A Snapshot of our Classes of 2017 & 2018
Written by Natalie K. Kent
Commencement is an exciting time of year for those graduating from Hillsdale College, and especially for our newest alumni. After 98 percent of our 2017 graduating class accepted positions within six months of obtaining their diplomas, the class of 2018 has headed off to employment in organizations such as General Motors, Goldman Sachs, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the International Justice Mission, and The White House. The caliber of our graduates and the achievement of our Hillsdale alumni go hand-in-hand to create a career network teeming with talent throughout all categories of business.
Among many of our 2018 graduates continuing their education are fifteen who will be attending law school in the fall. Eleven of these were accepted to schools that rank in the top 25 nationally. Furthermore, many former Hillsdale College students will be attending University of Michigan graduate programs, one of whom will pursue her master’s degree in the University of Michigan Social Work Program, ranked best in the country.
Comparatively, of the 305 members of our 2017 class, 24 percent chose to continue to further their education, and many have seen a period of rapid growth this past year as both young professionals and aspiring scholars. Among those top graduate programs with members of our 2017 class in attendance are Baylor University, Harvard University, University of Michigan, and Yale University.
Economics ranked first, and financial management fourth, in the top majors at Hillsdale in 2017, so it is no surprise that some of our graduates began careers with globally acclaimed organizations such as Wells Fargo and Fidelity Investments. Think tanks such as the Action Institute, Independent Institute, and Mackinac Center for Public Policy currently employ men and women from the class of 2017 right alongside the United Nations, General Motors, and social media giant Facebook. Ninety-three percent of our 2017 class reported that their post-Hillsdale destination is related to their career goals.
Hillsdale’s longstanding mission as an institution has been rooted in helping students discover unique and fulfilling roles, which we see evident in the 4 percent of our 2017 graduates who chose to pursue lives of service by means of volunteer work or in military careers. Their positions help to defend and cultivate our current social and political landscape.
Looking at the geographic demographics of that same class, it is interesting to note that a quarter of them chose to remain in Michigan. Nineteen percent opted to reside in the Midwest, while 17 percent are pursuing opportunities (and warmer weather) in the South. An additional 16 percent moved West, while the D.C., Northern Virginia, and northeast regions account for approximately 15.5 percent. This leaves the Chicagoland area with 5 percent of our 2017 graduates, and countries abroad with 2.5 percent.
If you are interested in recruiting Hillsdale College students to fill your internship and full-time opportunities, reach out to Ken Koopmans in Career Services at [email protected]. #HireHillsdale
Former students, and now active members in our country’s workforce, the Hillsdale graduates of 2017 and 2018 have been prepared for, and are now reaching for, greatness. Although their paths continue to grow and diverge from one another, they remain unified in their loyalty to the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. We applaud them with high hopes for the many milestones yet to come, proud that each one chose Hillsdale College as their alma mater.
Natalie K. Kent is a native of Maui, Hawai’i and six-year resident of Ave Maria, Florida, Natalie has always enjoyed the tropical climate and beauty around her. However, this Fall she traded palm trees for parkas to begin her freshman year at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI.
This summer, Natalie jumped at the opportunity to work as an intern with Hillsdale’s Career Services Team. She is thankful for the chance to explore her career interests, while also getting to know Hillsdale College and it’s impeccable staff in a unique and personal way.
Published in October 2018