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First, some facts. Of the Natural Sciences 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 76 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Natural Sciences graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) 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, 47% 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 Natural Sciences graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 35% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Sewanee-The University of the South with a Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCustomer Service The Lodge at Jackson Hole Sep 2012 - May 2013 Summer Intern  NOLEX May 2014 - Aug 2014 Science Teacher  St. Francis Episcopal Day School Sep 2016 - Feb 2017 Middle School Soccer Coach Charleston Collegiate School Nov 2017 - Mar 2018 Substitute Middle and High School Teacher Charleston Collegiate School Oct 2017 - May 2018 Soccer Coach Soccer Shots Franchising Nov 2017 - Jun 2018 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeLouisiana State University 2013 - 2015 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing a variety of LinkedIn profiles of individuals who earned degrees in Natural Sciences, it's clear that many of them have pursued jobs that either directly or indirectly relate to their educational background. A significant number of these roles fall into categories such as healthcare, education, laboratory research, and environmental sciences. However, it’s also evident that some people have shifted toward career paths that don’t necessarily leverage their scientific training, such as roles in management, sales, or technical positions unrelated to natural sciences. This variety reflects both the versatility of a Natural Sciences degree and the varying interests and skills of the graduates.
In terms of relevance, jobs in healthcare—such as physician assistants, nurses, and physical therapists—are highly closely related to the principles of Natural Sciences. Many professionals in these roles utilize biological and medical knowledge gained from their degrees daily. Similarly, education roles, often seen among graduates, directly apply natural sciences knowledge by teaching these concepts to students. Research-related positions also align well with a Natural Sciences background. Many graduates found themselves engaged as research assistants or lab technicians, conducting scientific inquiry that makes direct use of their academic training. On the other hand, numerous individuals have taken jobs in fields such as property management, customer service, or digital content creation, which may only partially utilize elements of their studies. This trend suggests that although a Natural Sciences degree provides strong foundational skills in critical thinking and analysis, graduates often pursue paths influenced by personal interests, market demands, or job availability that may not fully represent their scientific capabilities.
Ultimately, while Natural Sciences graduates have a diverse range of job choices post-graduation, the relevance of their careers greatly varies. Many have positioned themselves within fields directly tied to science or healthcare, consistently applying their education. Yet, a considerable number have transitioned into roles that might not effectively engage with their academic foundation, illustrating how adaptable and broad the implications of a Natural Sciences degree can be. Thus, the journey from graduation to career is not always linear and highlights the multitude of pathways available based on individual preferences and circumstances.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Natural Sciences graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Natural Sciences, it’s clear there’s a wide range of paths taken. Many of the early jobs out of college appear to be internships or entry-level positions directly related to research, healthcare, or environmental science. For example, several graduates start off with roles like research assistants, lab technicians, or even phlebotomists, reflecting a trend toward practical, hands-on positions in their field. This often gives graduates a solid grounding in their discipline, making them competitive in related fields down the line.
Fast forward five years or so, and you can see a more diverse outcome. Some graduates seem to settle into specialized roles that align closely with their Natural Sciences education, like family nurse practitioners, environmental specialists, or various research positions. However, a significant number end up in jobs that aren't directly related to their degree, such as administrative roles or positions in sales and customer service. While it's great that some of these folks have found stable careers, it raises questions about the direct utility of their Natural Sciences degrees. For others, ten years out, you start to notice leadership roles and advanced positions, including medical practitioners, environmental consultants, and even some who have transitioned into academia or advanced research roles. These achievements show that while some graduates stick close to their roots, others branch out into different avenues altogether.
In honesty, the picture is mixed. While there are numerous success stories affiliated with Natural Sciences, there is also a sizeable number of graduates who seem to drift into unrelated fields. This variability suggests that while a Natural Sciences degree can open some doors, the path isn't always linear or guaranteed to lead to a specialized career in science. It might be advice worth considering: while earning a degree gives you foundational knowledge, actively seeking internships and networking can make all the difference. So, if you’re contemplating pursuing a degree in Natural Sciences, be prepared to explore diverse opportunities and perhaps craft your own unique career journey.
A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you’re into subjects like biology, chemistry, or physics, and you enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking, you might find it exciting and manageable. However, if you struggle with math or the detail-oriented nature of lab work, it could feel intense at times. Generally, it’s around average in difficulty compared to other degrees, but it definitely requires dedication and some late-night study sessions here and there. Just remember, with the right mindset and resources, you can totally handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Natural Sciences.
Looking through the career paths of these graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. For instance, the person who graduated from the University of South Florida has progressed to a Family Nurse Practitioner role, which typically pays well, often exceeding six figures. Similarly, the graduate from The Johns Hopkins University working as a Financial Consultant is likely doing quite well given the financial sector's reputation for high salaries. On the other hand, some graduates like the one from Saint Anselm College, sticking with more niche roles like Veterinary Technician, generally earn less, especially in the early stages of their careers.
Furthermore, fields like healthcare and finance tend to offer better pay scales compared to roles in education or certain research positions. For example, the graduate from the University of Alaska Anchorage has a solid trajectory as both a Physician Assistant and an Assistant Professor, ensuring a fair income. Overall, those who have navigated their way into nursing, finance, or specialized healthcare roles seem to be in a better position financially, while others still might need a few more years or different jobs to hit that “decent” paycheck threshold.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Natural Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
