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First, some facts. Of the Materials Science And 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 134 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Materials Science And Engineering graduates have a much higher likelihood (+14%) 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, 62% 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 And 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 2017 from Penn State University with a Bachelors Degree in Materials Science And Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraduate Research Assistant Penn State University Aug 2017 - Jan 2023 Yield Development Engineer Intel Corporation Dec 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Philosophy - PhDPenn State University 2017 - 2022 ABOUTI received my Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State. I am now working for Intel as a TD Module & Integration Yield Engineer. I am enthusiastic about understanding the microstructures of the materials in the nano-regime and revealing the underlying structural-property relations. I am an electron microscopist with 4+ years of experience in advanced electron microscopy techniques such as Aberration Corrected Transmission Electron Microscopy (AC-TEM), Monochromated Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (Mono-EELS), in-situ TEM, and Four-dimensional Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (4D-STEM). I am proficient in TEM Sample Preparation with a variety of techniques including Focused Ion Beam (FIB), micro-exfoliation, and ultrasonication. I am Experienced in advanced electron microscopy data analysis (with Matlab & Python) with Intermediate experience in machine learning. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who studied Materials Science and Engineering, it’s clear that a variety of roles are represented, but some types of jobs seem to come up more often than others. Many graduates end up in positions that relate directly to materials science, especially in research or engineering roles. For instance, a significant number are employed as Research Assistants or Graduate Research Assistants, where they actively engage in research projects that require specific knowledge and application of materials science principles. This makes sense, as research roles often necessitate a deep understanding of materials due to their focus on experimental design, material properties, and innovation.
On the other hand, while many individuals also venture into tech and consulting roles, the relevance of these jobs to their degree can vary widely. For example, positions like Technical Solutions Engineer or Consultant don’t typically require specialized materials science knowledge compared to roles such as Process Engineer or Materials Engineer, which directly apply materials principles to real-world problems. This disparity highlights that not all jobs that individuals find post-graduation align closely with their academic training. While there are several roles that are indeed closely related to Materials Science and Engineering—such as roles at major industries like Intel, Boeing, and various research labs—many others seem to stray into areas like project management or IT, which aren't focused on materials science specifically.
Overall, it seems fair to say that many graduates do find jobs that are relevant to their field, emphasizing the importance of their educational background in the workforce. However, a notable portion also diversify into roles that, while perhaps utilizing some soft skills from their education, do not leverage their specific materials science expertise. This presents an interesting narrative about the versatility of the degree, as well as the diverse nature of job markets today. At the end of the day, whether through direct application or transferable skills, graduates are clearly making their mark in a wide array of sectors.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Materials Science And Engineering graduates:
Based on the career trajectories of various graduates in Materials Science and Engineering from different universities, it's clear that many students in this field tend to start their professional journeys with jobs that align with their studies. Right after graduation, many end up in research or engineering roles, often working as Research Assistants or Engineers in either academic settings or in established companies. This immediate connection to their field shows a promising start, as early-stage roles are critical for gaining experience and understanding the practical applications of materials science concepts.
However, as we look five to ten years down the road, the picture becomes more mixed. While some graduates successfully climb the career ladder, finding themselves in senior engineering positions or managerial roles, others seem to drift away from direct applications of Materials Science. This could be due to various factors, such as personal interests changing, opportunities arising in unrelated fields, or even the market's demand leading them into different roles. For example, some graduates find themselves transitioning into consulting, project management, or even tech fields where they might have started out with a technical focus. This could indicate that while their education provided them valuable skills, the broad application of those skills allows for diverse career paths.
In truth, there is a mix of positive trajectories and some less aligned career paths. Many graduates are indeed positioned in relevant, high-demand jobs that utilize their Materials Science and Engineering background effectively. This is particularly true for those who land roles at major tech companies or in specialized research institutions. On the flip side, there are certainly individuals whose careers diverged significantly from their academic training, venturing into fields like tech consulting, business, or unrelated sectors. While these paths can still be successful, they do suggest that a degree in Materials Science doesn't always guarantee a career strictly within that discipline. Overall, it’s a blend of both fulfilling careers in the field and some who navigate toward different paths that may not fully utilize the specialized knowledge gained during their studies.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering can be pretty challenging, though it really depends on your interests and strengths. It combines a lot of physics, chemistry, and some engineering principles, so if you’re not into those subjects or if math isn’t your strong suit, you might find it tougher than average. There’s a fair amount of complex concepts to wrap your head around, and lab work can add to that workload. However, if you're genuinely curious about materials and enjoy problem-solving, you might find it engaging and rewarding, even if it does require some hard work.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Materials Science And Engineering.
When looking at the career paths of these Materials Science and Engineering graduates, it seems like a mixed bag in terms of earnings. Some graduates, especially from prestigious institutions like MIT and Stanford, quickly landed roles at well-known companies like Boeing and NASA, hinting at potentially lucrative salaries. For example, the graduates from Arizona State University who worked at Intel had a clear upward trajectory with roles like Yield Engineering Manager; Intel positions often come with good compensation packages. In contrast, some graduates, particularly those still in academic or research positions with longer timelines for advancement, like the ones from National Chiao Tung University and various others working as research assistants, might not be making as much initially but could see their earnings grow significantly with experience.
Overall, it appears those who have jumped into the industry or transitioned into roles with reputed tech and engineering firms are likely doing quite well financially. Still, some are on a slower path due to research-focused roles or academic positions that might not pay as highly immediately after graduation. So, if you're aiming for high earnings, targeting internships and jobs in established companies after graduation could be key.
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 And Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Materials Science And Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Materials Science And Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: