First, some facts. Of the Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Connecticut 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 19 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 77%, Mechanical Engineering graduates from University of Connecticut 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, only 10% 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: 73%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from University of Connecticut with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Project ManagerWestinghouse Electric Company Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 Design Engineer GE Vernova Jun 2011 - Jan 2015 Lead Design Engineer GE Vernova Jan 2015 - Jan 2020 Project Operations Leader GE Vernova Apr 2017 - Jan 2020 Project Execution Leader GE Vernova Jan 2020 - Aug 2021 Generator Requisition and Application Engineering Manager GE Vernova Aug 2021 - Jul 2023 Agile Upgrades ITR Engineering Manager GE Vernova Jul 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMasters DegreeGeorgia Institute of Technology 2013 - 2016 ABOUTEngineering Leader with 12 years of diversified experience leading cross functional teams in product development, process improvements and digital initiatives. Well versed in managing and motivating teams to provide timely, high quality and meaningful results. Proven aptitude for clearly communicating to both internal and external customers. Creative, systems-level thinker dedicated to finding the most efficient solution for any problem. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the LinkedIn analysis of graduates with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Connecticut, it’s clear that many of the most popular job roles involve positions directly related to engineering, particularly in design and project management. Many alumni ended up working at well-known companies like Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky, where positions such as Design Engineer, Project Leader, and Manufacturing Engineer were common. These roles often require a solid grasp of mechanical principles and the application of engineering skills, showing a strong connection between their studies and their careers.
However, not every job listed was relevant to mechanical engineering. Some alumni took paths that diverged from traditional engineering roles, opting for positions in project management, data analysis, or even marketing, which do not necessarily utilize the technical skills gained during their education. While roles like Data Analyst or Assistant Project Manager may have elements of problem-solving, they often lack the direct application of mechanical engineering principles. Overall, the evidence highlights that graduates often find opportunities closely aligned with their degree, but there's also a noticeable number who branch out into fields less related to the core of mechanical engineering.
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 University of Connecticut):
Looking at these career trajectories of Mechanical Engineering graduates from the University of Connecticut, it's pretty clear that a lot of them kick off their careers in solid engineering roles right after graduation. Many of the grads land positions as design engineers, project managers, or systems engineers at well-known companies like Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Lockheed Martin. This initial jump into engineering shows that the education they received set them up for success in fields that directly relate to their degree. It’s encouraging to see that these first jobs tend to align closely with what they studied, suggesting a strong connection between their academic training and career paths.
Fast forward five or ten years, and you see a lot of these graduates remaining within the engineering field, often climbing the ranks to more senior positions like project leaders, engineering managers, or specialized technical roles. For instance, many have transitioned from entry-level roles to leadership positions within major companies, indicating growth and commitment to their engineering careers. While there are a few individuals who have ventured into unrelated paths—like data analytics or starting their own businesses—the majority seem to be thriving in mechanical engineering or closely related fields. Overall, the data points to a positive trend for UConn Mechanical Engineering grads, showcasing a solid foundation for building substantial careers in engineering over time.
Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is generally considered pretty challenging, and UConn is no exception. You’ll dive deep into subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science, which can get pretty intense. The workload involves a mix of tough math, physics, and hands-on projects, so you’ll need to stay organized and dedicated—you can't just coast through. That said, if you’re genuinely interested in how things work and enjoy solving problems, you might find it a rewarding challenge. It's definitely not the easiest degree out there, but if you stay on top of your studies and collaborate with classmates, you can definitely 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 over these UConn Mechanical Engineering grads, it seems like most of them have likely made decent money throughout their careers, especially those who landed jobs at well-known companies like Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Lockheed Martin. Many started off with solid entry-level positions and transitioned into higher roles like Team Lead, Manager, or Senior Engineer—not to mention those who are already in positions that come with good salaries. While some earlier career choices, like a barista stint, might not be the highest paying gig, it looks like those jobs were just stepping stones. Overall, if they stay on this path, they’re probably doing pretty well for themselves financially!
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 University of Connecticut). 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: