Around the world more than 115 employers in two countries and 15 U.S. states rely on last year’s engineering graduates to stay competitive. Armed with their newly minted degrees, the 211 graduates of the Class of 2013 spread their wings far and wide.

Overall, 90 percent of the undergraduate class reported holding a job or furthering their education. In an economy still finding its footing, our high number shows the tangible value of an engineering degree from the University of Rhode Island.

When we spoke with graduates in the months following graduation, they displayed enthusiasm for their new careers or academic careers, appreciation for an opportunity to make a difference and gratitude for an education that trained them to learn how to learn.

Our survey of 90 percent of the class found a diverse set of job responsibilities, employers and graduate schools. It validated the importance of our curriculum that provides a broad understanding of engineering and continuously adapts to the changing needs of employers and graduate schools.

Twenty-four graduates also provided the University with the biggest compliment possible by choosing to attend graduate school here. Graduates also went to Ivy League institutions and one, Eily Cournoyer, is studying at University College London on a Fulbright.

We’re immensely proud of the Class of 2013 and expect the graduates to shape the world in big ways over the coming years.

Methodology

The Class of 2013 includes engineering graduates who received B.S. degrees in December 2012, May 2013 and August 2013. Graduates were contacted at Commencement or by phone between May 2013 and February 2014 and asked about their employment or educational enrollment status. The survey, conducted by the College of Engineering, had a 92 percent response rate.