Bright Futures

Build a Bright Future

At Notre Dame, we know that callings outweigh careers.

We provide an abundance of resources, learning opportunities, and connections that get you where you want to go. You have big dreams and Notre Dame is dedicated to helping you pursue them.

Marioojadi

My Notre Dame education helped me to realize that it has never been where I am or what I’m doing that had the greatest impact. Rather it’s the people around me, those I share memories with, that have taught me my greatest lessons. They remind me to remain focussed on the value of what I’m working towards, to find joy in service of others.

– Mario Ojadi '20
Notre Dame Golden Dome Graduation

Outcomes

Earn a Degree That Speaks to Employers

Employers know exactly what to expect of Notre Dame graduates: the best. As a result, 500 employers visit campus every year to recruit our students, conducting more than 7,000 interviews. Those interviews give recruiters an opportunity to see firsthand how a Notre Dame education prepares our graduates for the world.
  • 97% of students are successful in finding career opportunities (jobs, graduate school, or volunteer work) within six months of graduation.
  • $76,000 median starting salary university-wide (self-reported)
  • 80% of pre-med graduates are admitted to medical school (nearly twice the national average)
  • 90% law school acceptance rate
  • 89% of students participate in internships or research projects
  • TOP producer of Fulbright Program students for nine consecutive years 
  • TOP 3 among national universities in alumni satisfaction 

Over the last 5 years (2018-2022), Notre Dame graduates have consistently pursued similar outcomes. Within six months after graduation, Notre Dame student plans include:

  • 69% Full-Time Employment
  • 20% Graduate School
  • 4% Service
  • 2% Military
  • 2% Other Plans
  • 3% Seeking Employment

Alumni Success Stories

  • Veronica Alonzo

    '97 Preprofessional Studies
    Associate Superintendent, Operations
    Diocese of Dallas Catholic Schools

  • Randall Ang

    '12 Finance, Film, Television, and Theater
    Council Aide
    City of Los Angeles

  • Katie Washington Cole

    '10 Biological Sciences
    M.D./Ph.D. Candidate
    Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health

  • Tom Conlin

    '86 Finance
    Senior Vice President
    Aon Risk Services

  • Nancy Cox

    '78 Biology
    Director
    Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University

  • Marianne Cusato

    '97 Architecture
    Designer, Author, & Lecturer

  • Prisma Garcia

    '09 Science-Business and Latino Studies '10 M.S.
    Director, Capacity Building
    Social Venture Partners

  • Jim Greene

    '85 American Studies
    Director
    Boston Emergency Shelter Commission

  • Danielle Merfeld

    '94 Electrical Engineering
    Technology Director
    GE Global Research

  • Chris Simms

    '88 Management
    Practice Administrator
    OrthoCarolina

  • Chris Stevens

    '74 Economics
    Retired Vice President
    Keurig Inc.

  • Arienne Thompson

    '04 History
    Entertainment Reporter
    USA Today

  • Michael Wong

    '96 Accountancy
    CEO
    DayBlink Consulting

Career Development

The Center for Career Development

There are a number of reasons our graduates hit the market prepared to succeed. The Center for Career Development is one of them.

The Center for Career Development provides undergraduate students and recent alumni with career counseling and development services, self-assessments, workshops, career fairs, mock interviews, and so much more. Students and graduates can also take advantage of Irish Compass, an online community where they can find mentors, connect with other Domers, ask career questions in industry specific discussion groups, and connect with potential employers looking to hire Notre Dame graduates.

Career Fair
Winter Career Fair
Winter Career Fair in the Danke Ballroom in the Duncan Student Center.

Hurley Globe

Alumni Network

Support That Will Follow You Everywhere

As a graduate of Notre Dame, you’ll join the most extensive alumni network in the world, not to mention one of the most generous.

No matter where you are, you can benefit from your association with Notre Dame. Domers look out for one another.

  • 150,000 alumni around the world
  • 223 domestic alumni clubs
  • 40+ international clubs

Testimonials

Attending universities like Notre Dame will open the door to jobs you’ve always dreamed of pursuing. But, attending the University Notre Dame itself will lead you to a future with those around you at its center.

– Ryan Coury '24

When I came to Notre Dame, I had this dream that I thought was a pipe dream: working at Disney as an Imagineer. I thought I might be the only one with this kind of dream. Yet, within a few weeks on campus, I found a whole group of people with dreams just as crazy! Now, we all work as a team, and as friends, to pursue our dreams together.

– Katelynn Wyatt '23

The Notre Dame family has exceeded my expectations. Being part of such a close-knit, dedicated group drives me to be a better version of myself while forming relationships that I will hold on to for years to come.

– Devin Diggs '22