CLS Alumni Connections – December 2025

The Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) is here to support alumni at every stage of their professional journey. Whether you’re exploring new career paths, seeking networking opportunities, or looking for ways to give back, the CLS offers a wide range of resources—from job search tools to lifelong learning programs and alumni connections. Our goal is to help you thrive personally and professionally while staying connected to the Grinnell community.


Two CLS staff meeting in front of a computer monitor

Reconnecting with the CLS as an Alumni?

Our Getting Started as an Alum resource is designed to help you take the next steps in your career journey. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, building your network, or seeking guidance on professional development, this guide offers practical tools and tips to support your success. Learn more here.

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Digital Resources & Tools Available to Grinnell Alums

Grinnell alumni have access to a variety of digital tools designed to support your career development and ongoing goals. Below are some of the resources you can access today to get started.

  • Jobscan helps you tailor your ATS-friendly résumé and cover letter to get noticed by recruiters; email career@grinnell.edu to request access.
  • Interstride helps you explores international career opportunities, navigating visas, and connecting with global employers; email career@grinnell.edu to request access.
  • Big Interview offers interview practice tools, tips, and mock interviews; email career@grinnell.edu to request access.
  • RAIN aims to level the playing field by guiding users through every step of their job search journey, reducing stress and anxiety along the way. RAIN is a free platform accessible to anyone.
  • Exponent offers tech interview practice with real questions from top companies; email career@grinnell.edu for a discount code.
A laptop and a mug of coffee on a desktop with text "Digital Resources"

The Handshake logo in black against a white background

Handshake is the go-to career platform for finding internships, jobs, and career events tailored just for students and recent grads (within five years). The Accessing Handshake and the CLS as an Alum resource will guide you on how to gain access.

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Is your LinkedIn profile up to date and working for you?
Your profile is often the first impression for potential employers and professional connections. If you’d like to refresh or optimize it, check out the Creating Your Profile and Using LinkedIn Effectively resources. Jobscan, linked above, also offers a LinkedIn Optimization Tool!

Connect with fellow Grinnellians on LinkedIn!
Join Grinnell-specific groups to network with alums who share your interests and career paths. Search “Grinnellians in” on LinkedIn to find groups like Grinnellians in TechInternational GrinnelliansGrinnellians in Business, and Grinnellians in Law, and discover even more communities where you belong.

An iPhone and a mug of coffee on a desk with the LinkedIn logo on the iPhone screen

A stack of books against a blue background

For Alums: What CLS Staff Are Reading

Looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for your career journey? Our CLS team is sharing the books that spark our thinking about professional growth, leadership, and lifelong learning. These recommendations are curated with alumni in mind—whether you’re exploring new opportunities, navigating transitions, or simply curious about the latest insights in career development.

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A screenshot of the chord diagram
The O*NET logo against a white background
The vault logo against a gray background

DASIL Career Outcomes Diagram

Explore the interactive chord diagram (updated November 2025) showcasing the diverse career paths of Grinnell College alumni by major, an insightful tool for understanding how academic choices connect to professional outcomes.

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O*NET Interest Profiler Assessment

Discover careers that align with your interests using the free O*NET Interest Profiler, a nationally recognized tool that helps you explore work options based on what you enjoy.

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Vault Career Guides

Access Vault Career Guides for in-depth insights into industries, companies, and professions. These comprehensive guides offer expert advice on career paths, job search strategies, and workplace trends, an invaluable resource for planning your next steps.

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Interested in giving back and connecting with current Grinnell students?

Visit the career-engagement opportunities page by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) linked below to learn more about programs including Virtual Meetups, the MentorGrinnell Mentorship Program, Internships and the Career Clothing Closet.

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A photo of students and alums gathered around a table talking
Shown here: Alums & Students engaging in a Mentor Circle at the Second-Year Spotlight Conference hosted by CLS, DAR, and the Alumni Council. Grinnell College, November 2025.

Stay in Touch!

Follow the Center for Careers, Life, and Service on InstagramFacebook, and LinkedIn to stay informed about updates, resources and opportunities, events, and student highlights.

Have questions or ideas? Email us anytime at career@grinnell.edu, and explore more resources at career.grinnell.edu.

By Dani Perkins
Dani Perkins Senior Director, Exploratory Career Community