The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development surveyed seniors on their postgraduate plans and shared its preliminary data with The Observer.
Ryan Willerton, associate vice president for career and professional development, said 72% of seniors shared details regarding their plans post-graduation.
“Based on our analysis and projections, we expect very similar trends to previous years,” Willerton wrote in a statement.
Six months after graduation, the CCD expects two-thirds of graduates to be employed and 20% to enter post-graduate education. Roughly 3% of seniors will begin their careers in service work such as Alliance for Catholic Education, Teach for America and other faith-based, service-oriented organizations. About 2%, mostly ROTC students, will serve in the military.
Notably, the last class for which Notre Dame has released data on career outcomes for undergraduates was 2024. The University did not respond to a request for comment on why it has not yet released data for last year’s graduating class.
The job market has worsened notably in recent years for college graduates. The unemployment for college graduates aged 22 to 27 is currently 5.6%, an uptick from 3.9% in 2022. The unemployment rate for all workers is 4.2%.
The CCD has consistently said that Notre Dame students continue to find jobs at similar rates as in previous years.
Entry level jobs for U.S. college graduates are also increasingly more difficult to find.
Willerton acknowledged that some students will likely find it difficult to secure a job after leaving Notre Dame.
“We know that some students will encounter challenges securing their first opportunity after graduation, and those graduates remain a top priority for our team in the Center for Career Development. Our support does not end at Commencement. Career advisors will continue working alongside graduates as they refine their strategy, expand their network, and explore opportunities,” he wrote.
AI appears to have contributed to a slowdown in hiring and has also changed the job search process.
“AI is certainly influencing the employment landscape, although perhaps not always in the dramatic ways reflected in headlines. Applying for jobs has become easier and faster, which means employers are often receiving significantly more applications for each role. As a result, standing out has become more challenging, particularly in highly competitive industries and entry-level recruiting. This is why networking and storytelling matters,” Willerton wrote.
“In this environment, relationships matter more than ever, and this is where Notre Dame makes a difference. Students who invested time building connections with alumni, employers, faculty, mentors, and peers during their time as undergraduates are often better positioned to navigate a competitive market. Technical skills remain important, but the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and develop meaningful relationships continues to be one of the most valuable long-term career skills,” he added.
Willerton said that career paths for students today can often be nonlinear.
“A first destination is important, but it rarely defines an entire career trajectory. A first destination is a first destination. How a graduate performs in the workplace will be the most important factor in career advancement,” Willerton wrote.
Thirty-six universities will welcome at least two Notre Dame students from the class of 2026 for graduate education.
Forty-eight companies who have worked with the CCD “to support their recruiting efforts” have each hired at least three graduating seniors.
