Grinnell College Graduates Excel: A Glimpse into Recent Graduates Achievements

Some of the greatest minds go forth from Grinnell. This sentiment rings true once again as we reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of our last four graduating classes at Grinnell. As Grinnellians, these graduates carry with them not only a prestigious diploma but also a legacy of intellectual curiosity and a commitment to making a difference in the world. 

At Grinnell College, the journey doesn't end at graduation; it's merely the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of excellence and impact. The Center for Careers, Life, and Service stands as a testament to this commitment, offering support and resources that extend far beyond the campus gates. 

First Destinations After College 

They have embarked on diverse paths, reflecting their individual passions and ambitions. Here's a snapshot of their first destinations after college: 

• 58% entered the workforce, ready to make their mark in various industries 
• 26% pursued further education in graduate and professional schools 
• 3% dedicated themselves to post-graduate service, serving communities near and far 
• 3% secured prestigious fellowships 
• 2% continued their education through other forms of continuing education. 
• 7% ventured into other endeavors 

Top Locations 

From coast to coast, Grinnell graduates have made their presence known in cities across the nation. Some of the top locations include: 

• Boston, MA 
• Chicago, IL 
• Iowa City, IA 
• Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN 
• New York, NY 
• Washington, DC 

Top Employment Information 

These graduating classes have landed positions at esteemed organizations, demonstrating their readiness to tackle real-world challenges. Here are some highlights: 

• California Department of Fish & Wildlife: Salmon Fishery Port Sampler 
• Chipper Cash: Senior Project Manager 
• CLIMB Theatre: Resident Artist 
• Deloitte: Analyst 
• Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago: Research Assistant 
• IBM and Microsoft: Data Scientist and Software Engineer 
• League of Conservation Voters: Field Organizer 
• Mayo Clinic: Patient Care Assistant 
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Postbaccalaureate Researcher 
• Teach for America: Elementary Teacher 
• U.S. Department of Justice: Paralegal 
• Wisconsin Farmers Union: Policy Coordinator 

Related to Career Goals 

An impressive 87% of graduates reported that their positions were completely or moderately aligned with their career goals. This underscores Grinnell's commitment to preparing students for success in their chosen fields. 

Graduate and Professional School Success 

83% of students were accepted to their first or second choice graduate or professional institution and program. Some of the top graduate schools include: 

• Carnegie Mellon University 
• Columbia University 
• Cornell University 
• Georgia Institute of Technology 
• Harvard University 
• Princeton University 
• Stanford University 
• Tufts University 
• University of California 
• University of Chicago 

Experiential Learning 

Grinnell College values experiential learning as a cornerstone of education. These activities take place outside of the classroom, giving students hands-on experience related to their fields of study. These classes actively participated in internships, research, service, and off-campus courses of study, putting the knowledge gained in their coursework into action. Highlights include: 

• Internships or Research Experience: 85% 
• Service: 83% 
• Off-Campus Study: 44% 

Top Service Organizations and Fellowships 

Grinnell graduates are dedicated to serving their communities and the world at large. Some of the top service organizations and fellowships include: 

• Service Organizations: City Year, Conservation Corps, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, Peace Corps, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants 

• Fellowships: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, National Institutes of Health, NYU Shanghai, The Fulbright Program, Thomas J. Watson Foundation 

For a full overview of the last four years of graduate outcomes and achievements, visit Grinnell College's Graduate Outcomes page. The journey of a Grinnellian extends far beyond graduation, fueled by passion, curiosity, and a desire to effect positive change in the world.