. Interestingly, occupations like Accountant or Administrative Assistant were also common, but these tend to focus more on task management and financial reporting without utilizing the core economics education.
However, it's important to note that not every job listed is directly tied to the principles of economics. Many graduates took up roles like Assistant Manager in a theater or Support Associate in retail, which didn’t really call for economic expertise at all. It seems like while a good handful of them have careers where their economics background is beneficial, there are quite a few others who have drifted into jobs that are more about general management or operational tasks. Overall, while there’s a mix of relevant and less relevant jobs, those who pursued roles in finance or analysis seem to be making the most of their degree!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Economics graduates (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from San Jose State University with degrees in Economics, it seems like there is quite a mix. For many, the first job after graduation is often entry-level positions, sometimes not directly related to economics. For instance, some 2010 graduates started as administrative assistants or merchandisers, which might not scream 'Economist', right? However, others jumped right into more relevant fields, starting as financial analysts or in procurement roles right out of school within a couple of years.
Fast forward five to ten years, and there’s definitely a broader spread of career paths. While some grads transitioned to solid roles in financial analysis, strategic sourcing, or even corporate financial planning at reputable firms like Oracle and Facebook, others drifted into various industries that may not leverage their degree directly. For example, there are those now working in operational roles or as support associates, which could feel a bit disconnected from their economics training. So, while many graduates find success in finance-related careers, others seem to wind up in jobs that don’t fully capitalize on their economics backgrounds. It's a mixed bag, showing that the direction one takes can really vary based on interests, opportunities, and a bit of luck!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics can be a bit of a mixed bag, and at San Jose State University, it's no different. Generally speaking, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s also not the most brutal. You’ll dive into topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and some quantitative analysis, which can get pretty intense if math isn’t your thing. The workload can be demanding, especially when you hit those upper-division courses, but if you stay organized and keep up with the readings, you can definitely manage it. So, if you're passionate about the subject and willing to put in the effort, it's definitely doable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
Looking at the job histories of these San Jose State Economics grads, it's a mixed bag when it comes to earnings. Some seem to have landed solid positions fairly quickly, like the Senior Financial Analyst who went through a number of impressive finance roles and now works as an adjunct professor—those paths usually offer decent pay. However, others, like the Assistant Manager at a theater or those working in entry-level positions, might not be raking it in as much. The ones in tech and finance definitely seem to be climbing the ladder more quickly with better pay potential, while some in retail and administrative roles might be struggling to make ends meet. Overall, it looks like the economics degree gives a boost, especially in more lucrative industries, but not everyone is cashing in big time.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Economics (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to San Jose State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Economics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Economics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: