After Graduation
Carleton alumni bring independence, dedication, and a healthy dose of humor to everything they do. They are creative thinkers who possess the ability to develop innovative solutions to today’s challenging problems.
The Sky’s the Limit
Whether they major in physics or English, Carleton students embark on a variety of career paths. The beauty of a liberal arts education means that you can apply your knowledge and skills to almost any job anywhere. Your Carleton education will help you land your first job — and prepare you to succeed in every stage of your career.
Learn more about the career exploration programs we offer through Carleton’s Career Center.
What are they up to?
We surveyed alumni from the classes of 1990-2013 about the place where they currently work. Here’s what we found:
- 17% work at universities, four-year colleges, or two-year colleges
- 11% work in education outside of colleges and universities (elementary schools, secondary schools, etc.)
- 11% work in health care, including non-profit clinics
- 8% work in banking or consulting
- 6% work in law or legal services
- 5% work at non-profit organizations (excluding those already listed above)
- 4% work with computers and information systems
- 4% work in entertainment and media
- 4% work in federal government
- 3% work in retail or wholesale trade
- 2% work in research labs
- 1% work in state government
And so on, down the list. In other words… you’ll find Carleton alumni working just about everywhere. Take a look at Pathways to learn more about the paths our alumni take after Carleton.
We’ll Help You Take On the World
Carleton alumni are leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Mary-Claire King ’67 discovered the gene responsible for breast and ovarian cancer.
Professor of genome sciences and medicine at the University of Washington
Jimmy Chin ’96 photographed world-class climbers on top of Mt. Everest.
Photographer and filmmaker
Chris Kratt ’92 encouraged millions of kids to love animals.
Cocreator and costar of PBS’s Wild Kratts, Zoboomafoo, and Kratts’ Creatures
Brit Fryer ’15 captured Hollywood’s attention and Robert Redford’s respect.
Filmmaker and Sundance Ignite fellow
Ashley English ’98 captained a World Cup team.
Captain of 2010 USA Rugby Women’s National Team
Rev. Earl Neil ’57 diffused an armed standoff between police and Black Panthers.
Episcopal priest and civil rights activist who worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Desmond Tutu
Maya Warren ’07 made a million bucks and makes sure your ice cream tastes great.
Winner of The Amazing Race and tastemaster for Cold Stone Creamery
John Harris ’85 revolutionized how Americans get their news.
Founding editor and current editor-in-chief of Politico
Carls for Life
Carleton alumni stay connected to the college long after they leave campus. They extend the Carleton community far beyond Northfield, helping current students (and one another) find their way in the world. Whether they’re sharing career advice and opportunities, connecting over a meal, or offering visitors a place to stay, our alumni never waiver in their dedication to supporting fellow Carls.
We offer numerous opportunities for you to connect with alumni while you’re a student, and after you graduate. We have active alumni groups in all major U.S. cities, and a few international ones, too. When you’re a Carl, connection and community are always near by.