GVSU students are in demand. Here is why.

Grand Valley graduates are uniquely prepared with the knowledge, skills, and understanding that employers seek, value, and reward. That means a great return on your investment in a Grand Valley education. That’s the Laker Effect.

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Real-world experience at GVSU.

GVSU Electrical Engineering Major, Enola Ferrie talks about how GVSU is preparing her for her career.


7,837
STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
1,000+
EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATE IN GVSU CAREER EVENTS
90%
OF RECENT GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED OR PURSUING GRADUATE DEGREES

Real Research. Real Impact.

GVSU PROVIDES HANDS-ON LEARNING

Whether working on a faculty member’s research project or developing an independent project guided by a faculty member, Grand Valley students have opportunities to engage in original, hands-on research and scholarship in a variety of disciplines from art history to zoology. While faculty/student research opportunities are usually reserved for graduate students at other universities, Grand Valley puts an emphasis on undergraduate research, better positioning our students for admission to top graduate schools and successful careers.

An International student working in a Chemistry lab at GVSU.

International student and Biomedical Sciences major, Devina Chauhan working in a laboratory on the Allendale campus.


EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPENS DOORS.

GVSU WILL HELP YOU BUILD YOUR CAREER.

When it comes to more career opportunities and long-term success, experience is a competitive advantage. At Grand Valley, that means plenty of chances for co-ops, internships, study abroad, collaborative student/faculty member research, and other experiential learning opportunities.

It is because of these things that employers are recruiting GVSU students early: of those employed full time, 85% of graduates reported receiving offers before graduation, with 98% of all graduates accepting an offer within three months of graduating

GVSU faculty member Lindsey Corneal shares the benefits of engineering co-ops.

GVSU engineering faculty member Lindsey Corneal shares the benefits of engineering internships and co-op programs.


25%
OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP WITH FACULTY

ALUMNI NATIONWIDE

91,945
EMPLOYMENT AND INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
85%
OF GRADUATES RECEIVED OFFERS BEFORE GRADUATION

PUTTING LIBERAL EDUCATION TO WORK

GVSU PRODUCES WELL-ROUNDED EMPLOYEES

More and more employers are recognizing the value of well-rounded, broadly educated employees, and Grand Valley’s liberal education foundation meets that need by preparing students to be lifelong learners, active leaders, critical thinkers, and global citizens. In fact, since January 2023* more than 198,000 Michigan jobs listed liberal education skills such as leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, and communications with their bachelor's degree requirement.

Whatever your degree, you can count on being ready for a fulfilling career in a fast-changing world.

 

*Based on Lightcast Economic Modeling data gathered December, 2023.

GVSU alumna Tosha Tabron talks about her GVSU experience and how she was able to use it to make a difference in her community.

GVSU alumna Tosha Tabron talks about her GVSU experience and how she was able to use her education to make an impact in Detroit communities.


FAR-REACHING NETWORKS

USE GRAND VALLEY'S CONNECTIONS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Because faculty members live, work, and network here, they are able to help students take advantage of West Michigan’s thriving economy through partnerships and relationships with local, national, and international companies. Grand Valley is West Michigan’s university, but its reach is limitless. That means more opportunities, more connections, and more prospects for Grand Valley students and alumni at the undergrad and graduate level.

GVSU alum Kevin Patterson is a partner at BDO USA LLP in Grand Rapids.

GVSU alum Kevin Patterson shares his GVSU experience and how it led to his career as a partner at BDO USA LLP in Grand Rapids.



Page last modified December 13, 2023