Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Environmental 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 216 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Environmental Engineering graduates have a much higher likelihood (+15%) 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, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Soka University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLaboratory Assistant San Jose State University Jan 2013 - May 2013 Teaching Intern Environmental Volunteers Sep 2013 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science (M.S.)San Jose State University 2012 - 2014 ABOUTI am a cheerful, passionate, and sincere person who is always taking a full responsibility and do my best where I am right now.I like science, education, and communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds.I do not hesitate to meet new people and challenge new things. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking through the job trajectories of graduates in Environmental Engineering from various universities, one can see a mix of roles across different industries. However, there's a clear tendency toward positions that directly apply the principles and knowledge gained during their academic studies. Many of these graduates have gravitated toward roles like Environmental Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, or Project Engineer, which are explicitly related to their degrees. These jobs often emphasize skills in sustainability, environmental assessments, and compliance with regulations, reflecting the core focus areas of Environmental Engineering curricula.
But not every graduate found a position that aligns perfectly with their education. Some ventured into roles that might seem unrelated at first glance, such as business owners, sales positions, or managerial roles in other sectors. For instance, a graduate working as an owner of a tavern or in corporate strategy isn’t directly using their engineering skills daily, which might be a departure from their expected career path. Conversely, many recent graduates are also diving into internships, research positions, and environmental consulting roles, which show strong relevance to their expertise. It’s notable that while many start in entry-level technical roles to gain valuable experience, the journey often leads them back to environmental-focused positions as they progress in their careers.
Overall, while the data indicates heavy representation in relevant roles like Environmental Engineer or Water Resource Manager, it also showcases a significant number of people exploring less orthodox career paths where the direct use of their Environmental Engineering knowledge might not be visible at a glance. Nevertheless, the skills obtained during their degree help shape their contributions to a variety of fields, showcasing the versatility of environmental engineering and its principles in today's job market.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Environmental Engineering graduates:
When we take a close look at the career paths of graduates in Environmental Engineering, we can see a diverse array of trajectories that these individuals have taken. Right out of college, many graduates seem to land roles that are relevant to their degree. For example, we see recent grads often starting off as interns or entry-level engineers at reputable firms, such as the numerous internships at environmental consulting companies or roles in public works. This makes sense, as these positions provide hands-on experience and a stepping stone into the industry. There are also examples, like those in the University of Florida or Cornell, who are already climbing the ranks fairly quickly into positions like Environmental Engineers or Project Managers right out of school.
However, as we examine the five to ten-year mark post-graduation, the landscape starts to shift. While many find jobs that truly leverage their Environmental Engineering background—working at agencies, consulting firms, or even participating in high-level research—there are also several who veer off into roles that aren't directly aligned with their studies. For instance, we see individuals moving into more general engineering roles, or into positions related to business or management that seem to stray away from the technical focus typical of Environmental Engineering. Some graduates even take breaks from engineering or venture into unrelated fields, which might suggest a lack of fulfillment in their chosen career paths or the challenging job market in a specific sector.
So, what's the overall story? It looks like most graduates initially kickstart their careers successfully with a foundation in their field, and many do manage to land relevant roles within a few years. However, there's also a significant number that diverges from the original path, either transitioning within engineering or shifting entirely into different realms of work. While this suggests that there are chances for some flexibility and adaptability within the broader engineering job market, it also raises questions about job satisfaction and career progression for those who start heading in different, non-environmental directions. As a high school student considering this field, it might be wise to think about what truly excites you about Environmental Engineering, and whether that passion aligns with the reality of the job opportunities that exist down the line.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering can be pretty challenging, but it's definitely manageable if you put in the effort. You’ll dive into a lot of complex subjects like chemistry, fluid dynamics, and environmental science, and there’s a fair amount of math involved too. It might feel tougher than some other degrees because you’re learning to tackle real-world problems, which means you have to think critically and apply what you’ve learned. However, if you're passionate about the environment and dedicated to your studies, it can also be super rewarding and interesting. So, while it's not a walk in the park, it’s really about finding your groove and staying motivated!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering.
Looking at these LinkedIn profiles, it seems that graduates from programs like Environmental Engineering generally have a promising trajectory in their careers, especially those who graduated earlier. For instance, the graduate from North Carolina State University who has been a Senior Principal Engineer since 2010 likely earns a solid salary. Meanwhile, newer graduates like the Environmental Engineering Intern just starting at Burns & McDonnell in 2023 might be earning less initially as they gain experience. However, with internships and entry-level positions, they can build up to decent salaries pretty fast in this field.
While some professionals are working in roles that suggest a substantial income, especially those who’ve moved into senior or managerial positions, others—particularly recent graduates—are still in lower-paying entry-level roles or internships. Overall, it seems like the field provides good opportunities for salary growth with experience. Just like any career, there will be ups and downs at the beginning, but sticking with it tends to pay off in the long run for these environmental engineering grads.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Environmental Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Environmental Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
|
76 | 13 |