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First, some facts. Of the Information Systems 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 267 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Information Systems graduates have a higher likelihood (+8%) 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 21% 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 Information Systems graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 63% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Information Systems. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern J.F. Taylor, Inc May 2019 - Aug 2019 Student University of Maryland Baltimore County Aug 2020 - Dec 2022 Pathways Data Scientist  Northrop Grumman Feb 2020 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's of Professional StudiesUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County 2020 - 2022 ABOUTWorking with technology such as databases and machine learning is what I want to do, but I am flexible with what I can do. I enjoy working with other people and bouncing ideas from person to person to get tasks done. I also motivate others to do their best work by being able to analyze situations and manage the team well to see where work is best delegated. Outside of work, I would like to have time to enjoy family and potentially make music. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career paths of individuals with degrees in Information Systems reveals a fascinating spectrum of job roles they have taken on, showcasing a wide range of applicability for their education. The positions held predominantly include roles such as Software Developers, Systems Analysts, IT Analysts, and roles in IT Support, which consistently leverage the technical knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. Furthermore, many have moved into higher-level positions, such as Consultants, Engineers, and Managers, indicating a solid trajectory within the technology and IT sectors.
However, when examining the relevance of these job roles to their degrees, there are mixed results. While many positions clearly align with Information Systems—the roles of System Administrator, Business Analyst, and Software Engineer, for instance—others point to a lesser connection. Many of the individuals initially enter roles that either slightly utilize their Information Systems knowledge or do not tap into it at all, such as positions in customer service or operations management. Over time, those who remain in IT-related positions tend to gravitate toward roles that require more specific knowledge and skills aligned with their degrees. It is apparent that while a large portion of these job paths is relevant to Information Systems, many individuals may not utilize their degrees to their fullest potential early in their careers, despite ultimately good alignment in the long run.
This dichotomy suggests a critical takeaway: while a degree in Information Systems provides a robust foundation for technical careers, the initial job opportunities available may not always reflect that specialization. Some individuals may find themselves in roles where they can either grow into their technical skills or transition into more relevant positions over time. As they gain experience, the likelihood of landing roles that actively use their information systems knowledge increases, leading to a stronger connection between career advancement and their educational background in the long run.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Information Systems graduates:
When analyzing career trajectories for Information Systems graduates, a few common patterns emerge, reflective of both the diversity of roles available in the tech industry and the varying individual paths taken by these graduates. It’s clear that many students find themselves in relevant IT roles right out of college, with a significant percentage diving into positions such as IT Support, Software Development, and System Administration en route to building fulfilling careers.
For those freshly graduated, many land their first jobs as Support Technicians or interns, which is a solid stepping stone in the tech world. Roles like Desktop Support or IT Help Desk tend to be common initial positions. As they gather experience, employees often transition to more specialized roles—think systems analysts, software developers, or project managers. By the five to ten-year mark, individuals typically have leveled up into senior roles, including leadership positions such as IT Managers or Architects, or they might pivot to consultancy roles, contributing both their technical prowess and strategic insights.
While many graduates are indeed thriving in their careers and making significant headway into IT roles that relate back to their degrees, not everyone is in a perfect fit. Some alumni find themselves in jobs that, while they may not directly utilize their Information Systems education, still benefit from the analytical and technical skills developed during their studies. A pattern among some graduates is moving into roles that lean more towards management or sales, which may feel less connected to their initial career goals. Nevertheless, even these paths can eventually circle back to technology-centric environments as they leverage their background in creative, new ways.
In conclusion, graduates of Information Systems degrees tend to begin their professional journeys in foundational tech roles, learning the ropes, gaining experience, and often advancing to more senior and specialized positions over time. Whether they stick with pure IT careers or wind up exploring more varied applications of their skills, the overall trajectory is promising for most, demonstrating the tremendous value and versatility of an Information Systems education in today’s job market.
A Bachelor's degree in Information Systems can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. Generally, it's not considered as tough as something like engineering or computer science, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park either. You'll definitely have to deal with some challenging topics like programming, databases, and system analysis, but if you enjoy working with technology and problem-solving, it can actually be pretty engaging. On top of that, there's often a bit of group work and projects involved, which can make things easier or harder, depending on your teamwork skills. Overall, if you're decent with computers and have a knack for logical thinking, you might find it to be on the easier side of average compared to other majors, but don't underestimate the commitment it still requires!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Information Systems.
When analyzing these graduates' career paths, it seems like there's a notable difference in financial success depending on their education and job titles. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire grad who jumped from a Software Developer role to a Senior Director at Coalfire appears to have experienced significant salary growth, likely indicating they've made decent money. On the other hand, graduates like the one from State University of New York Empire State College, who spent years in largely support-related roles before moving into analyst positions, might be earning less over their career span. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they’re not making a satisfactory living; it just highlights the variance in what’s considered “decent money” across different roles in the IT and information systems landscape.
Ultimately, graduates who steer towards higher-tier roles and continuous advancement within companies (like those in consulting or software development leadership) seem to cash in more compared to those who start in entry-level support roles or plateau early in their careers. Overall, it's a mixed bag, but there's a clear trend that career trajectory and industry demand heavily influence earning potential.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Information Systems. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Information Systems (ordered by the average relevance score of their Information Systems graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Brigham Young University
|
84 | 10 |
 University of Maryland Baltimore County
|
83 | 17 |