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First, some facts. Of the Physics graduates from University of Washington 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, Physics graduates from University of Washington have a much lower likelihood (-12%) 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, 50% 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 Physics graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Physics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONField Artillery Officer US Army Jul 2019 - Present ABOUTThree years experience as a Field Artillery Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. Intensive training in team management and operation planning. |
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 people who graduated with a degree in Physics from the University of Washington, it seems like a mixed bag. Many graduates seem to end up in roles that aren't heavily tied to physics principles. For instance, jobs like SAT tutor, sales clerk, and various teaching positions in English or general subjects don’t really leverage the core physics knowledge they acquired during their studies. On the flip side, there are also folks who landed roles that are very much in the physics realm, like laser engineers, researchers, and even nuclear submarine officers. These positions utilize theoretical and practical physics skills that align closely with their education, making them a great fit for physics graduates.
Overall, it looks like while a decent chunk of these graduates finds work that relates back to their degree, many others veer off into fields where their physics background isn't utilized much at all. This indicates that a physics degree can open up a variety of career paths, some directly related to physics and some not so much. It's worth noting that the skills gained in a physics program, such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, can be valuable in diverse fields, even if they aren't immediately obvious or relevant to physics itself!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Physics graduates (this is across all Physics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of Washington):
Looking at the career trajectories of Physics graduates from the University of Washington, it seems like there’s a pretty mixed bag here. For those who've graduated recently, like in the last few years, we can see a blend of roles. Some moved into solid positions right after school, sometimes in fields that don't quite tap into their Physics background. For instance, a grad took up a home tutoring job, while another shifted to academic tutoring after various other roles. This suggests that some graduates might not be landing those high-tech, physics-related jobs we typically think of as ideal. However, we do see others who have stayed within the realm of their studies, like the graduates who became laser engineers or research assistants, indicating that while there might be some variation, there are definitely solid opportunities for applying Physics knowledge in the workforce.
Fast forward five to ten years, we see some really promising career paths for those who stuck closely to their Physics roots. Graduates who started in engineering or research positions often climbed the ladder into managerial roles or continued their academic journey into postdoctoral research. On the flip side, others have diverged quite a bit, transitioning into roles like tutors or even campaign management, which might feel less relevant to their Physics education. While we can celebrate those who found ways to utilize their degrees in meaningful ways, it’s clear that not every grad went directly into a "physics job," which might come as a surprise to some. Overall, there’s potential for success, but there’s also a fair number of detours and unexpected career choices sprinkled in for these Physics grads from UW.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, whether at the University of Washington or elsewhere, can be pretty challenging. Physics is known for its heavy focus on math and problem-solving, and classes often involve complex concepts that can feel pretty daunting. At UW, you’ll likely encounter a mix of rigorous coursework, labs, and real-world applications that push your understanding. While some students find it super interesting and rewarding, others may struggle with the level of depth and abstraction involved. Overall, it’s generally considered harder than your average degree, so be prepared to put in some serious study time and stay curious!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Physics.
Looking at the job paths of these Physics grads from the University of Washington, it seems like they’ve had a mix of success when it comes to making decent money. While some folks like the 2012 grad climbed the ladder in a laser engineering company and are likely earning a solid salary now, others have taken on roles like academic tutoring and teaching, which typically pay less. The recent grads still early in their careers might not be raking in big bucks just yet, especially those in tutoring or administrative roles, while the ones in tech or engineering appear better positioned for higher earnings. Overall, there’s a pretty wide range, so it really depends on the specific paths and industries they chose.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Physics (this is across all Physics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of Washington). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Physics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Physics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Berkeley
|
83 | 12 |
 UC Santa Barbara
|
81 | 12 |
 University of California, Los Angeles
|
79 | 10 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
66 | 24 |
 University of Washington
|
55 | 14 |