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First, some facts. Of the Systems 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 91 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Systems Engineering graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) 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 34% 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 Systems Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 9% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Systems Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONArmy Aviation Flight School Student US Army May 2015 - Jul 2017 Attack Platoon Leader US Army Jul 2017 - Oct 2018 Assistant Operations Officer US Army Nov 2018 - Jul 2019 Aide-de-Camp US Army Jul 2019 - Oct 2019 Assistant Operations Officer US Army Oct 2019 - Feb 2020 Army Aviation Captains Career Course Student US Army Mar 2020 - Nov 2020 Assistant Operations Officer US Army Nov 2020 - Apr 2021 Troop Commander US Army May 2021 - Apr 2022 Troop Commander US Army May 2022 - Jan 2023 Captain US Army May 2019 - May 2023 Project Engineer  Nucor Corporation Jun 2023 - Present ABOUTI am a man of faith, husband to my amazing wife Kelli, and father to my awesome children Michael, Samuel, and Kennedy. I commissioned from the United States Military Academy in May 2015 where I majored in Systems Engineering and played on the Mens Division I Lacrosse Team. I am an Army Combat Veteran and prior Aviation Officer. I now work as a Project Engineer for Nucor Steel in Darlington, SC. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When examining the career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Systems Engineering, it’s evident that their job titles and roles vary considerably. However, there are some recurring themes and types of jobs that stand out. Many graduates find positions in the military, especially in roles related to operations, leadership, and logistics. For instance, various alumni have served as officers in the US Army or Navy, taking up roles such as Operations Officer, Executive Officer, or Platoon Leader. While these positions demand strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which overlap with Systems Engineering principles, they often focus more on military tactics and strategies rather than technical engineering skills.
In addition to military roles, many graduates also venture into the corporate sector, landing jobs in technology, management, and engineering firms. Notable positions include Systems Engineer, Operations Engineer, and Project Manager. These roles are generally more directly related to Systems Engineering, as they frequently involve applying engineering principles to optimize processes, improve systems, or oversee project execution. For instance, positions like Software Engineer or Systems Analyst showcase a clear connection between the job responsibilities and the technical knowledge acquired during their studies. However, there are also many instances where the relevance between the graduates' roles and their degree is less pronounced. Positions such as Business Analyst or Project Manager often involve a mix of organizational and analytical skills but may not leverage core technical skills from Systems Engineering on a daily basis.
In summary, while many job roles undertaken by Systems Engineering graduates reflect the analytical and problem-solving capabilities honed during their education, the relevance of their jobs to their degree can vary widely. Positions in military leadership demonstrate the utility of Systems Engineering skills in complex problem-solving and strategic planning contexts but may not directly apply technical knowledge. Conversely, engineering roles explicitly utilize the technical competencies gained from their studies, affirming strong relevance. Ultimately, a significant proportion of graduates venture into roles that, while not always directly corresponding to their degree, still benefit from the overarching skills and methodologies associated with Systems Engineering.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Systems Engineering graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Systems Engineering, it’s clear that many of them are following paths that are both successful and relevant to their field. Most of these graduates start off in roles that allow them to build foundational skills while working in technical, managerial, or engineering positions directly related to Systems Engineering. For example, graduates often take on roles as engineers, analysts, or managers early in their careers, often with companies in technology, defense, or manufacturing sectors. This foundation sets them up for a robust career trajectory, one that tends to lead towards leadership and advanced technical roles as they gain experience.
A good example of this trend can be observed with graduates from military academies who typically begin their careers in officer roles within the armed forces. From there, they often transition into specialized technical roles or leadership positions in defense contracting or related sectors. Graduates like those from the United States Military Academy or the United States Naval Academy often have a direct path to higher responsibilities, like operations leadership or project management when they move into civilian careers, reflecting the skills they've honed during their military service.
As time goes on—be it five, or even ten years post-graduation—many graduates find themselves advancing into roles that involve greater responsibility or specialization. Some may hold managerial positions, while others might work as lead engineers or technical consultants in high-demand sectors like cybersecurity, project management, or operations. However, there are also a few who may drift away from engineering roles, landing positions that are less relevant to their studies, such as teaching or administrative roles in unrelated fields. While this isn’t the majority, it does illustrate that the outcomes can vary based on individual circumstances and career choices.
In summary, graduates from Systems Engineering programs generally have promising career trajectories, often starting in directly relevant technical roles, then moving on to managerial or specialized positions over time. The skills they acquire during their degrees seem to align well with the demands of the job market, especially in technical and leadership positions. Overall, while the landscape shows a mix of successful outcomes and some unrelated career moves, it leans heavily towards strong, relevant opportunities for Systems Engineering graduates.
A Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy problem-solving, math, and thinking about how different components work together within a system, you might find it more manageable. However, it does involve complex subjects like systems theory, computer programming, and project management, which can be demanding. Overall, I’d say it’s about average in terms of difficulty compared to other engineering degrees, but it can definitely be a lot of work if you’re not super into those topics or if you're not used to the workload that comes with it.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Systems Engineering.
Looking at this bunch of Systems Engineering graduates, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Those from universities like the United States Military Academy and University of Virginia are probably doing quite well, given the nature of their jobs and the reputable companies they’re associated with, especially in roles related to the military and consulting firms. For instance, many have transitioned from military roles to high-paying positions in tech and consulting, which can really boost their earnings.
On the flip side, some graduates, particularly those from less well-known universities, seem to be in roles that might not be as lucrative. Jobs like teaching or positions in less prestigious companies suggest they may not be raking in the big bucks right away. While many are definitely on paths that could lead to better financial prospects down the line, initially, their income might be lower compared to their peers in more advanced technical or managerial positions. So overall, while some are likely making decent money, others might have to work a bit harder to reach those financial goals!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Systems Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Systems Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Systems Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Arizona
|
73 | 11 |
 United States Naval Academy
|
71 | 11 |
 United States Military Academy at West Point
|
53 | 11 |