First, some facts. Of the University Studies 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 65 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 59%, University Studies graduates have a lower 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 24% 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 University Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 42%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor's degree in University Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHelp Desk Technician - iTechThe University of Southern Mississippi Feb 2015 - Oct 2015 Desktop Technician II - iTech The University of Southern Mississippi Oct 2015 - Aug 2016 Junior System Administrator General Dynamics Information Technology Aug 2016 - Jan 2017 EMOC Duty Manager General Dynamics Information Technology Jan 2017 - Aug 2018 Cloud Systems Engineer General Dynamics Information Technology Aug 2018 - Feb 2020 Information System Security Officer Peraton Feb 2020 - Dec 2021 Information System Security Officer TMR, Inc. Dec 2021 - Dec 2022 Senior Information System Security Officer CACI International Inc Dec 2022 - Present ABOUTHighly motivated IT adaptable generalist. I've always had a love affair with technology. I can remember getting my very first computer, staying up all night tinkering with it, and when I broke something, troubleshooting it. Since then, I've never stopped learning the new intricacies that technology holds, and the mere thought of what the future holds gets me excited. In my professional life I strive to first and foremost always continue learning and to stay current. This gives me plenty to do because the technology field is ever changing. I also strive to be the best in whatever I'm doing so I can provide a great experience to customers and clients.Some of my skills include: DHS 4300a, NIST 800-53 Risk Management Framework Vulnerability Management Windows, MAC OS Computer Hardware Advanced computer hardware and software troubleshooting OSX, iOS, Android, and Linux knowledge Cabling Monitoring Basic Security Applications Manage User Accounts Implement Active Directory Design Models Advanced Security Principles Risk Management Client-Side OS Basic LAN Design FedRAMP Knowledge Cloud Principles and Techniques |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The analysis of job roles held by individuals with degrees in University Studies reveals a varied landscape of occupations, emphasizing a mix of relevance to their field of study. Many graduates seem to gravitate toward roles that involve organizational skills, communication, and community engagement, which aligns with the broader, interdisciplinary nature of a University Studies education. However, the connection between their job roles and the specific skills developed during their degrees is often tenuous, with many positions leaning more toward general competencies than direct applications of their academic background.
Notably, positions in education, community health, and management appear frequently among this group, indicating a preferred pathway for University Studies graduates. For instance, roles like Teacher, Para Educator, and various coordinative positions hinge on interpersonal skills and organizational knowledge, which are often cultivated throughout their studies. Many graduates also found themselves in administration or support roles, such as Administrative Assistants or Project Managers, which, while requiring some skills developed during their coursework, didn’t necessarily tap deep into the specific nuances of a University Studies curriculum. On the flip side, there are several instances where graduates ended up in fields seemingly disconnected from their degrees—roles like Kitchen Staff, Customer Service Representatives, and Technical positions often lack the academic relevance typically associated with University Studies, suggesting that while the graduates may possess transferable skills, they may not have pursued careers directly correlating with their studies.
In summary, the most common job types span education, healthcare, and various forms of administration. Although a significant number of these jobs make use of skills developed during their University Studies—including critical thinking, communication, and management—the direct relevance of the roles to their degree varies. It seems that graduates often find themselves in roles where they can apply generalized skills rather than specific training or knowledge from their University Studies coursework. Therefore, while the career outcomes for these majors are promising in terms of versatility, there's a noticeable gap when it comes to the alignment of specific job roles with their educational foundations.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for University Studies graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with University Studies degrees, it’s pretty clear that they’ve had a mixed bag of experiences. For many, their first jobs after graduation tend to be in *entry-level positions*, often in *administrative roles*, *coordinator positions*, or even *service jobs*. It’s common to see new grads taking on roles that don’t necessarily align with their degree but help them gain practical work experience and develop critical soft skills. For example, several graduates of the University of Texas at Arlington jumped into teaching or administrative work, while others entered the healthcare sector in roles such as assistant or coordinator. This might reflect the reality that, especially when you’re first starting, a degree alone doesn’t always guarantee a direct path into a well-defined career track.
Fast forward five years after graduation, and you see some interesting developments. Many of these individuals have moved up in their respective fields or even switched to roles that are quite different from what they started with. For example, someone who began as a social media coordinator went on to manage entire projects or direct teams in more managerial roles. However, the picture isn’t all rosy. Some graduates have faced a series of positions that seem to lack upward mobility or relevance to their field of study, leading to a scattered work history. For instance, one graduate from Oklahoma State University took on various short-term positions in different companies, which may not build a cohesive career path. Overall, while some graduates find themselves in fulfilling, relevant careers, others might feel stuck in jobs that don’t fully utilize their skills or connect back to their University Studies background.
The takeaway? If you're considering a degree in University Studies, it's essential to keep in mind that your first job may not be your dream job. However, over time, with persistence and a bit of networking, there's potential for growth into more satisfying roles. Just be cautious: the journey can vary greatly, with some rounding off into significantly rewarding careers and others wandering into a patch of indecisiveness in their professional lives. It all depends on how you leverage your degree and opportunities that come your way!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies can be on the easier side compared to other majors, but that doesn’t mean it's a walk in the park. It’s designed to be flexible and you get to pick a lot of your courses, which can make it feel more manageable. However, that means you really have to stay motivated and focused since you won’t have a strict path laid out for you. If you’re generally good at managing your time and staying engaged, you should find it pretty doable. Just don’t underestimate the amount of self-discipline it takes; it’s not all just breezy electives!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in University Studies.
Looking at the job histories of these University Studies graduates, it seems like there’s a mix of decent and not-so-decent earning potential. For instance, those who landed positions like Director of Operations or Director of Legislation generally indicate they could be on track for a better salary, especially with careers developing higher up the tiers in their respective fields. On the other hand, there are graduates who have worked in more entry-level or service-oriented jobs for quite some time, such as bartenders and social media coordinators. While these positions can pay okay, they may not lead to the financial independence or growth many graduates hope for. So, overall, it looks like some are making decent money while others might still be working their way up the ladder.
For the recent graduates, job titles vary significantly, indicating a range of financial circumstances. Some are still in positions with more modest salaries, while others are stepping into roles that could lead to a livable wage or more with experience. The key takeaway? The degree itself can help open doors, but where you end up depends a lot on your career path and how you navigate the job market after college. If you go after opportunities that align with your goals, there’s a good chance you can find yourself in a better financial situation in the long run!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in University Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in University Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their University Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
College | Score | Count |
---|---|---|
Texas Tech University | 59 | 13 |
The University of Texas at Arlington | 57 | 10 |