The Reality of Engineering Graduates: Why Many Don't Work in Engineering

TLDRAround 75% of engineering graduates don't end up working in engineering. Common explanations include difficulty finding jobs in the field and underemployment. The high cost of engineering degrees and the mismatch between university education and employer needs contribute to this issue. It's important to consider alternative paths, such as trade schools, and evaluate motivations before pursuing an engineering degree.

Key insights

🔧Around 75% of engineering graduates don't end up working in engineering.

💼Difficulty finding job openings in the engineering field contributes to the low employment rate.

🎓Underemployment is a common issue among engineering graduates.

💰Engineering degrees are expensive, raising questions about the return on investment.

⚖️There is a mismatch between university education and employer needs in the engineering field.

Q&A

Why don't engineering graduates work in engineering?

Common reasons include difficulty finding job openings, underemployment, and a mismatch between university education and employer needs.

Is the high cost of engineering degrees justified?

The high cost of engineering degrees raises concerns about the return on investment, especially considering the low employment rate in the field.

Are there alternative paths to consider instead of an engineering degree?

Trade schools and other non-traditional careers offer good job prospects and may be worth considering, especially if one's interests lie outside of engineering.

What are the implications of underemployment among engineering graduates?

Underemployment means that a significant percentage of engineering graduates work in jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree, leading to a potential waste of their education and skills.

What can be done to address the issue of underemployment and low employment rates among engineering graduates?

Efforts should focus on improving the alignment between university education and employer needs, providing better job market information to students, and exploring alternative career paths beyond traditional degrees.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Around 75% of engineering graduates don't work in engineering after graduation.

02:50Underemployment is a common issue among engineering graduates, with 20-30% of engineers working jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.

06:57The cost of engineering degrees raises concerns about the return on investment, especially considering the low employment rate in the field.