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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8:15am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

Center for Careers, Life, and Service

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Center for Careers, Life, and Service

The Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) at Grinnell College.

Whether you’re interested in identifying your strengths, launching your career, or pursuing post-graduate study, Grinnell’s Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) has services and resources to help. You can meet with CLS staff to discuss career planning; find internships, externships, and job-shadows; and hone resumes, applications, and cover letters. The CLS also hosts workshops and on-campu

s recruiting events; offers a wide variety of in-office, online, and printed planning tools; and offers support to Grinnell families and alumni.

06/14/2026

Quick question: do you know what an informational interview is? 🤔 It’s not a job interview, and it’s one of the best low‑pressure ways to learn about careers you’re curious about! Even 20 minutes over coffee, you can learn a lot from an alum or professional in one of your areas of interest. Get started at https://loom.ly/ifdvBgo

06/11/2026

International students: LinkedIn can be a powerful tool, but it’s important to use it thoughtfully ❤️ 🌍 This new resource covers safety, privacy, and best practices to help you network with confidence. Learn more at https://loom.ly/bla5Kwk

06/09/2026

Your LinkedIn profile doesn’t need a total overhaul to get better. A few ✨small updates ✨ such as a fresh photo, summary, and experiences, can go a long way! More information at https://loom.ly/V0ATOn8

06/08/2026

At the CLS, we value the wisdom students gain along the way. We’re proud to highlight Chikako Inoue, who shares their advice for first-year students just beginning their Grinnell journey. 🎓❤️

Name: Chikako Inoue
Pronouns: Any/all
Major/Concentration: Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies with a Digital Studies Concentration

What advice do you have for an incoming first-year student?
"Try everything that attracts you and start your planning early! This sounds contradicting, but one thing that I would like to emphasize is that knowing what you want to be in 5 years is a strength that supports you when you are knocked down by piles of homework, research position rejection mails one after another, and yourself doubting your capacity. Planning your class and study-abroad and break plans with the place, the people, the things that you wanna be in the future makes things much easier for you. At Grinnell, there are so many opportunities where you can explore your interests. For me, it was Mentored Advanced Project, Plus-2 research, Student Education Policy Committee, and Q***r People of Color that convinced me that I want to be a Gender Studies researcher. Again, try everything that you wanna do and shape what you want to be!! And take care of yourself even amidst of many works!! You got this!!"

Thank you for sharing, Chikako, and we wish you all the best!

06/05/2026

Looking back can be just as powerful as looking forward. As part of our Class of 2026 highlights, Filza Anis shares her advice for first-year students—insights shaped by her time at Grinnell. 🎓❤️

Name: Filza Anis
Pronouns: She/Her
Major/Concentration: Psychology

What advice do you have for an incoming first-year student?
"Find ways to get involved off campus! I really loved being a Grinnell student, but it can be easy to get wrapped up in only spending your time on campus. I didn't feel part of the Grinnell community until I started volunteering- doing so helped me get to know some of the many incredible community members! Some of my favorite ways to get involved were at the Mayflower Community nursing home, at the weekly Community Meal, or as a Big Buddy through Link Grinnell's mentoring program. There are many volunteering options for all kinds of interests you may have, so bring your friends and talk to new people!"

Thank you for sharing, Filza, and we wish you all the best!

06/04/2026

Want to see where Grinnell grads are now? 👀 LinkedIn makes it easier than you might think to find alumni and explore career paths you’re curious about. Here’s how to identify alumni who align with your questions and interests:
https://loom.ly/uhJlqBs

06/03/2026

Big transitions invite both reflection and excitement. We’re highlighting Luyen Pham, who shares what she’s looking forward to after graduation and her advice for first-year students finding their way at Grinnell! 🎓❤️

Name: Luyen Pham (she/her)
Majors: Biology and Sociology
Concentration: Neuroscience

What are you excited for, after graduation?
"This fall, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Pharmacy to pursue my PharmD."

What advice do you have for an incoming first-year student?
"I was once in your position! I stepped into Grinnell College filled with doubt and worries, but four years later, I leave this place with so much love, growth, and memories. The road may not always be smooth, and that is okay! Remember that this is your journey. Don’t compare your path to anyone else’s because everyone moves through life at their own pace. Be patient with yourself and know that things will work out in ways you may not yet see!"

Thank you for sharing, Luyen, and we wish you all the best!

06/02/2026

Summer is a great time to start (or restart) networking ☀️ Whether you’re reaching out to alumni, reconnecting with classmates, or just learning how it all works, small steps now can make a big difference later. We’ve got tools to help you get started at https://loom.ly/XKNXmP8

06/01/2026

Every Grinnell journey is shaped by experiences that matter. Today, we’re highlighting Maya Albanese as she reflects on her time at Grinnell that helped guide her path! 🎓❤️

Name: Maya Albanese
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Major/Concentration: History major with an American Studies concentration

"Just recently (Tuesday, May 5th), I opened an exhibit at the Grinnell Historical Museum, "Artists, Collectors and Scholars: The Women of Grinnell College's Early Biological Sciences." It is my American Studies capstone. This exhibit is the culmination of all the work I've done at Grinnell College. I have worked in Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives for five semesters, which inspired the subject matter of this exhibit. In the summer of 2024, I was a student researcher for Professor Purcell's MAP, "Georgia Dentel and Grinnell Concerts History," where I wrote the biography of Georgia Dentel, which sparked my interest in women's history and provided foundational research skills that I used for this exhibit. Finally, last summer, I participated in the Historic Deerfield Summer Fellowship program, which I got into with the help of CLS advisor Destini Ross. My final research paper there focused on women botanical illustrators in the nineteenth century, combining science history and women's history. All of this experience culminated in this exhibit, which I hope will open the door to more student curation at the Grinnell Historical Museum. I am incredibly grateful to Grinnell College for providing me with these experiences and for allowing me to delve deep into my interests throughout my four years."

Thank you for sharing, Maya, and we wish you all the best!

[Image description: A photo of Maya Albanese standing in front of a presentation]

Address

1103 Park Street
Grinnell, IA
50112

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:15am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16412694940

Website

https://linktr.ee/GrinnellCLS

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