Life After College for 2025: Adjusting & Tips Based on the Gallup-Purdue Index

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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In partnership with Purdue University and Lumina Foundation, Gallup conducted a national survey that brought to fore a new way of measuring a college’s worth. The study rolled out the findings of the Gallup-Purdue Index (now called the Gallup Alumni Survey), which teased stakeholders to give their assessment of a college’s worth a second look.

Unlike the common academic metrics used by popular universities, such as faculty pedigree, alumni employability, and facilities, the Gallup-Purdue Index instead gave a stronger focus on the more subjective aspects of college education: a professor’s support and internship experience.

The study results of the 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index are discussed below, including Gallup’s follow-up survey in 2016. Both studies point to the value of mentorship and inclusive experiences in college as a way to achieve happiness in one’s career.

Life in College Matters for Life After College: Table of Contents

1. The Gallup-Purdue Key Findings
2. How are colleges being measured today?
3. Support and experience as new benchmark?
4. How do mentorship and alumni networks impact life after college?
5. What are the most accessible paths to further education after college?
6. How can lifelong learning support your career after college?
7. How can you maximize the benefits of your college experience after graduation?
8. What the Gallup Alumni Survey Brings to the Table
9. How do practical college experiences shape career trajectories?
10. Can additional certifications boost your career prospects?
11. Are advanced degrees the next step for career growth?
12. Can short-term courses offer immediate career benefits?
13. Is an accelerated online bachelor's degree a viable pathway for career growth?
14. Is an affordable online bachelor’s degree a smart investment for career growth?
15. Is a fast-track degree program a viable option for rapid career advancement?

Salary may be a good indicator for career success considering the popularity of high-paying degrees. But money is not the only factor—maybe not even the primary measure if we consider the findings of the Global Career Aspiration Survey (Right Management 2015). In a survey of employees worldwide, work-life balance turned up as the main career aspiration for many (45%). Moreover, when asked to define success at work, respondents put happiness (26%) above salary (19%).

Where happiness, or good salary for that matter, is sorely missed in the workplace, the same study revealed that 75% of employees are unengaged at work. Career development opportunities may drive engagement sixfold, according to the Right Management study, but in the Gallup Purdue Index, we are shown a different angle on what makes employees tick to love their work.

The Gallup-Purdue Key Findings

When it comes to workplace engagement and general well-being, what students experienced in college matters more than the type of college or university they attended (Gallup 2014). Just as many employees who are committed to their jobs graduated from private college or university as from public ones. The same equal ratio can be gleaned from measuring their well-being after college. What matters, the study says, is whether students get the support and positive experiences that drive them to pursue learning. This engaged attitude, the study suggests, spills over to the workplace years later, when a student is adjusting to life after college.

The Gallup-Purdue Index found out that a student who had a professor who cared for him as a person is nearly twice (1.9x) more likely to be engaged at work down the road. The likelihood is higher for students with a mentor who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams: more than twice (2.2x). On a broader scale, students who attended a college that is passionate about the long-term success of its students or a college that “prepared me well for life outside of college" are 2.4x and 2.6x, respectively, more likely to be engaged at work.

It bears noting that the findings are based on subjective measures that, in turn, are largely based on how one remembers college life.

How are colleges being measured today?

The Gallup Alumni Survey draws attention to itself not so much for its findings as to the novelty way of looking at a college’s worth. Until Gallup came up with the survey, colleges and universities were largely measured, and still are, along factors that reflect their academic strength.

The U.S. News Best Colleges, a popular annual ranking of over 1,400 colleges and universities in the U.S., use 17 metrics of academic quality, none of which is about a student’s life in college. The metrics include student-faculty ratio, average federal loan debt of graduates, GPA, SAT/ACT scores of freshmen, and ocular campus visits. The publisher, in fact, is explicit that it “does not consider nonacademic factors" in its ranking algorithm (U.S. News, n.d.).

Similarly, Times Higher Education or THE World University Rankings focuses on the institution’s teaching, research, and impact to tell why one university is better than the other. THE ranks 1,500 universities worldwide based on 13 indicators-except college life. These include staff-to-student ratio, income per student, population of international students and gender ratio (THE, n.d.).

Yet another widely cited ranking resource, the QS World University Rankings evaluates universities across six academic measures, including employer reputation, academic reputation, citations per faculty, and international faculty ratio (QS World University Rankings, n.d.).

