For Alumni

We appreciate your continued engagement with the College of Liberal Arts!

Career Engagement Opportunities for CLA Alumni & Friends

Your engagement makes an impact! Whether you are sharing your career journey and industry knowledge with students, fostering connections, hosting an intern, or sharing a specific opportunity - our alumni and friends help shape the career journeys of CLA Students.

Share an internship, job, or project

Connect with Students on the Maroon & Gold Network

Share Your Story!

Whether you are in your first professional role after graduating, you are mid-career or you’re approaching retirement- your CLA Alumni career journey has the potential to inspire and inform today’s students. Share your advice and insight by completing this brief form. Completed interviews may be published on your academic department's website and also on the CLA website.

Engage with students as a CLA Career Volunteer

CLA Career Services hosts many career exploration programs for students throughout the academic year. It is helpful to know when CLA Alumni and friends are interested in speaking with students, sharing their story in writing or video format, or engaging in another way, so that we can reach out to you when an opportunity aligns with your background and interests. Complete this brief form to share your interest in engaging as a career volunteer.

Learn more about how you can engage beyond CLA Career Services.

Career Resources for Alumni

Moments of growth, uncertainty, and transition are natural stages of career development. As you navigate your career journey, there are many career resources that are available to you as an alum of the College of Liberal Arts and the University of Minnesota.

Explore career resources and tools for CLA alumni:

Connect + Network

Join the Maroon & Gold Network

The Maroon & Gold Network is a free online platform from the University of Minnesota’s Alumni Association (UMAA) for career-related advice, networking, and mentorship, for students, alumni, and the University of Minnesota community.

Connect with CLA on LinkedIn

Join the CLA LinkedIn Group to connect with the 8500+ members. This group offers an opportunity to stay connected with the CLA community and to find out about opportunities for personal and professional development.

Job Search Tools & Tips

Visit Handshake to find opportunities

Handshake is the University of Minnesota's professional job, internship, and volunteer database connecting students and alumni with employment opportunities throughout the world. Handshake is available to all alumni of the University of Minnesota. If you no longer have your UMN email account, please follow the detailed instructions for gaining access to your Handshake account after graduation included on this Handshake overview page.

Access “how-to” guides and job search tips

Career Services Administration offers excellent basic information about how to create a strong resume or cover letter, network, and more.
Utilize the CLA Career Guide. As an alum, you are welcome to access the CLA Career Guide. Some of the content may feel more aligned with a student audience, but you will find that the samples and advice included in the guide often remains relevant as an alum of the College of Liberal Arts, whether you have just graduated or find yourself pivoting between career opportunities.
Visit UMAA Career Support Resources. The University of Minnesota Alumni Association offers Job Search Resources, as well as a robust UMAA Webinar Series which includes career conversations with professionals in a wide range of industries, representing a variety of alumni perspectives in terms of academic and career paths.

Request Career Coaching for new CLA graduates (within 1 year)

CLA Career Services offers individual career coaching appointments for recent CLA graduates for up to one year following graduation.

Schedule an appointment directly or email our team ([email protected]) and we will be glad to assist you.

Please note that CLA Career Services is not able to offer individual career coaching appointments to alumni who have graduated over one year ago.

Leverage Community-based Career Resources

Minnesota CareerForce offers free in person coaching and workshops.
The MN Career Development Association offers this directory of career professionals to reach out to if you are seeking career coaching or guidance.