The most recent data compiled by Oglethorpe’s Office of Career Development revealed that 92% of the Class of ’24 are successful with their plans for after graduation.
The survey showed that six months after graduating, 92% of OU grads are working in their preferred professional field, continuing their education in graduate school, serving in the military or participating in volunteer service. Known in higher education as the “outcomes rate,” Oglethorpe’s is well above the national average.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2023* First Destination Survey results reports that nearly 85% of college graduates in America were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Oglethorpe University Class of ’24 graduates beat that average by five percentage points, not including military or volunteer service.
“That’s the advantage of an Oglethorpe education,” said President Kathryn McClymond. “Supported by a combination of highly involved faculty members, well-placed and influential alumni, and a dedicated team of career development professionals making connections in the city and beyond for our students, Oglethorpe graduates have a distinct advantage when they enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies.”
Employers of 2024 OU grads include arts organizations like Actor’s Express, Alliance Theatre, Central Casting and Dance Makers. Accounting and business administration graduates are working at BDO USA, CapinCrouse, Delta Community Credit Union, Grant Thornton and Fiserv. Government and public agency employers include the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, City of Atlanta, City of Brookhaven and Dekalb County School District.
Amazon Web Services, CentricsIT, Enterprise Mobility and Expedia Group are employing Class of ’24 graduates as well as healthcare entities such as Cobb Medical Institute, Atlanta Plus Urgent Care, BreakThrough Physical Therapy and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. One recent alumna is also teaching abroad this year as a part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
“I am very proud of our students,” said Dr. Lisa Conley, director of Career Development at Oglethorpe. “They work hard while they are here and are intentional about the interdisciplinary learning experiences they pursue. Many graduates receive full-time offers from their internship sites, and it is inspiring to see them landing great employment opportunities and getting into their grad school of choice. They maximize the liberal arts education they receive at Oglethorpe.”
Oglethorpe graduates from last year’s class are currently enrolled in graduate programs at Arizona State University, Georgia State University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the London School of Economics, Emory University, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, Texas A&M University, among others.
Earlier this academic year, Oglethorpe launched new career communities in healthcare and communications with plans for a third in the spring in business. These communities help students connect with peers pursuing similar interests as well as alumni with experience and career networks, and students discover pathways to build a career in that profession. Oglethorpe also welcomed to campus a number of professionals in the fall and took students on several off-campus visits to companies to enhance their understanding of those environments and provide an opportunity to envision future success.
“I’m very grateful for my experience at Oglethorpe,” said Mackenzie Roberson, a 2024 OU biology graduate now a doctoral student at Emory University. “Participating in research and being able to present my work at various poster sessions and conferences helped prepare me for where I am today. I credit much of my success to the mentoring I received from Oglethorpe faculty members, which has allowed me to excel in my graduate school journey thus far.”
*2024 national results will be available in 2025.