Even if the intent is not to rank universities but to assess college graduates, the college experience factor is hardly touched. For example, the Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE), a project of the Association of American Colleges & Universities, evaluates college graduates across 16 learning outcomes that will help them achieve success in work and life later. But there is no link to the support or experience they got in college. The metrics include critical thinking, creative thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, problem solving, ethical reasoning, and civic engagement (AACU, n.d.).

Predictably, colleges and universities are measured today along quantifiable values, and rightly so, as any reputable survey demands a calculable framework. But there is a cold, mechanical approach to these evaluations, as if students come out of the assembly line bereft of behavioral influences. Something is missing and the Gallup survey believes it is the human touch and environmental factor. Both of these are hoped to complete the picture of how truly worth is one’s college or university.

Support and experience as a new benchmark?

The Gallup-Purdue Index applied the same approach to customer engagement to measure the graduates’ emotional attachment to their college. In Gallup’s myriad studies across industries, it found out that fully engaged customers stay longer and buy more than average customers. By the same token, the idea of college graduates who are more attached to their alma mater, the study posits, suggests a positive experience in college-that they have had supportive professors and experiences that excited them to pursue their careers. The study wanted to find out if this support-experience combination in college life, or a lack thereof, could have a profound impact on a person’s life after college, primarily, workplace engagement and general well-being.

Not a Novel Idea

To be sure, linking a teacher’s influence to a person’s success is nothing new. Many can recall that spark of learning created by their favorite teacher, as TV host Winfrey Oprah once said to what Mrs. Duncan, her fourth grade teacher, did to her. “It’s why I have a talk show today." Such inspiring stories are great but highly anecdotal and, at best, confined to the formative years of elementary or high school life.

Similarly, we don’t fall short of studies linking environmental factors in college life, which support and experience fall under, to life after college.

In her book, The Nature and Nurture of Critical Thinking, Diane Halpern expressed belief that if the students’ critical thinking skills are recognized and supported in college, they turn to better thinkers, such that a world of opportunities beckons to them. Perusing over job ads, she illustrates that critical thinking is a consistent and expected top job skill, especially for high posts like CEO and executives (Halpern, 2007) . But she laments how little thought is given to this skill in the traditional discipline-based instruction, and she proceeds to cite the study of Wood (1987) where planning and monitoring (words construed as nurturing) can develop this essential skill in the workplace.

The nurture link in college is much clearer in the development of creative talent. Where research has found zero relationship between intelligence and talent (Mackinnon 1962), academic metrics should matter less, if not at all. This leaves nurture as the key driver to seeing to the student’s full potential. In many cases, nurture takes the shape of mentorship, the teacher keeping close tabs on a student’s progress and imparting advice based on the teacher’s experience. In another study, the students’ aspiration to mentorship proved one of the strongest predictors for the intent to persist, that is, finish their studies (Baier, Markman, & Pernice-Duca 2016).

How do mentorship and alumni networks impact life after college?

Mentorship and alumni networks play a significant role in supporting graduates’ professional growth and enhancing their career satisfaction post-college. Many studies highlight how effective mentorship and strong alumni connections can open doors to opportunities and provide guidance through career challenges. Here’s how they contribute:

• Career Guidance and Industry Insights: Mentors from within a student’s college or the alumni network can provide tailored advice, share industry knowledge, and help graduates navigate early career decisions, leading to higher job satisfaction.
• Networking Opportunities: Alumni networks offer extensive professional contacts across various industries, helping new graduates connect with key individuals who may influence their career trajectory.
• Job Referrals and Recommendations: Alumni often play a role in recommending fellow graduates for open positions within their companies or sectors, giving them a competitive edge.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Mentorship and alumni events, such as workshops and guest lectures, encourage ongoing skill development and learning that extends beyond formal education.

Engaging in mentorship and alumni networks can thus offer recent graduates in-depth support as they transition into the workforce, impacting long-term career success and personal fulfillment.

What are the most accessible paths to further education after college?

Lifelong learning is crucial for staying competitive in the job market, and one of the most accessible paths to further education is pursuing online degrees. For those looking for a flexible and efficient way to enhance their skills, finding the easiest degree to get can be a strategic move. This approach allows individuals to balance work, personal life, and educational goals effectively, ensuring they can adapt to the evolving demands of their profession. By leveraging online learning opportunities, individuals can make significant strides in their career advancement without sacrificing other aspects of their life.

How can lifelong learning support your career after college?

In today’s fast-paced world, lifelong learning is key to staying competitive in the job market. While a college degree can open doors, continuing to build on your education and skills can significantly impact your career growth. One effective way to engage in lifelong learning is by pursuing certifications or degrees that align with your evolving professional goals.

