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First, some facts. Of the Forestry 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 62 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Forestry graduates have a much higher likelihood (+13%) 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 Forestry graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Forestry. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCertified Arborist Pin Oak Tree Services 2017 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who have graduated with a degree in Forestry, it’s interesting to see a variety of roles that both align closely with forestry principles and diverge significantly from them. A significant number of graduates find employment in roles that directly relate to their education, such as positions as Foresters, Silviculturists, or Technicians within government agencies or private companies focused on forest management and conservation. These jobs consistently leverage the core skills and knowledge acquired during their studies, which include ecosystem management, land conservation, and sustainable forestry practices. Specifically, positions at the U.S. Forest Service, as well as roles involving timber procurement or forest health management, highlight how graduates can directly apply what they learned in their academic programs.
However, it's also clear that not all jobs held by forestry graduates are relevant to their field of study. Many end up in positions that only tangentially relate to forestry, such as customer service roles, operating positions, or even jobs within completely unrelated industries like hospitality or retail. Graduates may take these roles for various reasons, including economic necessity or the pursuit of experience outside of their major field. While some of these jobs might utilize soft skills like teamwork and communication, they don’t contribute to fulfilling their degree's potential in forestry. Overall, while a significant number of forestry graduates find roles deeply connected to their education, others venture into areas that lack direct relevance to forestry, leading to a mixed landscape of career outcomes for those with a passion for trees and ecosystems.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Forestry graduates:
Looking at the career paths of forestry graduates from different universities, it's clear that there's quite a range of experiences and trajectories. Many of these individuals tend to start strong, often securing positions related to their studies right after graduation. For instance, several graduates from Utah State University and Louisiana Tech University immediately stepped into roles with the U.S. Forest Service or other forestry-related organizations, which directly ties in to their academic training in forestry. This is definitely a positive sign, indicating that these programs prepare students well for entry-level positions in the field.
However, as we look at the five- or ten-year mark, things start to get a bit mixed. While some graduates remain in forestry and advance within organizations—like those who have moved from technician roles to foresters and silviculturists—others venture off into seemingly unrelated fields. For example, one graduate from Northern Arizona University ended up in roles like housekeeping and as a veterinary technician before finding their way back to a park ranger position. This indicates that not all forestry graduates stay on the straight and narrow path in their careers. A similar story can be seen for others who switch fields entirely, moving into sales, teaching, or even management roles that don’t leverage their forestry training.
On the upside, many graduates ultimately find their way back to forestry-related positions after exploring other options. Individuals who started with roles at the U.S. Forest Service often progressed into more substantial roles, maintaining a long-term career focus on forestry. Still, the varying paths also highlight the struggle to secure stable forestry positions, especially for those in certain regions or with less networking opportunities. Overall, it looks like a solid portion of forestry graduates do find relevant careers, but there’s also a notable number who experience detours that lead them away from their field of study, at least for a while.
A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s not necessarily one of the hardest degrees out there, but it definitely has its challenging moments. You'll dive into subjects like ecology, biology, and environmental science, which can be tough if science isn't your strong suit. There’s also a fair amount of hands-on learning and fieldwork, which some people love, but others might find overwhelming. Overall, it's a manageable degree for most, especially if you're passionate about nature and the outdoors, but it can be a lot of work, so be prepared to hit the books and spend some time outside getting your hands dirty!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Forestry.
Looking at the job history of these Forestry graduates, it seems like they have found a mix of stability and growth in their careers, but salary levels can vary quite a bit. Those who graduated earlier, like the ones from 2010 or 2013, often hold positions with government organizations or in specialized roles that typically offer decent pay. For instance, graduates from Utah State and The University of Georgia seem to have gradually moved into more senior positions after starting at entry-level roles, which likely leads to a good salary over time.
On the flip side, some recent graduates and those with more diverse job experiences, like the one from Northern Arizona University, have a patchwork of positions that may not be as well-paying right now. A lot of them also seem to be in temporary or seasonal roles, which might affect their overall income stability. So, while many have the potential to make decent money in the long run, not all of them are hitting it big right away. It really depends on the path they've taken and the specific sectors they’ve worked in after graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Forestry. This may or may not be useful:
