First, some facts. Of the Information Technology 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 2564 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Information Technology graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) 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 30% 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 Technology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from University of Minnesota Crookston with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Information Technology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCJA Administrator/Senior Legal AssistantFederal Defender Services of Wisconsin Jan 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job profiles of individuals who graduated with degrees in Information Technology, it’s clear that many pursued careers closely related to their academic background. The most common job titles among these graduates include Software Engineers, System Administrators, Data Analysts, and IT Support Specialists. These positions directly leverage the skills acquired through their education, such as programming, systems analysis, and technical support.
In most cases, these individuals found roles that utilize their Information Technology knowledge effectively. Software Engineers, for example, frequently engaged in software development and applications, showcasing their capabilities in coding and troubleshooting. Similarly, System Administrators and IT Support Specialists often handled network management and user support, which aligned well with their training in IT fundamentals.
However, not all roles were directly relevant to the degree. Some graduates took on positions such as Business Analysts, Technical Recruiters, or Project Managers that, while beneficial, did not heavily rely on the technical IT skills taught during their education. These roles often emphasized business acumen, project management, or sales experience instead. In fact, graduates in various non-technical fields like marketing or customer service demonstrated that not every position they landed was aligned with their technical training.
Overall, while there is a notable trend of graduates stepping into relevant IT roles, a significant number found themselves in positions that only tangentially related to their degrees. The degree in Information Technology undoubtedly provided a strong foundation for success in these fields, but there is a variation in how closely aligned their career paths were to their formal education. This highlights an important aspect of the job market: while having a degree in IT is advantageous, opportunities may also lead individuals away from traditional IT roles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in today’s professional landscape.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Information Technology graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates from Information Technology programs, you'll notice a range of paths, with some following clear paths toward success in the tech industry while others appear to veer off into unrelated or less relevant areas. Most graduates tend to kick-off their journeys with entry-level positions in IT support, software development, or as systems analysts. This is pretty much standard across the board—many begin their careers with roles that allow them to learn and build essential skills.
Five years down the line, many of these individuals have moved into roles with more responsibility, such as quality assurance analysts, project managers, or system engineers. Some stay within the same company, climbing the ladder and taking on higher roles, which reflects a healthy progression within the industry. However, others seem to gather a patchwork of experiences that don’t connect directly to a typical tech career, which might include roles in business analysis, sales, or management. This suggests that while some graduates thrive in tech-centric roles, others might end up in jobs that leverage their technical skills but don't directly relate to IT.
Looking at the long-term picture—10 years post-graduation—many graduates who stayed on the tech path find themselves in senior positions, such as data scientists or IT managers, while others have transitioned completely, perhaps into recruitment or management roles that are still somewhat related to tech but stray away from the core IT functions. The diversity in job titles shows that while a tech degree opens doors, it also leads to varied interpretations of that journey. Some might find themselves in corporate environments, executing IT strategies, while others might evolve into managerial or even entrepreneurial paths unrelated to their original academic focus.
In sum, those graduating with an IT degree can find success within technology if they stay focused on relevant roles early in their careers. However, not all graduates end up in roles directly tied to IT, highlighting the flexibility that a technology background provides. It can be a mixed bag, offering up opportunities while also leading some down unexpected paths.
A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with computers, and learning new technologies, you might find it more manageable than someone who isn't as into those things. There are definitely tough subjects, like programming and database management, but most programs also offer hands-on projects that make the material more engaging. Overall, it's about average in difficulty—some parts might be a breeze for you, while others could really test your skills, so it's all about how you approach it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Information Technology.
So, when looking at the LinkedIn profiles you've provided, it seems like quite a few graduates are navigating their tech careers pretty well, especially those in roles related to software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Many of them are already positioned in major firms like Amazon, Google, and Accenture, which typically come with lucrative salaries. For instance, individuals starting as software developers often see salaries in the high five figures, while those climbing the ranks to senior developer or managerial positions can hit six figures fairly quickly. On the other hand, some recent graduates might have started in lower-paying entry-level positions, like IT support or internships, but they seem to be moving up through the ranks or into more prestigious roles.
Overall, while there’s a spectrum of salaries depending on experience and specific roles, it’s encouraging to see that many of these grads have plenty of upward mobility and are likely earning decent money, especially with the demand for tech talent. Of course, not everyone will land those high-end roles right out of college, but the trends are looking good for those willing to grow and adapt in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
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 Technology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Information Technology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Information Technology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: