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First, some facts. Of the Materials Science 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 54 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 77%, Materials Science graduates have a higher likelihood (+10%) 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, 64% 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 Science graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Tianjin University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales Manager ACSI Enterprise Inc Jul 2014 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Engineering (M.Eng.)University of Southern California 2011 - 2013 ABOUTMajor in Material Science and Chemical Engineering for four years in undergraduate period. Two years research and teamwork experience in Chemical Engineering area in University of Southern California.Strong research ability on auxiliary preparation, analysis and test. Strong engineering skills in experiment design, reaction kinetic analysis and data analysis. Solid Foundation in Chemical Engineering Mass transfer, Heat transfer, Fluid Dynamics and thermodynamics.Deeply research on market of antioxidant of plastic and rubber, have regular connect with Chinese clients and suppliers. Skillfully use software like Matlab, Aspen Plus, ChemCAD, AutoCAD, Minitab, Origin Pro, MS office. Family with apparatus skills: HPLC, GC, UV, FTIR, SEM |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the job experiences of individuals with a degree in Materials Science, you can see a wide variety of career paths taken. Some of the most common types of jobs include research positions, engineering roles, and academic roles, which often require a strong understanding and application of materials science principles. For instance, many graduates have worked as Process Engineers, Research Scientists, and Postdoctoral Researchers, roles that are closely aligned with the technical skills and knowledge gained during their studies. Others have ventured into more specialized fields like Product Engineering, where a deep understanding of material properties is crucial for product development.
However, the relevance of these jobs to the field of Materials Science varies greatly. While many positions like those of R&D Engineers and Postdoctoral Researchers directly apply materials science knowledge, other roles, such as Web Developer or Marketing Consultant, only tangentially relate to the degree. For instance, a Web Developer might have a background in Materials Science, but the job focuses on programming, which means the specific skills learned in their degree are not utilized. Moreover, roles in sales or management often rely on soft skills and strategic thinking rather than technical materials knowledge. Overall, while many of these jobs are relevant to the field, there is a significant portion that leads graduates away from applying their materials science background directly, into spheres that prioritize different skill sets.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Materials Science graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of materials science graduates from various universities, it’s clear that there's a wide range of experiences and paths taken. Many of these graduates seem to find jobs that are at least somewhat related to their degree, often starting in engineering or research positions shortly after graduation. For instance, someone graduating from Hanyang University in 2011 began a journey that took them from a postdoctoral researcher to an assistant professorship, showcasing a strong academic trajectory. This suggests that graduates often gravitate toward research and academia, especially those who continue on to higher degrees.
However, not everyone seems to stick closely to a materials science-specific career. Take the graduate from East China University of Science and Technology in 2012, whose first job was as a web developer—definitely a more tech-oriented role that strays from traditional materials science fields. Similarly, there’s another graduate who ended up managing an account at Starbucks, showing a divergence from typical engineering paths. This indicates that while many do find positions relevant to their studies, others take unexpected turns, perhaps due to evolving interests or market conditions.
As we move five to ten years down the road for these graduates, a clearer picture emerges. Those who remained in scientific or engineering roles tended to advance in their careers. For example, graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire who moved up to team lead and scientist roles reflect a common upward trajectory in their fields. On the flip side, others who ventured into unrelated areas, like the Starbucks manager, might come to feel less connected to their degree and find themselves in roles that may not utilize their skills in materials science effectively. Overall, while there are many success stories in science and engineering, there's also a significant number of graduates who found themselves in roles that may not align with their education—making the journey relatable for kids trying to fashion their futures.
A Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. You’ll dive into a blend of chemistry, physics, and engineering, which means you'll be doing a lot of problem-solving and critical thinking. If you enjoy hands-on experiments and being analytical, you might find it exciting! But if math and science aren’t your thing, it could feel a bit overwhelming at times. Overall, I’d say it's on the harder side compared to some other degrees, so be ready to put in the effort and stay motivated!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Materials Science.
Looking at the career paths of these Materials Science graduates, it seems like some of them are on pretty solid financial ground while others might be having a tougher time. For instance, graduates like those from Carnegie Mellon and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, have landed roles in prestigious companies and climbed the ladder quite effectively, which usually brings decent paychecks. On the flip side, some graduates from earlier years or those who took on roles with less conventional paths seem to be in positions that might not yield the same level of income, like teaching or smaller companies.
With jobs in academia or entry-level roles in diverse fields like restaurant management or short-term internships, you can guess they're probably making less than graduates who have secured stable positions with major corporations like SpaceX or Procter & Gamble. So, overall, while there are some who are likely doing quite well financially, others might still be working on building a more stable and higher-paying career trajectory. It's definitely a mixed bag out there!
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 Science. This may or may not be useful:
