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First, some facts. Of the Operations Management 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 86 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Operations Management graduates have a slightly higher 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, only 17% 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 Operations Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 51% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in Operations Management. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONMachining Commodity Manager United Technologies Jun 2016 - Jan 2017 New Program Implementation Manager United Technologies Feb 2017 - Oct 2017 Production Supervisor United Technologies Nov 2017 - Jun 2018 Senior Commodity Analyst United Technologies Jun 2018 - Oct 2018 Customer Supply Chain Specialist  BILSTEIN Shock Absorbers Nov 2018 - Jul 2019 Associate Commodity Manager Speedway LLC Aug 2019 - Sep 2020 Operations Buyer II Midmark Corporation Sep 2020 - Aug 2022 International Logistics Specialist  De Ruijter International B.V. Aug 2022 - Present ABOUT6-year experienced supply chain and data analytics professional. I have had challenging and empowering experiences in supply chain (sourcing and procurement), quality (internal plant site quality systems) and manufacturing (union) supervision. Dependable, astute, organized and action-oriented. Passionate about creating a participative, teamwork environment that maximizes productivity and job empowerment. I have a high-energy, positive attitude.I am striving to further develop my abilities to: Optimize process efficiency, accelerate growth & innovation, effectively manage a team, deliver value through strategic cost savings projects and strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers. ***Id like to note a significant part of my professional experience, as mentioned in my resume. I had the privilege to have participated in and graduated from the United Technologies Corporation Operations Leadership Program (OLP). This 2 year development program provided me with broad exposure to Operations and Supply Chain across UTCs divisions, while enhancing my leadership skills. I became knowledgeable of aerospace manufacturing, served as a change agent in fast-paced and dynamic environments, and developed a strong network. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
In examining the career trajectories of individuals who have completed degrees in Operations Management, a few notable trends emerge regarding the types of jobs these graduates have pursued and how relevant those positions are to their academic training. Many of these graduates find success in areas heavily tied to operations, such as supply chain management, project management, and roles related to manufacturing and production. These areas strongly leverage skills learned during their studies, such as process optimization, inventory management, and operational strategy.
However, there is a mixture of roles where the relevance to Operations Management principles is more tenuous. For example, some graduates have taken positions in sales and customer service, which may involve some operational tasks but do not fundamentally require the specialized skills acquired from an Operations Management program. Additionally, there are several cases where graduates have transitioned into areas focused on management or consulting that do not specifically emphasize operational competencies. Roles such as HR, marketing, and even certain positions in the tech sector, like some business analyst roles, only tangentially relate to the core objectives of an Operations Management degree.
In summary, while many Operations Management graduates find roles that directly utilize their skills and knowledge, there exists a substantial portion whose jobs do not fully engage with the principles learned in their degrees. This reflects broader employment trends where graduates often navigate diverse career paths, sometimes leading them away from their immediate field of study. Hence, while there's a strong foundation in operational roles for many, a significant number of graduates also explore opportunities that may not align as closely with their educational focus as one might expect.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Operations Management graduates:
Let's break down what a bunch of recent graduates in Operations Management from different universities have been up to since they tossed their caps in the air. Generally speaking, many of these graduates stepped into roles that are pretty relevant to their degree, especially right after graduation. A lot of the initial positions were as trainees or assistants, like Operations Management Trainees, Business Analysts, or even Purchasing Managers. For instance, many started their careers at well-known companies like Nestl, Target, and Ford, which is a strong sign that they’re leveraging their degree in operations effectively. These roles help graduates learn the ropes while providing valuable experience in the operational side of businesses.
Fast forward five or ten years, and you start to see a mixed bag. Many from this group climbed the corporate ladder to positions like Managers, Directors, and even Senior Consultants, like those who ended up at big companies like IBM and Accenture, focusing on analytics and management. That kind of growth speaks well of their career trajectories, showing that those who got into relevant roles after graduating generally have built solid careers. However, not everyone has been as fortunate. Some graduates took paths that diverged significantly from their Operations Management background. A few ended up in less relevant fields, adopting roles that seem somewhat disconnected from their studies, such as barista or retail sales positions. This suggests that while the trajectory for many is promising, there’s a segment that might not be utilizing their degree to its fullest potential.
In summary, if you pursue a degree in Operations Management, there's a good chance you'll find your footing in fields related to your studies right after graduation. And with effort and a bit of luck, you might climb to higher positions over the years. But like any degree, there’s a reality that not everyone sticks to the path or finds what they're doing relevant to what they learned in college. So, it's important to network and seek opportunities that align with your career goals right from the start! Overall, the outlook is optimistic for those who stay engaged in their field.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management can be pretty manageable, especially compared to some other business degrees. You’ll definitely hit some challenging subjects, like statistics and supply chain logistics, but a lot of it is practical and you get to work on real-world problems, which makes it more interesting. If you have a knack for problem-solving and can handle some math, you’ll likely find it more straightforward than, say, engineering or advanced sciences. Just keep up with the assignments and engage in class, and it should be a smooth ride overall!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Operations Management.
Looking at these graduates’ job histories, it seems like most of them have been able to secure fairly decent positions, and many have likely earned a good salary, especially those who worked their way up in substantial companies like Nestle, Target, and IBM. For instance, the graduates from The Ohio State University and University of Alabama, with multiple management positions in well-known firms, likely enjoyed substantial financial success given the typical pay range for those roles. However, some of the profiles show a lot of movement between different roles and companies, which could hint at a struggle to find stability or higher pay. Overall, while a number of them appear to be doing quite well, there are some whose job transitions suggest they may still be finding their footing financially.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are graduates working in entry-level or less-prominent roles, like those in food service or retail. While these positions can provide good experience, they typically don’t lead to high earnings initially. It’s clear that some graduates have taken on more entrepreneurial paths, such as opening their own businesses, which comes with its own level of financial risk and reward. All in all, there’s a mixed bag here with some shining examples of career success juxtaposed against others who might not be raking in the big bucks just yet.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Operations Management. This may or may not be useful:
