Class of 2021 Reports Career-Placement Success

The Career Outcomes Report for the undergraduate class of ’21 is in, highlighting staggering starts to a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.

Among a range of success stories, the computer science and software engineering programs stand out as the programs in the university with an average starting salary above $90,000.

Across nine departments and 13 undergraduate programs, students in the Schaefer School of Engineering and Science posted average starting salaries in the range of $62,000 to $90,600. And, within six months of graduation, nearly every surveyed student secured a full-time position or was accepted to a post-graduate program.

“I am most thankful for the confidence I built professionally, technically, and personally at Stevens. The Co-op program exposed me to various companies and industries; the design spine solidified my understanding in the classroom; and my leadership positions in clubs, Greek-life and Student Life made me comfortable with who I am,” said Jonathan Ku ’21, now an assistant mechanical engineer at Burns and McDonell. “The confidence I gained at Stevens has given me the courage to move out of my comfort zone and leverage life’s many opportunities.”

Ku represents mechanical engineering, one of many programs in which students had 100% career outcomes rate, meaning that every student who responded to the survey secured a job or is continuing their education. From mechanical engineering, 60% of survey respondents secured full-time positions, and 40% went on to post-grad studies. Most programs have a similar ratio of full-time to post-grad placements, but electrical engineering and physics majors are two outliers. Both programs have a 100% career outcomes rate among survey respondents, with 93% of electrical engineers going into the workforce, and 73% of physics majors are continuing their education.

This distribution of outcomes speaks to the wide appeal of and demand for graduates with a Stevens degree. No matter the field or career path — whether a student enters the workforce or continues their education — Stevens prepares students for success.

“I am grateful for the skills and network I have gained at Stevens and know that I have a sound foundation on which to build my career,” said Sarah Bertussi ’21, controls engineer at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group.

The journey and the destination

It’s not only through diplomas and full-time job offers that Stevens delivers value, it’s the bedrock of the curriculum. During their undergraduate years, students have the chance to explore their interests, develop skills and grow as individuals. The Stevens experience helps students identify not only what they want to do but who they want to become.

Jason Chlus ’21, program manager at Microsoft, explained how the impact of his Stevens experience goes beyond his professional life. “I started my college career unsure of myself — unsure that I could succeed in this world, unsure that I’d be enough, learn enough, do enough. Stevens not only gave me endless opportunities to grow and learn but encouraged me to do so and pushed me when I settled.”

The Schaefer School of Engineering and Science has an environment that promotes collaboration and innovation, curricula that impart industry-relevant knowledge and a network that offers career support. By taking advantage of all the school has to offer, these students have positioned themselves for personal and professional success.