First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from Gonzaga University 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from Gonzaga University have a higher likelihood (+9%) 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 16% 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 Mechanical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 89%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLacrosse CoachBig Cats Lacrosse, HRVHS Lacrosse Mar 2014 - May 2017 Engineer Hood Technology Corporation Feb 2015 - Jul 2017 Design Engineer Systima Technologies, Inc. Jul 2017 - Apr 2022 Senior Design Engineer Systima Technologies, Inc. Jan 2020 - Apr 2022 IPT Engineering Lead Systima Technologies, Inc. Aug 2021 - Apr 2022 Mechanical Engineer BLUE ORIGIN Apr 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job paths of Mechanical Engineering graduates from Gonzaga University, it becomes clear that many of them have pursued careers that closely align with their degree, particularly in engineering roles. A significant number have taken on positions like Mechanical Engineers or Design Engineers at various companies, which directly utilize the mechanical engineering principles they studied. Roles at organizations like ASML, PPG Industries, and even NASA showcase strong connections to their academic background, reflecting a smooth transition from education to application in the field. Other positions, such as Project Engineers and Engineers in different capacities, also align well with their training and expertise.
However, not all paths taken by these graduates have been directly related to Mechanical Engineering. Some have ventured into roles that seem miles away from their degree, such as Project Managers and Communications Managers, where the focus shifts towards leadership and business rather than technical engineering skills. While positions like these may draw on some engineering principles, they generally require a more generalized skill set that isn't exclusively mechanical engineering-oriented. So, while many graduates successfully landed jobs in the engineering sector, a notable fraction found themselves in roles where their educational background wasn’t fully utilized. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, but there’s definitely a strong showing of relevant positions among the group!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mechanical Engineering graduates (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Gonzaga University):
Graduates from Gonzaga University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering tend to have solid and varied career trajectories, especially in the years right after graduation. Many of them land roles as mechanical engineers, project engineers, and design engineers, often starting in positions that are directly tied to their field. For example, those who graduated in the early 2010s typically began their careers in engineering-focused roles, moving up into project management and higher engineering positions as they gained experience. It’s pretty common to see them transitioning from engineering roles to managerial positions within just a few years, which indicates a good progression in their careers.
Fast forward five to ten years later, and you'll find many of these graduates stepping into senior roles, project managers, or even entrepreneurship in similar engineering fields. While some have chosen to branch out slightly from traditional engineering roles—like one grad who became a communications manager for the US Navy—most of their careers are still closely related to mechanical engineering. There are a few individuals who may have taken on roles that seem less relevant to their degree, like working as bartenders or in construction management, but overall, the trend shows a strong foundation in engineering-related careers, which is a promising sign for incoming students considering this path. So, if you’re thinking about majoring in Mechanical Engineering, it looks like there’s a good chance you can find meaningful work right after you graduate and continue to advance in your career within the engineering field.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering can be quite challenging, and that goes for Gonzaga University too. You’re diving into a mix of intense math, physics, and design work, which can be tough, especially if you're not super strong in those areas. The coursework often requires a lot of problem-solving and practical applications, which can get stressful at times. Gonzaga, like many other schools, expects you to really stay on top of your studies, so expect some late nights and a fair amount of teamwork on projects. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but if you’re motivated and passionate about engineering, you can totally make it through!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Looking at the job paths of these Gonzaga Mechanical Engineering grads, it seems like they've generally found solid opportunities, with many climbing the career ladder reasonably well. The older graduates, especially those from 2011 and 2012, have landed positions like Program Managers and Senior Engineers at reputable companies, which typically come with good salaries. Even the more recent grads are starting to secure roles as Project Engineers, which bodes well for their financial futures. However, with a few of them, especially the 2023 grad who’s worked as a bartender, it might take some time before they really start raking in the big bucks in their engineering careers. Overall, it looks like most are on a steady path toward decent earnings, especially as they gain experience.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (this is across all Mechanical Engineering graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Gonzaga University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Mechanical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: