As students across Iowa State University prepare to enter the workforce, the university’s career services and opportunities play a role in their post-graduation success.
“We are here to empower students,” said Tessa Brow, assistant director of Career Services for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). “From high-quality coursework to career diving and job preparation, we want students to make the most of their time on campus and be fully prepared for what comes next.”
Iowa State follows a decentralized career-service model, with each college maintaining its own office tailored to its students’ unique academic and professional needs.
“My team and I specifically support LAS students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” Brow said. “Graduate students also benefit from the additional resources of the Graduate College’s career services.”
A key resource offered at Iowa State is CyHire, a centralized job board exclusively available to students, with internships, part-time and full-time jobs available.
“CyHire is one of our most important tools. It hosts thousands of opportunities,” Brow said. “Every listing on CyHire is there because an employer actively chose to post it, and many are looking specifically to hire Iowa State graduates.”
CyHire also serves as the on-campus student job board and an employer directory, while providing scheduling functions for career advising. Additionally, it serves as the central calendar for career-focused events such as career fairs and employer information sessions.
Brow emphasized the importance of these events as opportunities for students to build their networks.
“Employers are coming to campus to meet with students, talk about their organization and recruit talent,” Brow said. “Those face-to-face interactions are incredibly valuable.”
Despite recent market uncertainty, career prospects for the class of 2025 remain steady. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 89% of surveyed employers plan to maintain or increase their hiring levels compared to 2024.
Iowa State’s career outcome data supports this optimism. In the 2023-2024 academic year, according to Iowa State University Career Services, 76.9% of bachelor’s degree recipients were employed within six months of graduation. Of those, 50% remained in Iowa, 41.6% were employed out-of-state, and 0.8% accepted international positions.
Beyond job placement, Brow said Iowa State emphasizes the development of transferable skills through both coursework and co-curricular engagement.
“We’re seeing a shift toward skills-based hiring,” Brow said. “Employers are prioritizing abilities like communication, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork over specific degrees or job titles.”
Iowa State offers many avenues for students to develop these experiences, from student organizations and learning communities to resume-building experiences outside the classroom.
“These aren’t just for a line on your resume, they’ve opportunities to grow,” Brow said.
For those nearing graduation, Brow advises students to reflect on their experiences, archive key academic projects, and seek support from career services.
“Academic work is resume-worthy,” Brow said. “It showcases the real skills students have developed.”
Brow also recommended maintaining professional connections.
“It’s important to formalize relationships on LinkedIn and keep in touch with faculty and peers,” Brow said. “Networking is one of the most effective ways to explore opportunities and land a position.”
Brow encourages students to start early and stay engaged.
“Career development is a journey,” Brow said. “And we’re here to support students every step of the way, even after they graduate.”
