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First, some facts. Of the Industrial Engineering graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 87%, Industrial Engineering graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have a much higher likelihood (+20%) 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 13% 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 Industrial Engineering 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 2020 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSupply Chain Intern SMUD Jun 2021 - Apr 2022 Productivity Analyst SMUD Apr 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Business Administration - MBACalifornia State University-Sacramento 2020 - 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From reviewing the job titles of those who graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, it appears that many of them have taken on roles that are fairly aligned with their education. Common job titles include engineers focused on processes, quality, and production—like Process Engineers, Quality Engineers, and Manufacturing Engineers. These roles generally utilize their industrial engineering training effectively, enabling them to apply principles of optimization, efficiency, and quality management directly in their work. For example, positions such as Product Quality Engineer and Manufacturing Operations Program Manager clearly leverage the technical knowledge gained in their degree program.
However, not all jobs have maintained this strong relevance. Some graduates have occupied positions in technology consulting and project management that, while they may employ analytical skills, don't always draw extensively on core industrial engineering concepts. Jobs like Technology Consultant or Project Management Support Supervisor may touch upon related areas, but they often divert from the specific engineering focus that the degree represents. Overall, while a solid portion of job placements directly connects to the degree, there are also significant instances where graduates have ventured into fields that require different skill sets or broader managerial capabilities, indicating a mix of relevance in their career paths.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Industrial Engineering graduates (this is across all Industrial Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo):
Based on the profiles of graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo who studied Industrial Engineering, it seems that many of them have successfully launched their careers in relevant fields shortly after graduation. A common first job is as a consultant or an engineer, typically in companies that prioritize optimization, technology, and project management. For instance, many 2016 and 2017 grads started in roles like technology consultants or quality engineers, which aligns well with their training. They appear to swiftly climb the ladder, often moving into senior consultant or managerial positions within a few years, reflecting well on the program's emphasis on practical skills and industry readiness.
When looking at their career paths five to ten years later, graduates are not just hanging on; most have secured roles with increased responsibilities and influence. For example, several alumni from the class of 2015 and onward have moved from roles like process engineer or analyst to strategy manager or senior manager, indicating a strong upward trajectory. While there are a few graduates whose job titles seem less directly related to industrial engineering, such as project support or customer service roles, the overall trend shows that most are thriving within engineering, consulting, or technology firms that utilize their industrial engineering backgrounds. This suggests that the program effectively equips students for meaningful careers that align with their studies and interests.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is no walk in the park, but it’s definitely a rewarding challenge. The program is known for its hands-on, project-based approach, which can make things a bit intense, especially when you're juggling multiple classes and group projects. You'll dive into a mix of math, stats, engineering principles, and systems design, and while it can feel tough at times, if you're passionate about problem-solving and staying organized, you can really thrive. Overall, I’d say it’s a bit harder than the average degree, mainly because of the workload and the level of detail you need to grasp. Just be ready to put in some serious effort, and you’ll get through it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering.
Looking at these graduates from Cal Poly SLO, it seems like they’re pretty well set when it comes to making decent money. Many of them have jumped into solid roles with big companies like Accenture, Cisco, and even Google, which usually pay well. The career progression shows they’ve been promoted into higher-level positions quickly, indicating good salary increases over time. Plus, those who started with internships typically moved on to roles that pay better once they gained experience. Even the more recent grads are landing jobs that offer a good starting salary in the engineering and consulting fields, so overall, it looks like they've got a promising financial future ahead!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering (this is across all Industrial Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Industrial Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Iowa State University
|
88 | 11 |
 North Carolina State University
|
87 | 12 |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
|
87 | 15 |
 Texas A&M University
|
83 | 39 |
 Purdue University
|
81 | 36 |
 University of Central Florida
|
80 | 23 |
 Georgia Institute of Technology
|
80 | 59 |
 Penn State University
|
79 | 16 |
 Texas Tech University
|
79 | 10 |
 University of Pittsburgh
|
79 | 15 |
 University of Washington
|
78 | 12 |
 University of Arkansas
|
78 | 11 |
 University of Wisconsin-Madison
|
76 | 13 |
 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
|
73 | 15 |
 West Virginia University
|
71 | 19 |
 Clemson University
|
69 | 23 |
 University of Florida
|
64 | 11 |