CAREER OUTCOMES

Graduating Student Survey

As part of a university-wide initiative, the Graduating Student Survey captures first-destination outcomes for Illinois State University graduates whether they pursue employment, advanced education, or other post-graduation pathways. The collected data is available by academic programs, college, and institution-wide, providing valuable insights into the career trajectories of Redbird alumni.

This information supports institutional planning and assessment, while also serving as a resource for current and prospective students exploring career options within their fields of interest.

97%

of respondents report being employed within 6 months.

78%

of respondents report having a job before graduation.

87%

of respondents report their first destination aligns with their career goals.

96%

of respondents report they feel prepared for their first destination.

$54k

is the average starting salary of respondents.

Steppingblocks

In addition to the Graduating Student Survey, Steppingblocks offers advanced insights into Redbird career outcomes. This dynamic online resource showcases valuable data on Illinois State alumni highlighting their career paths, advanced education pursuits, industries, and geographic locations. Current and prospective students, faculty, and other stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of the impact of an Illinois State University degree.

Steppingblocks 2025-26 Alumni Data

Top 5 Organizations Hiring Redbird Alumni:

  • State Farm
  • Caterpillar, Inc.
  • OSF Healthcare
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Country Financial

Access even more alumni data details at CareerServices.IlllinoisState.edu/Graduate-Outcomes. University ilstu email address is required.

87%

of alumni are working in Illinois

For more information about career outcome data, contact Quanisha Kumi-Darfour, Career Services Director.

Eric Maldonado

Eric Maldonado–hired by Protiviti, auditor/accountant

Alexandra Azonobo

Alexandra Azonobo–hired by ComEd, intern

Elyse Larsen

Elyse Larsen–Illinois State University, graduate school

Abdullah Muhammed–hired by Country Financial, intern

Mackenzie Wand hired by Caterpillar, Inc., corporate accounting intern

Getrude Senu, Illinois State University, graduate school

Looking Ahead: A New Name for Hire-A-Redbird

Career Services online platform Hire-A-Redbird has evolved into much more than a job posting and employer engagement platform. Today, the system serves as a comprehensive career development hub, offering resources such as career exploration tools, mock interviews, internship management, credential tracking, and enhanced communication features.

To better reflect the platform's expanded purpose and the wide range of services it now provides, Career Services will launch a new name for the system in the coming year. The rebranding will align the platform's identity with its role as a central destination for career readiness, experiential learning, and professional development.

Illinois State University Division of Student Affairs

Experiential Learning

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