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First, some facts. Of the 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 246 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Engineering graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) 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 27% 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 Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 65% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSystem Engineer Peraton Aug 2019 - Jan 2023 Mechanical Engineer  Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. Jan 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of individuals who graduated with engineering degrees, it’s clear that their jobs can vary quite a bit in terms of how closely they relate to engineering principles. From software development to project management in various sectors, it's evident there’s a wide spectrum of opportunities available to these graduates. Overall, many of them choose roles that involve core engineering skills, but there are also a significant number who opt for positions that don’t directly align with their academic training.
One of the most common types of jobs these graduates pursue is software engineering. A considerable number of these individuals transition into roles where they apply programming, data analysis, or software development skills. Positions like that of a Software Engineer or Software Developer at companies such as Intel or Tesla demonstrate a direct application of their engineering background. Similarly, those involved in project engineering or specialized engineering roles in fields like environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil or construction engineering showcase the versatility of their education. Jobs like Process Engineer, Engineering Consultant, or even positions in quality assurance reflect a clear alignment with their engineering training and knowledge.
However, it’s also notable that a significant number of graduates have taken paths where the relevance to engineering is less direct. Fields like business analysis, project management, or positions that emphasize client relations often do not require the rigorous application of engineering principles. Roles such as manager, analyst in non-engineering sectors, or technical sales can utilize soft skills like problem solving and analytical thinking, but they do not fully engage with the technical skills typically acquired during an engineering degree. For instance, those working in sales or customer-facing roles often highlight their analytical capabilities without necessarily needing detailed engineering knowledge. This suggests that while an engineering degree opens doors to diverse careers, it's not always about deploying engineering principles in daily work. Rather, it’s about leveraging the critical thinking and problem-solving skills honed during their studies and applying them to various contexts.
In conclusion, while many of these engineering graduates are indeed finding positions that reflect their academic training and expertise, a substantial portion is venturing into roles that might not utilize their specific engineering knowledge on a day-to-day basis. This variance indicates a broader industry demand, emphasizing transferable skills over strict technical expertise, allowing graduates to explore career paths beyond traditional engineering roles. However, those who stick closely to engineering-specific jobs often report higher relevance linked to their educational backgrounds. This trend creates a dynamic landscape for engineering graduates, where the interplay of various skill sets can lead to diverse career paths while still allowing for significant professional development and fulfillment.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Engineering graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of engineering graduates, several trends emerge, particularly regarding their early job choices and long-term career paths. It’s clear that many engineering graduates secure positions closely related to their fields soon after graduation. For instance, many have taken on roles like Software Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and various engineering consultative positions. The jobs these alumni landed often showcase a solid foundation in technology and management, indicating that their educational backgrounds served them well in entering the workforce.
However, not all paths remain aligned with engineering over time. Some graduates shift toward roles that straddle engineering and business, such as management positions or consultancy roles. For example, graduates from schools like Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison transitioned from technical roles to consultancy and management positions in reputable firms. Moreover, several graduates from Harvey Mudd College and other prestigious institutions have taken up engineering roles at leading technology companies or advanced research institutions.
Five or ten years down the line, many graduates continue to excel, climbing the corporate ladder and moving into senior roles relevant to their engineering background. For example, individuals who began as engineers often make their way into leadership or specialized positions, like project managers or system engineers, while others venture into academia, research, and high-impact positions in major corporations or startups. However, it’s worth noting that some graduates seem to deviate entirely from engineering, pursuing careers in sales, consultancy, or other sectors that may not leverage their engineering training as much. This divergence raises questions about the versatility of a degree in engineering, and its ability to open doors to varied career paths. Essentially, while many excel in their engineering careers, a notable portion finds themselves in roles that, while successful, are quite distant from their original field of study.
In conclusion, though there are case studies of divergent paths, a significant fraction of engineering graduates appears to establish themselves in relevant, fulfilling careers within their discipline. The data suggests a solid start for engineering grads, with many embarking on promising careers. Yet, as they advance in their professional journeys, the propensity to shift away from technical roles highlights the diverse application of an engineering degree, catering to both committed engineers and those looking to branch out into business and management. Overall, the future seems bright for engineering graduates, with plenty of options available, depending on their interests and ambitions.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering can be pretty challenging, definitely on the harder side compared to a lot of other majors. You'll dive deep into math, physics, and all sorts of technical subjects that require a solid understanding and problem-solving skills. The workload can be intense, with a mix of hefty projects, labs, and exams that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But with determination and the right study habits, many students do find a way to keep up and even enjoy the process. Just be prepared for some late nights and a lot of coffee – it's not a breezy ride, but it's do-able if you've got the passion for it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Engineering.
When analyzing these graduates' job trajectories and considering their educational background, it seems that many have indeed landed some decent gigs. For example, graduates from top-tier schools like Harvey Mudd and Cornell University have had roles like Software Engineer at major companies or in consulting positions, which usually come with pretty good salaries right out of college. Others, such as those from James Madison University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have also transitioned into roles within respected companies, indicating a solid earning potential. However, there are exceptions, like the individual from the University of Minnesota who seems to be stuck in lower-tier jobs for quite some time, which suggests that not every path guarantees financial success.
In terms of making decent money, those who have climbed up the corporate ladder—like the Cornell grad who went from consultant to manager—are likely doing quite well. Others may have taken jobs that seem less lucrative, such as internships or entry-level positions, before finding their footing. Overall, while many of these profiles indicate promising earnings, it really depends on the field, the company, and the individual’s career decisions. Some might hit the jackpot in terms of salary, while others might need to hustle a bit more to get there.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Harvey Mudd College
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83 | 13 |