How Alumni Can Assist Grinnell College Students

Most Grinnell alums would agree that it feels good helping others and giving back to the community. Listed here are many ways you can give back to the College and stay involved through the Career Development Office; choose one that works for you or blend several together. We also welcome new ideas for creative or innovative programming and look forward to your suggestions. The CDO encourages alumni to consider assisting current Grinnell students by participating in one or more of the following programs: GRINNELLINK Luncheons/Receptions and General Assistance

  • Casual and informal opportunities for students to connect with alumni and talk about the career path they have chosen, the part of the country they live in, and the experiences they've had since graduation.

  • Available and advertised to all students. Provides valuable network opportunities.

Externship Program

  • Students connect with alumni during school breaks for a 3-5 day job shadowing and professional advising, as well as a homestay. Students arrange existing travel plans for the break. A sample schedule could include an organization tour, introduction to organization staff, resume review, mock/informational interviews, trends discussion, shadowing time, etc.
  • Serves first or second year students.
  • Provides undecided students with an opportunity to explore career options.
  • Students gain industry/organization knowledge, networking skills, insight into a specific field of interest, and a direct connection to alumni.
  • Alumni offer professional advising and organizational knowledge.

  • Alumni may recommend this opportunity to class members, colleagues, and key contacts.

GRINNELLINK Summer Internships

Alumni or friends of the College offer internship opportunities at their companies or organizations exclusively for Grinnell College students to gain practical work experience in a chosen career field.  Process: Alumni submit a description to the CDO describing the actual internship responsibilities, skills desired, specific projects and application process. Opportunities are advertised to students who then apply based on the information provided. Many alumni provide direct supervision and mentoring for the intern, and others simply make arrangements for the intern to work directly with other professionals at their organization. Internships take place in the U.S. and abroad during the summer for a minimum of eight weeks of full-time work. Internships may be funded through alumni donation, by the site, or possibly through available Grinnell College funding. GRINNELLINK internships must be open to Grinnell College students only. Alumni may recommend this opportunity to class members, colleagues, and key contacts. Contact the CDO for more information if you are interested in hosting a Grinnell College student during the summer.

Additional Opportunities

  • Schedule a Career Connection visit to campus
  • Post your organization's jobs to PioneerLink

  • Respond to student requests for informational interviews, resume critiques, or graduate school informationHow the CDO Can Assist Grinnell College Alumni

How the CDO Can Assist Grinnell College Alumni

Do you need guidance in dealing with a career change? The CDO can help!

We can provide you with assistance on your resume, direct you toward job search resources, and even help you with career exploration. Use the following resources to get started!

  • Use some of the resources and advice from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) website JobWeb. 
  • [nid:46426] is a comprehensive booklet that will guide you through writing a resume and application letter, what questions to expect at an interview, and how to continue networking. You also will learn about self-assessment and how that can help you think about your career path.
  • FOCUS Career Assessment is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to self-assess your career relevant personal qualities and explore career fields and major areas of study that are most compatible with your assessment results. Access Code: pioneers
  • The Loggia and LinkedIn: Reach out to fellow Grinnellians for support and advice. Share your stories and hear theirs. Every contact can lead to more information, and the key is connecting with people so that you reach the largest possible group in any given field. The Loggia grants you access to the Alumni Online Directory, which lists Grinnell College alumni and the information they want to be made available to other Grinnell College alumni, students, faculty and staff. The directory is updated and managed by the Office of College and Alumni Relations.
  • Still feel as though you need more assistance? You can also make an appointment to speak with a CDO career counselor. Call 641-269-4940 for appointment information.