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First, some facts. Of the Nuclear 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 92 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Nuclear Engineering graduates 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, 45% 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 Nuclear Engineering graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 67% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Nuclear Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONWater Reclamation Lead Engineer Pratt Industries Oct 2021 - Sep 2023 Engineer  STP Nuclear Operating Company Aug 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the job history of various individuals who hold degrees in Nuclear Engineering, it becomes evident that the types of positions they occupy can vary significantly. Many graduates pursue roles that are directly related to their field of study, while others find themselves in jobs that, while potentially utilizing some of their analytical or technical skills, are not aligned with nuclear engineering at all.
Some of the most common job titles include Nuclear Design Engineer, Radiological Safety Engineer, and Reactor Engineer. These roles clearly connect back to the specialized knowledge and experience acquired in nuclear engineering programs, involving the application of principles and practices vital to the nuclear industry. For instance, a Nuclear Design Engineer at Westinghouse Electric Company not only benefits from their academic training but also plays an essential role in the design and safety analysis of nuclear systems. This demonstrates a direct relevance where the degree is fully utilized in their work. Other positions, like those of Graduate Research Assistants or Interns at prominent laboratories, also show strong alignment to the field, involving research and development that applies nuclear engineering concepts.
However, a considerable number of graduates end up in roles that may only tangentially relate to nuclear engineering. For instance, positions in business consulting, project management in non-nuclear industries, or even roles in retail have turned up in the data, indicating that not all graduates stay within their specialized field. In fact, jobs such as Associate Producer at a cinema or Mechanical Field Engineer at a construction firm may not actively utilize their nuclear engineering knowledge or skills and reflect a significant deviation from the core objectives of their degree. This suggests a broader trend where individuals in technical fields may take on roles that don't demand their specialized knowledge, perhaps due to market demands or personal career choices.
To summarize, while there are plenty of meaningful and relevant careers for Nuclear Engineering graduates, a significant portion of them ultimately veer into unrelated fields or positions where their degree may not be fully utilized. This reflects not only the versatility of their analytical skills but also the diverse career trajectories possible with a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Students should remain aware of this reality as they navigate their professional journeys, balancing their passion for their chosen field with the opportunities available in a competitive job market.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Nuclear Engineering graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Nuclear Engineering, it becomes clear that their paths can be pretty diverse. From the start, many graduates seem to land jobs that are tightly linked to their field of study, particularly in the early years following graduation. For instance, roles like Nuclear Design Engineer or various positions at nuclear facilities or engineering firms are common first jobs. This suggests that universities are equipping their students well for immediate employment in nuclear-related positions. Over time, it’s evident that many individuals continue to advance within companies that specialize in nuclear offerings, like Westinghouse Electric Company, Southern California Edison, or general energy firms, often moving from engineering positions into roles that hold more responsibility, like Senior Engineer or Manager. These initial successes indicate a solid connection between their education and professional roles.
However, if we dive deeper, we can also see that not every graduate maintains their connection to the field of nuclear engineering. Some professionals shift towards different industries or roles after several years. For example, several graduates from programs like the University of Wisconsin-Madison or Missouri University of Science and Technology have taken jobs in unrelated fields after a few years, like operations at Whole Foods or even project management outside the nuclear sector. This could imply that some students might find themselves exploring different interests as their careers progress, or perhaps they gather skills that can be applied in various sectors, showing a sort of versatility in their education. There are also instances where graduates end up in roles that might not seem directly related to nuclear engineering, such as positions in sales or technical consultancy, which may stray far from what they initially studied.
Fast forward a decade, and the picture becomes even more varied. A number of people establish fulfilling careers within prestigious organizations, climbing the ranks to become senior engineers, managers, or even directors within nuclear safety or energy companies. Figures like those from Texas A&M University or Penn State University often emerge holding respected positions and contribute significantly to their fields. Conversely, some graduates appear to be stuck in roles that lack the advancement one might hope for following such specialized education, working away in roles that feel more like stepping stones to something else rather than the culmination of their degree's promise. This indicates that while there's a strong start for many, some drift away from their intended path.
In conclusion, graduates in nuclear engineering often begin their careers in relevant and promising positions within the field, benefiting from rigorous academic training. However, as time passes, the connection to nuclear engineering varies significantly, with some pursuing impressive and influential roles while others seem to lose touch with their specialization. It really showcases the importance of not only the degree but also personal choices and career developments that shape the future of these professionals.
Nuclear Engineering can be quite tough, and it's generally considered harder than the average degree because it dives deep into complex subjects like thermodynamics, radiation, and materials science. You'll be dealing with a lot of advanced mathematics and physics, which can be pretty challenging if those aren't your strong suits. On top of that, courses often involve a mix of theoretical concepts and practical applications, so you’ll need to be good at both understanding ideas and solving problems. However, if you have a passion for science and math, and you're ready to put in the effort, it can be a rewarding journey, even if it feels a bit intimidating at times!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Nuclear Engineering.
It looks like most of these Nuclear Engineering graduates are doing pretty well for themselves, financially speaking. Graduates like the one from UC Berkeley who held high-ranking positions at Google and McKinsey signify a strong earning potential, and with many of them landing roles in reputable companies or government positions, it's safe to say they’re likely making a decent salary. Those who worked as Nuclear Design Engineers at Westinghouse and similar companies are probably also raking in a good amount, especially considering the technical nature of their jobs and the industries they’re in.
However, there are a few exceptions where graduates took on roles that might not be as lucrative. For instance, some starting out in internship or lower-level engineering roles may not be earning as much initially, but they often pave the way for higher-paying positions down the line. Overall, while salaries vary widely at the start, many of these nuclear engineering alumni seem to be on a path to solid financial stability based on their positions and the companies they work for.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Nuclear Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Nuclear Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Nuclear Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University
|
83 | 18 |