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.”