What can you do with a Electrical Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Electrical Engineering 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 3364 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Electrical Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 73%
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, 49% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Electrical Engineering graduate.

See the details:

View a random Electrical Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 65%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from CVR College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Content Strategist
Filesie - An Inbound Marketing Agency
Jan 2019 - Sep 2019
The role of Content Strategist at an inbound marketing agency may use some analytical and communication skills, but it does not require specific electrical engineering knowledge or skills as core qualifications.

Catalog Lead (Business Analytics Team
Amazon
Jan 2020 - Jun 2022
As a Catalog Lead in the Business Analytics Team at Amazon, the job may draw on analytical and quantitative skills, which could relate to data analysis in electrical engineering, but it is not directly focused on engineering principles.

Graduate Research Assistant
University of South Florida
Mar 2023 - Present
The position as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of South Florida likely involves applying electrical engineering concepts and skills in research settings, making it highly relevant to the Bachelor's degree.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Science - MS
University of South Florida
2022 - 2024
ABOUT

I'm a proactive professional passionate about data analytics and information systems. My journey has taken me from leading a team at Amazon to conducting cutting-edge research in data analytics at the University of South Florida. Here's what defines me:Education: I earned a Masters in Business Analytics and Information Systems from the University of South Florida.Skills: I excel in various technical skills, including programming (Python, R, Spark, Hadoop), web/application development (HTML/CSS/Bootstrap, JavaScript, Node.JS, Flask), database query and ETL tools (SQL, Postgres, MongoDB, Cassandra DB, Hive, MapReduce), and software tools/visualization and dashboards (Tableau, Power BI, Qlik, Looker, Advanced Excel, Git). I'm also certified in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900).Experience: I've successfully led teams and projects. As a Catalog Lead at Amazon, I orchestrated the removal of counterfeit products, streamlined processes, and enhanced communication. In my role as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of South Florida, I drove financial analytics and sentiment analysis projects.Projects: I've tackled diverse data-driven projects, including Tampa's Economy and Business Indicators Evaluation, an AI Assistance Chatbot using OpenAI API, NLP Model for Legal Document Compliance Evaluation, and more.Accomplishments: I'm proud of my track record, which includes reducing risk by 32%, improving investment options by 15%, and boosting website traffic by 14%.I'm always eager to connect with professionals, explore exciting opportunities, and collaborate on projects leveraging data analytics and technology to drive innovation.Let's connect, explore new horizons, and make a positive impact in the world of data analytics and business information systems together!

What jobs can you get with a Electrical Engineering 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 titles of electrical engineering graduates, a few clear trends emerge. Many of these individuals have taken on roles that hinge on their technical knowledge in various engineering fields. A significant portion gravitated towards roles such as Electrical Engineer, Design Engineer, or as part of product development teams. These positions involve applying fundamental electrical engineering principles and typically require a solid understanding of electrical systems, circuits, and design methodologies. Positions in research and development, such as Graduate Research Assistants or R&D Engineers, are also common among graduates who prefer a deeper engagement with their field through hands-on problem-solving and innovation in projects.

However, it's essential to note that not all electrical engineering graduates have pursued deeply technical roles. Many have ventured into business analysis, project management, and even software development positions that don’t directly harness their engineering expertise. For instance, roles like Business Analyst or Software Developer, although requiring analytical skills, often do not emphasize core electrical engineering knowledge. In such cases, the skills and principles learned during their engineering studies could serve as a foundation, but they're not always fully utilized in a typical day-to-day context. This fragmentation between their degree and career paths highlights that while a degree in Electrical Engineering provides a robust framework for analytical and technical skills, many graduates find opportunities in related fields that may not align exclusively with their core training, suggesting that adaptability and transferable skills play significant roles in their career trajectories.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Electrical Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Electrical Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates in Electrical Engineering reveals varied outcomes, and it seems there are quite a few different paths taken by individuals from different universities. Generally, graduates enter the workforce primarily in technical positions closely related to their field. When they first start out, many find roles such as Electrical Engineer, Software Engineer, or Data Analyst, which are highly relevant to their electrical engineering training. For instance, recent graduates from institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University have entered positions as Design Engineers and Systems Engineers, reflecting a strong alignment with their degree.

