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First, some facts. Of the Software 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 576 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Software Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+8%) 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 26% 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 Software Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 81% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Yunnan University with a Bachelor of Engineering - BE in Software Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSoftware Algorithm Engineer Intern SUPCON Sep 2021 - Dec 2021 Engineering Development Group Intern MathWorks May 2023 - Aug 2023 Prompt Engineer  Remotasks Feb 2024 - Present Full Stack Software Engineer TikTok Apr 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeUniversity of Southern California 2022 - 2023 ABOUTMy interest in computer science stems from an IT class in high school, where I used visual basic to simulate shooting a basketball. Based on this interest, I chose software engineering as my major for my Bachelors degree, and acquired basic computer science knowledge along the way. In my senior year, I decided to focus on software development. In this direction, I have done one backend internship at SUPCON using popular tools such as Java, Spring, Maven, and MySQL. And I have also interned at MathWorks on two frontend projects which further enhanced my problem-solving skills. Now, I have obtained my masters degree from University of Southern California, and my interest is mainly in frontend, backend, and machine learning. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking into the career paths of individuals with a Software Engineering degree, it's evident there's a range of job roles they’ve ventured into. You'll find a mix of positions that are closely aligned with software engineering principles and practices, while others stray far from what they studied. Among the most common roles that pop up are Software Engineers, Web Developers, and QA Engineers. These positions clearly use the knowledge gained from their degrees, involving programming, system design, and ensuring software quality with established testing methodologies.
However, not every job these graduates end up in utilizes their software engineering skills. Many individuals have taken roles in IT support, project management, or even completely unrelated fields like sales or customer service. For instance, jobs such as a Field Service Technician or a Customer Experience Specialist may rely on basic technical knowledge but do not engage with the core competencies of software engineering. On the other hand, positions like Software Development Engineer or Full Stack Developer are distinctly relevant and use the technical acumen developed during their education.
Overall, while many graduates navigate their careers into roles that require the application of their software engineering expertise, a surprising number of them find themselves in positions that do not directly utilize those skills. This disparity raises questions about the alignment between education and job placements for Software Engineering graduates, demonstrating that while the knowledge is valuable, market demands sometimes lead to unexpected career trajectories.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Software Engineering graduates:
When diving into the career trajectories of recent Software Engineering graduates, it becomes clear that their paths can vary quite a bit. Generally, many graduates land their first positions in roles that are quite relevant to their field—think software development, engineering, or related tech positions. For example, you often see graduates starting off as Junior Developers, Software Engineers, and Quality Assurance Analysts. This is great news as it indicates that education is paying off and that the skills they're building in school align with what companies need.
Looking five to ten years down the line, many of these individuals continue to advance within the tech industry. You will find many of them moving into more senior roles such as Software Engineer II, Senior Software Engineers, or even Technical Leads. Some climb even higher to positions like Software Engineering Managers or Tech Leads, especially within larger firms like Amazon, Google, or Microsoft. It's encouraging to see that a significant number of these graduates maintain a career trajectory relevant to Software Engineering, often progressing within reputable companies or transitioning to roles that leverage their tech skills.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A portion of graduates do appear to stray from their initial paths or find themselves in tech-adjacent roles that may not directly utilize their software engineering skills. Some find jobs that are noticeably different—like marketing roles or general technical support positions. This might suggest a saturation in the job market or perhaps misalignment between graduate skills and employer expectations in certain areas. For those who find fulfillment in unrelated careers, it's crucial to remember that not all career paths follow a linear progression, and many still find success and satisfaction in diverse roles over time.
Overall, if you’re considering a degree in Software Engineering, it looks promising! Many graduates seem to find relevant careers quickly and often see significant growth within just a few years. While there are exceptions, the trend leans largely in favor of those pursuing a technical path. It’s a strong indicator that with the right determination, you can really create a successful career out of your education.
A Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering can be quite challenging, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you enjoy problem-solving, math, and working with computers, you might find it more manageable. There are definitely tough subjects like algorithms and data structures that can make you scratch your head, but with dedication and a bit of practice, it’s totally doable. Overall, it's not necessarily harder than other STEM majors, but it does require consistent effort and a willingness to learn new things. Just be prepared for some late-night coding sessions and a few stressful projects, and you'll be alright!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering.
Based on the information provided, it looks like many of these software engineering graduates have found solid job opportunities that can potentially lead to good money over time. For example, graduates from universities like Stanford, MIT, and Amazon seem to have stepped right into roles with significant responsibilities, often leading projects or teams, which usually translates to higher salaries. Additionally, many newer grads, like those from UC Irvine and the University of Texas at Dallas, are already landing positions with companies renowned for their competitive pay and benefits, making it likely that they’ll earn decent salaries soon enough.
However, some graduates are in positions that may not lead to as high an income, especially if they are starting in entry-level roles or moving through internships. For instance, while various graduates hold solid positions in technical support or junior developer roles, the pay for these positions can vary widely, and they may not reach the same financial heights as those in more advanced or specialized roles. Overall, whether these graduates make decent money largely depends on their chosen path, initial job placement, and the trajectory of their careers in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Software Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Software Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 San Jose State University
|
88 | 12 |
 Iowa State University
|
87 | 10 |
 The University of Texas at Dallas
|
86 | 15 |
 Brigham Young University - Idaho
|
85 | 19 |
 Arizona State University
|
83 | 13 |
 Florida Gulf Coast University
|
72 | 17 |
 University of Phoenix
|
64 | 17 |
 Kennesaw State University
|
62 | 10 |
 Western Governors University
|
60 | 10 |