For many recent graduates, pursuing easy associate degrees online offers a flexible and accessible option to further enhance their skills. These degrees are designed for busy professionals, allowing them to balance work, personal life, and educational goals.

Here are a few ways lifelong learning can help advance your career after college:

• Skill Enhancement: Lifelong learning lets you stay current with industry trends and acquire new skills. For example, an online associate degree in a specific area can provide specialized knowledge to make you more competitive.
• Career Advancement: Continuing your education can make you eligible for promotions or more advanced roles. Many employers value employees who actively seek to improve their skills and knowledge.
• Industry Flexibility: As industries evolve, skills that were once in demand may become obsolete. Lifelong learning allows you to switch careers or expand into different fields by gaining new qualifications.
• Networking Opportunities: Many online degree programs offer networking opportunities with peers, instructors, and professionals in your field, which can lead to valuable job connections.

How can you maximize the benefits of your college experience after graduation?

After graduation, transitioning into the professional world can be challenging, but leveraging the positive aspects of your college experience can set you up for long-term success. Here are some key ways to make the most of what you gained during your academic journey:

• Use Your College Network: Your college alumni network is one of the most valuable assets post-graduation. Reconnect with former classmates, professors, and mentors who can offer job leads, career advice, or even collaborative opportunities.
• Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to think about the supportive relationships and internships that made a significant impact during your college years. Reflecting on these positive experiences can help you identify the type of work environment or company culture that will suit you best in your career.
• Leverage College Projects and Internships: Don't underestimate the value of projects and internships completed during college. Be sure to highlight them on your resume and during interviews, as they often provide practical skills that can be directly applied to your first job.
• Continue to Learn and Grow: Although you've earned your degree, it’s crucial to embrace continuous learning. Many of the most successful individuals in their fields are those who never stop acquiring new skills and knowledge. If you’re looking to boost your credentials quickly, consider enrolling in a fastest bachelor's degree program or certifications that align with your career goals.
• Stay Connected with Professors: Keep in touch with professors who had a positive influence on you. They can serve as mentors, providing valuable insights as you progress in your career and may also help in networking.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: The knowledge and skills acquired during college should serve as a foundation for continuous professional development. Participate in seminars, workshops, and online courses to keep up with industry trends and enhance your skills over time.

What the Gallup Alumni Survey Brings to the Table

The Gallup findings are hardly the stuff that shakes the educational and workplace sector or present us with ground-breaking life after college tips. But they did yank at the strings tied to our idea of what a good college is. Whether you are a student, a parent, an administrator, or a policymaker, the Gallup Alumni Survey can only add to your insight on the college-work link. Where the study should make the strongest impact, three aspects stand out:

Quantify the intangibles

What the Gallup study did ,and plans to do in future surveys, is to formalize this link between college life and life after college based on nonacademic factors. Anecdotes are good, but a study like Gallup’s provide the meat. Now known as the Gallup Alumni Survey, the study is peddled to colleges and universities as a formal way to help them discover the ultimate definition of their institution’s success: how its alumni fare in life.

Show colleges and universities there is a lot to do to improve outcomes

The Gallup study has revealed, too, that colleges and universities have the work cut out for them to improve college life. Only 14% of alumni fully believed they got support from their professors and, worse, only 6% strongly agreed they had an internship that allowed them to apply their learning in a project. Worst, only 3% said they got both great support and experience in college. If colleges and universities are to leverage the Gallup insights, they can start instituting changes at the classroom and campus levels.

Help HR qualify the better candidate

HR managers stand to benefit also from the study findings. Gallup said its insights adds to the metrics an employer use to choose between two fresh graduates from different institutions and backgrounds. The benefit is starker when selecting two candidates with equal qualifications in terms of academic strength and non-curricular participation-who has a more engaged college life? The HR manager who can figure this out will be rewarded with a committed staff in years to come.

Help students choose the right institution

Lastly, but most importantly, students stand to reap the most reward off the Gallup study. They are given a clear factor to consider when choosing a college or university. Even currently enrolled students can leverage the study outcomes by clamoring for support and experience from a faculty that assigns too much emphasis on academic values. And, truth be told, graduates from non-Ivy schools who have had great college life experiences should feel more empowered now against someone from Harvard or Princeton with a more frigid college life.

How do practical college experiences shape career trajectories?

