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First, some facts. Of the Materials 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 116 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Materials Engineering 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, 38% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Materials Engineering graduate.
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 2021 from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Materials Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONMaterials And Process Engineer Frontier Aerospace Corporation Jun 2021 - Present ABOUTI am a materials and process engineer with a passion for all things space and propulsion! I love the challenge of figuring out challenging processes, new materials, and harsh engineering conditions all while maintaining the highest level of reliability and safety.I work in fast pace dynamic environments where I absorb as much knowledge as possible and am involved at every stage of a project. I'm a hands-on-hardware kind of engineer anchored with exceptional documentation and communication skills.Specialties: welding and joining, refractory metals, additive manufacturing, propellent compatibility, product cleanliness/cleanrooms, process development |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When people graduate with a degree in Materials Engineering, they often head into a diverse array of jobs. I’ve noticed a few common trends among alumni from various universities, especially regarding the relevance of their roles to their education. Many individuals move into engineering roles that align well with their academic background, demonstrating that the technical foundations gained during their studies are critical in their professional paths. Jobs like Materials Engineer, Process Engineer, and Manufacturing Engineer are frequently represented, showing a clear correlation between the skills learned in school and the demands of the job market.
However, not every position these graduates hold is strictly related to materials engineering. Some have taken on roles that, while they may utilize some general engineering skills, don’t directly apply the specialized knowledge obtained during their degree. For instance, positions in management, sales, or roles that lean toward operational oversight appear less connected to the materials engineering curriculum. This trend raises interesting questions about how varied the career trajectories can be for materials engineers. Although many embrace their engineering roots, others find themselves navigating paths that prioritize leadership, product management, or even fields entirely outside of engineering.
Overall, while many graduates of Materials Engineering find roles that leverage their specialized knowledge effectively, a notable portion resides in jobs that, although beneficial, stray from the core technical skills developed during their studies. The landscape seems to suggest that while a Materials Engineering degree opens doors to positions directly tied to materials science, it also allows for a degree of flexibility, enabling graduates to explore careers in different fields.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Materials Engineering graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Materials Engineering programs, it’s fascinating to see the diversity in job roles these individuals have taken on after graduation. Many of the profiles you analyzed show a clear trend where graduates start their careers in positions that are directly relevant to their field. The first jobs post-graduation tend to include roles such as manufacturing engineers, quality assurance engineers, and research assistants, reflecting a hands-on application of the skills learned during their studies. For instance, graduates from well-regarded institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute often step directly into significant management or engineering roles within top companies like GE and General Dynamics. This demonstrates that for many, their education in Materials Engineering paves the way for a solid, relevant career path right from the get-go.
As we look at their career progression over five to ten years, many graduates continue in roles that build upon their technical expertise and often move into more senior positions. For example, some individuals transition from initial engineering roles to management or specialized positions like Senior Research Scientist or Program Manager. However, it's important to highlight that not all trajectories are upward or directly related to Materials Engineering. Some graduates find themselves shifting to roles that seem tangentially connected, such as in different engineering disciplines, or even in management and consulting positions unrelated to materials science. This suggests that while a degree in Materials Engineering can lead to fulfilling and relevant roles, there’s a portion of graduates who may not stay in the field long-term or may pivot away from their initial career goals.
In summary, while many Materials Engineering graduates embark on solid, relevant careers shortly after graduation, there are also significant variations in long-term job satisfaction and relevance to their field of study. The data indicates that while a good number find themselves positioned well within the industry, others drift into roles that don’t necessarily align with their original training in Materials Engineering. Overall, it's a mixed bag—some graduates soar, while others may have less traditional paths, showing the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of career development in engineering.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering is on the tougher side compared to many other degrees. You'll be diving into a mix of physics, chemistry, and some advanced math, which can be pretty challenging if you're not super into those subjects. Plus, there's a fair bit of hands-on work with labs and projects, which can be time-consuming and tricky at times. That said, if you have a genuine interest in how materials work and a solid work ethic, you can definitely handle it. Just be prepared to put in the effort and seek help when you need it—that's key to getting through!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Materials Engineering.
Looking at these Materials Engineering graduates, it's clear that many have landed pretty solid jobs since graduating. For instance, a graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is now a Operations Manager at GE and is working their way up in a solid company. Similarly, a Brown University alum is a Naval Reactors Engineer, which typically comes with a good salary. On the other hand, some recent graduates, like those from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad or the University of Connecticut, are still starting out in research roles or internships, which might not pay as much initially. Overall, it seems like a good chunk of these folks are doing fairly well financially, though there's a mix of early career struggles for some.
Also, keep in mind that job titles can sometimes be misleading when it comes to salaries. While a "Research Assistant" might not scream big bucks, being in academia or a large tech company can lead to good pay fluctuations down the line. Plus, engineering roles generally offer decent starting salaries, so many of these graduates are likely on a good path to future earnings. In short, most graduates are likely comfortable, but just like any field, there's a range in what people actually earn based on experience and job setting.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Materials Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Materials Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Materials 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
|
71 | 10 |