Bellarmine University consistently tracks career outcomes as part of its comprehensive
approach. The latest annual First Destination Survey, which provides a detailed analysis
of the outcomes for the most recent graduating class, revealed that 99% of graduates
found employment or pursued their graduate degree within six months of graduating.
Student-athletes were well represented, with 100% securing a job or enrolling in a
graduate program within six months of graduation for the third consecutive year. These
career outcomes are 14% above the national average for other colleges and universities.
Additionally, Bellarmine graduates report higher wages and become Kentucky’s top earners.
On average, Bellarmine alumni earn more than graduates from any other institution
in Kentucky. Three years after graduation, Bellarmine bachelor's degree recipients
earn a median income that is 19% higher than the average median income for those holding
bachelor's degrees from all Kentucky institutions. For master's degrees, the average
median income is 23% higher. Comparative data show that Bellarmine grads earn more
than grads from any other Kentucky institution, whether it's after 6 months, 3 years,
5 years, or 10 years.
“These successful outcomes are the result of a university-wide collaboration effort
to support our students along their educational journey,” said Liz Byron, Executive
Director of Experiential Learning & Community Engagement. “Career development is a
priority for faculty and staff, and it provides our students with critical skills,
such as communication, leadership, professionalism, critical thinking, and teamwork
inside and outside the classroom. We understand that social capital is critical to
one’s network for internships and employment opportunities.”
Bellarmine’s IMPACT Network, consisting of faculty, advisors, and career and peer
coaches, works diligently from preorientation through graduation to help student's
self-discovery, career readiness, experiential learning, mentoring, and equity and
inclusion.
Recent grad and Honors Communication Major Madyson Lira has experienced the impact
of this collaboration first-hand. “I can confidently say Bellarmine prepared me for
graduate school. Not only have my professors made me feel confident in excelling in
my classes, but the staff has also helped me. Our career development center helped
me find internships and connected me with alumni, which has helped my network grow.
They taught me how to write cover letters, format my resume, and speak and act confidently
during interviews. I do not think I would be where I am without the help of many Bellarmine
community members.”
The Career Development Center at Bellarmine provides all current students and alums
with a variety of career exploration and preparation services to ensure Bellarmine
students are equipped to live, work, lead, and serve in the global community. “I chose
Bellarmine because of the support system on campus,” said Aniya Short, a history major
from the Class of 2024. “Bellarmine prepared me for graduate school through the Career
Development Center with the Alumni Mentor Program, internships, networking events,
and 1-on-1 resume building.”
Meeting with each student individually during their time on campus and beyond to understand
their goals and assist in developing a personalized career plan is a crucial aspect
of the Bellarmine experience. Relationships are at the heart of a Bellarmine education,
and upon graduation, students have access to a wide social network for support as
they pursue their life's purpose and calling.
“I feel so blessed to have developed relationships with awesome faculty and staff
at Bellarmine,” said Lily Koch, ’24, a Nursing and Spanish major. “Elaine (Surdyke)
Hartlage, Father John, Dr. Nelson Lopez, and almost all of the nursing professors
have served as mentors to me in some capacity. I cannot say enough good things about
my blessings during my Bellarmine journey.”
You can read more about the results of the first destination survey and learn more about Bellarmine by requesting more information.