Passion with Purpose

A bachelor's degree from Illinois State is a solid foundation for your career. Our graduation rate beats the national average by nearly 15 percent. More than 600 employers come to campus each year looking for interns and employees. You can build your graduate school portfolio by working alongside a professor on a research project. Whatever path you choose, you'll be ready for the challenges ahead with a degree from Illinois State!

Find your passion

At Illinois State, you'll have a variety of opportunities both in and out of the classroom to learn more about yourself and what you want to do with your life. Many students find getting involved in a student organization is a good way to do that. The Student Involvement Center, a unit of the Dean of Students Office, can help you find a registered student organization that's right for you. Not only will you get to know other students with similar interests, you can build leadership skills, develop your professional interests, and more.

Gear up for your career

The University’s Career Center helps graduates land their first job or internship and remains a resource throughout their careers. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Career Center programs and services early and often in their college career. Students can get help finding a major, pursuing an internship, or working on their resume. Alumni are always welcome to return to the Career Center if they wish to find a new job or make a career change. Learn more about programs and services offered by the Career Center.

Prepare for graduate school

Many Illinois State graduates choose to continue their education on the graduate level. Often, professors work with students on research projects to help them prepare a portfolio. Students present their findings each spring during the Undergraduate Research Symposium—a unique opportunity for undergraduate students. The Career Center advises students who are considering graduate school.

Connect with other alumni

Illinois State’s graduates are living proof that you will be ready and able to take your place in your profession or in graduate school when your days on campus come to an end. There are more than 170,000 alumni living across the country and around the world. Read more about what our graduates are doing in the Illinois State Alumni Magazine.

Alumni perspective

"My college years gave me the drive to excel in my classes and in my personal work, not to mention start a business and stick with it for years since."
—Shawn Smith '02, Owner/Creator of Shawnimals

"My Illinois State education prepared me to succeed in my internship which in turn helped me to land a job in the accounting profession very quickly."
—Katy Dienslake, CPA '07, M.S. '08, Staff accountant, Shepard, Schwartz, and Harris, LLP, CPAs

"After graduating I immediately began to embark on my law school education. There were students from every prestigious university in the country. I was so proud that I attended Illinois State and felt that I was just as prepared, if not more, than any of the other students there."
—Julie Annette (Robinson) Jones, Esq. '90, Verizon Communications

"Choosing to get another degree from Illinois State was an easy decision. After completing my undergraduate education, I knew I wanted to get an advanced degree. ISU was the perfect choice for me because it has one of the top programs in the country for my field. Not only is it prestigious, but there are numerous internship and research opportunities available to help me apply what I’ve learned in the classroom."
—Jennifer Detweiler ’11, Graduate student, Illinois State University School of Communication

"Courses in my major prepared me to succeed in my internship at a county public defender’s office. This experience led to full-time employment there as soon as I graduated."
—Alyssa Groves ’10, McLean County Public Defender’s Office