After Graduation

Home Explore Carleton 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 2016 and 2011 about the place where they currently work. Here’s what we found:

20% work in business and finance (6% as consultants, 3% as analysts, and 3% in sales, marketing, or advertising)
19% work in education (6% as K-12 classroom teachers, 4% in K-12 but not as classroom teachers, 4% as professors, and 4% in college or universities in other roles)
11% work in computing, mostly as software developers and engineers
6% are Physicians (and another 5% work in health care but not as physicians)
6% work in government or public service, 3% as analysts or urban planners
5% are attorneys
5% work in communications and media as journalists, editors, and producers
4% were scientists

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 poses for a portrait at University of Washington in Seattle

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 running with a rugby ball

Ashley English ’98 captained a World Cup team.

Captain of 2010 USA Rugby Women’s National Team

Earl Neil sits in a church pew beneath a stained glass window

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.