However, as we look at the longer-term career paths—five to ten years down the line—the trends become more diverse. While some graduates maintain steady careers in electrical engineering roles, advancing to positions like Senior Engineer or Project Manager in reputable companies (think names like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Texas Instruments), there are others whose careers take unexpected turns. For example, individuals pivot into business analysis, data engineering, and even teaching roles, which can feel less connected to their original electrical engineering education. In some cases, like those from less recognized institutions, graduates found it challenging to secure roles directly related to their field, ending up in IT support or as technical recruiters.

Overall, many graduates from reputable engineering schools tend to achieve good career progressions within technical fields, yet not everyone finds lasting success directly in electrical engineering. It's essential for students to be aware of these possible trajectories when choosing their paths and to prepare for potential shifts in their career focuses as they gain experience in the professional world. Ultimately, dedication, ongoing education, and a willingness to adapt can lead to fruitful careers, whether within or outside the scope of electrical engineering.

How hard is a Electrical Engineering degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering can be pretty challenging, especially if you're not super into math and science. It’s definitely tougher than average compared to many other degrees because you'll be dealing with complex concepts like circuits, signals, and electromagnetism, along with tons of problem-solving. You’ll probably have to put in a lot of late nights studying and working on projects, but many find the subject really interesting and the hard work can pay off in terms of understanding. If you enjoy tackling tough problems and have a knack for technical stuff, it might be a good fit, but don’t underestimate the workload!

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 Electrical Engineering.

Do Electrical Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

When taking a look at the job history of these Electrical Engineering graduates, it's pretty clear that many of them have successfully landed decent jobs. For instance, some have progressed quite quickly into managerial or senior technical roles at well-known companies like Amazon, Intel, and Lockheed Martin, which typically offer competitive salaries. Graduates from prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology and American universities often see high starting salaries and good upward mobility in their careers, reflecting strong earning potential.

However, there are also graduates with less impressive job sequences, starting with internships and moving into entry-level positions that may not pay as well initially or in less lucrative industries. For many, the first few roles may be moderate in compensation, but they often lead to better opportunities down the line. The variance in salaries is significant depending on the industry, company size, and geographic location; but overall, with perseverance and skill development, it's likely many will see their earnings improve over time.

What buzzwords do Electrical Engineering 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 Electrical Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Electrical Engineering?

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

College Score Count
Virginia Tech 94 10
University of South Florida 90 10
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 90 16
Texas A&M University 89 29
Brigham Young University 89 14
Georgia Institute of Technology 89 13
Rochester Institute of Technology 89 13
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology 89 19
Missouri University of Science and Technology 88 10
University of Massachusetts Lowell 86 11
Penn State University 85 34
San Jose State University 85 12
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 85 19
The University of Texas at Austin 84 13
North Carolina State University 84 13
The University of Texas at Dallas 84 19
University of Central Florida 83 17
Purdue University 83 33
University at Buffalo 83 15
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 81 13
PES University 81 12
University of California, Davis 80 15
The University of Texas at Arlington 80 13
University of Washington 79 20
Sharif University of Technology 79 10
University of California, Los Angeles 77 10
Arizona State University 75 25
Clemson University 75 13
University of Illinois at Chicago 74 13
ECPI University 74 11
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 71 16
Florida International University 70 10
Temple University 70 11
The Ohio State University 69 10
KL University 68 15
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 67 10
SRM University 66 20
Vellore Institute of Technology 66 26
Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology 66 10
Anna University 65 27
DeVry University 64 12
Visvesvaraya Technological University 64 30
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada 63 16
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University 60 50
University of Mumbai 54 17
JNTUH College of Engineering Hyderabad 48 22