Student Outcomes at Gustavus
College is an investment, so it is important for students and families to better understand how this investment will be the foundation to launch students into their first job and throughout their careers. Will students get the kind of education, experience, and mentorship they need to be marketable to employers? Upon graduation, are students prepared for their future? Are students able to find jobs aligned with their career goals or get into their desired graduate program?
At Gustavus, the answer is “Yes!” We provide not only top-notch academics but also internships and career connection support to help you enter the next phase of your journey with confidence. Working alongside faculty advisors and career development professionals, you’ll forge a career pathway that will guide you from your first year all the way through graduation — and beyond.
What about getting a job after graduation?
Gusties get great jobs!
An important measure of return on investment is the rate of graduate employment. Gustavus provides career support resources for students during all four years of college which provides a significant advantage when it comes to launching your career.
Every year, 9 out of 10 Gustie graduates are employed in a job related to their career goals, enrolled in graduate school, or volunteering in programs like the Peace Corps, within nine months of graduation or sooner.
Here are a few examples of world-class companies employing Gustavus graduates:
- Mayo
- UnitedHealth Group
- Allianz
- Tria Orthopedic
- Federated Insurance
- Allina Health
- Target Corporate
- SPS Commerce
- AmeriCorps
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- Cambria
- Best Buy Corporate
- Jet Program
- Epic
- US Bank
- Adams Publishing Company
- 3M
- Bio-Techne
- MN Department of Transportation
- City of Minneapolis
- CliftonLarsonAllen
- Kipsu
- Peace Corps
Each year, 1 in 4 newly graduated Gusties continue their educational journey by enrolling in top-tier graduate or professional school.
- University of Minnesota
- University of Wisconsin
- Creighton University
- University of Michigan
- Northwestern University
- University of Iowa
- Duke University
- Penn State
- University of Arizona
- University of Colorado
- Vanderbilt
- Washington University of St. Louis
- Yale
- Purdue University
- Georgetown University
- Marquette University
Looking for marketable experience?
Gusties Build Experiences with Internships, Research, and Study Away
Career-related experience is another element that contributes greatly to success after graduation. All Gusties have the chance to participate in some type of experiential learning. Plus, each year the Engaged Learning Fund provides $100,000 in financial support for unpaid or underpaid career experiences for students.
Featured academic coursework is created in partnership with off-campus entities. For example, students in our marketing and communication classes gain significant experience while working on consulting projects for clients. The Education Department offers student teaching opportunities, either locally or to locations from Hawaii to Spain and nursing students take part in clinical partnerships with urban and rural healthcare agencies ranging from clinics in the heart of Minneapolis/St. Paul to Utqiagvik, Alaska.
Whether through an internship, study away program, student teaching, research, or another educational experience, Gustavus takes pride in providing experiential opportunities that teach the skills you need, both now and after graduation.
Career Preparation Support – Gusties are Career Ready
Individual Guidance Starts on Day One
Starting college means so much more than just selecting a major. Are you still deciding on your major? That’s OK! At Gustavus, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your passions. As a Gustie, you’ll enjoy personal guidance throughout the course of your academic career.
Your advisor and other career professionals will work with you to create a plan that’s both tailored to your interests and goals and dedicated to supporting you to discover and create your career path.
Faculty Advisors
Throughout your time at Gustavus, faculty advisors invest themselves in your education and where you want it to take you. From Day 1, you will have a faculty advisor – who is also your First-Term Seminar teacher. Later, when you choose a major, your advisor will be a professor from that major.
Center for Career Development (CCD)
Our career professionals serve as liaisons between each major and the resources of the Center for Career Development. Gustavus supports every student as they discover how to apply their interests, experience, and classes to a career path.
- Assistance with selecting or changing a major
- Finding internships or other experiential learning opportunities including internship fairs on and off campus with 350 employers represented
- Help with interviewing, resume writing skills, and networking
- Investigating graduate school opportunities
- Make connections for you with faculty, Gustavus alumni, or other mentors
- Partners with a wide range of services to provide you with career resources and opportunities, including Handshake, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and more.
Empowering Tomorrow's Healthcare Leaders: Gustavus Prepares Students for Success in Health Professions
With 30% of incoming students having an interest in the health professions, Gustavus is uniquely positioned to meet the growing needs of the next generation of healthcare leaders. The Office of Health Professions is your dedicated ally, offering invaluable support for both students and alumni. From meticulous prerequisite course planning to gaining invaluable hands-on experience and receiving expert assistance with graduate applications, we're here to guide your path toward a thriving career in the health professions.
See the graduate school attendance for Gusties in the health professions
What about career-related skills?
Gusties Graduate with the Skills Employers Really Want
As you begin your job search, you will have exceptional major-specific knowledge, experience, and techniques and liberal arts Gustavus experience build skills that make you more hireable. According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), hiring managers look for skills like solid problem-solving, a good work ethic, teamwork, and excellent communication — qualities highly valued in every workplace, no matter what your major may be.
These skills come more naturally to some people, but everyone benefits from refining these all-important abilities. That’s why all courses, campus employment, and extracurricular activities at Gustavus give you the opportunity to build more effective leadership techniques, boost your overall ability to communicate in teams, and even sharpen your technical skills.
Percent of respondents identifying attribute as very/extremely important
Source:Job Outlook 2023, National Association of Colleges and Employers
Looking for career connections?
Gustie Strong: Mentoring and the Alumni Network
At Gustavus, you can receive career guidance from a multitude of people. Working with a mentor is another way to get personalized career advice. The mentorship program matches 300+ students each year with one of 1500+ Gustavus graduates who have volunteered to provide professional development and career mentoring every year.
You can also tap into the extensive Gustavus alumni network that's 28,000 strong. Your status as a Gustie grad makes it easier for you to make connections no matter where you end up, whether you stay right here in Minnesota, make your way across the country, or travel around the world.
Supported Students, Outstanding Outcomes After Gustavus
Launching your career starts by graduating from college in four years. With a 76% four-year graduation rate, Gustavus exceeds the graduation rate of the University of Minnesota schools (57%) and the Minnesota state public universities average (28%). Moreover, our students can begin earning money one to two years earlier since they are graduating in four years. Through the outstanding resources and ongoing support, Gustavus helps you go after your academic and professional dreams.