Real-world experiences during college are pivotal in shaping career paths and future professional success. Opportunities like internships, co-op programs, student research initiatives, and other hands-on projects bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, allowing students to hone their skills in real-life contexts. These experiences not only enhance a graduate's employability but also equip them with the confidence and adaptability needed in today’s workforce.

Internships, for example, rank among the most influential experiences a student can undertake. They allow participants to observe industry norms, understand workplace dynamics, and build valuable professional networks, all while applying the theories and skills acquired in class. Similarly, involvement in co-curricular activities, such as student clubs or volunteer programs, helps cultivate soft skills—like leadership, communication, and teamwork—that employers value.

Moreover, selecting the right courses can also simplify the pathway to professional success. While some students gravitate toward challenging majors, others may prefer pursuing the easiest course in college, which enables them to balance academics with internships and other meaningful college experiences. By carefully aligning coursework with individual career goals, graduates can maximize their potential and readiness for life after college.

Practical experiences also serve as platforms to discover passions and refine career aspirations. For instance, students participating in research initiatives often gain a deeper understanding of their field, making them more effective and innovative problem-solvers—a crucial asset in any profession. Ultimately, colleges that embed such experiential learning opportunities within their academic frameworks produce graduates who are not just knowledgeable but are also job-ready and adaptable to various professional environments.

Institutions can further amplify these benefits by collaborating with industries to design programs that closely mimic workplace conditions or by offering mentorship opportunities that guide students through their experiential journeys. When students reflect on these moments after graduation, they frequently credit these experiences as instrumental in shaping their career paths, enhancing job satisfaction, and fostering long-term professional growth.

Can additional certifications boost your career prospects?

Supplementary credentials can offer a distinct advantage by validating specialized skills and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. Earning credentials through online certificate programs provides professionals with updated, actionable expertise that complements traditional degrees. This targeted development not only reinforces practical competency but also demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability in evolving job markets.

Are advanced degrees the next step for career growth?

Pursuing an advanced degree can serve as a catalyst for career advancement by deepening subject matter expertise and broadening professional perspectives. For professionals aiming to transition into leadership positions or specialized roles, advanced studies provide a rigorous framework for developing critical analytical and research skills that are increasingly demanded in today’s competitive landscape. Innovative education pathways, including online doctorate degrees, offer a flexible alternative to traditional formats, allowing individuals to integrate advanced learning with ongoing professional commitments. Evaluating the potential return on investment from an advanced degree should involve a careful analysis of industry-specific requirements, personal career goals, and the evolving demands of the modern workplace.

Can short-term courses offer immediate career benefits?

In today’s dynamic job market, short-term, specialized courses enable professionals to swiftly address emerging skill gaps and adapt to industry trends. These focused learning opportunities complement traditional academic credentials by providing targeted, actionable knowledge that can improve job performance and accelerate career progression. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of candidates who can rapidly update their skills, making well-designed short courses a strategic tool for maintaining a competitive edge. For programs that deliver demonstrable career outcomes, consider exploring quick college courses that pay well.

Is an accelerated online bachelor's degree a viable pathway for career growth?

Accelerated online programs offer a streamlined route to earn a bachelor's degree, enabling professionals to quickly update their qualifications while remaining engaged in the workforce. This approach supports career advancement by providing a modern, flexible education model tailored to evolving market needs. Moreover, such programs emphasize efficiency and practical application, often integrating real-world projects and skill development modules that complement previous academic and professional experiences. Recent industry trends indicate that employers value the initiative behind pursuing expedited educational paths, as they demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to continual learning. For individuals looking to reinforce their expertise without extended academic delays, opting for online accelerated bachelor degree programs can be a strategic career move.

Is an affordable online bachelor’s degree a smart investment for career growth?

Evaluating further education involves weighing quality outcomes against financial investment. In this context, affordable online bachelor's programs offer a balanced approach that integrates flexibility, targeted curriculum, and measurable career benefits without imposing excessive debt. Decision-makers are encouraged to assess program metrics such as cost-effectiveness, post-graduation employment rates, and alignment with long-term professional goals before committing to a course of study. For an in-depth look at cost-effective options in higher education, review the cheapest online college bachelor degree offerings.

Is a fast-track degree program a viable option for rapid career advancement?

Fast-track degree programs compress traditional academic timelines while maintaining rigorous standards and practical learning outcomes. These accelerated pathways are designed to equip busy professionals with updated skills and industry-relevant knowledge in a shorter period, thereby reducing time-to-career advancement without compromising quality. Such programs balance cost, efficiency, and career readiness, providing an attractive option for those aiming to quickly bridge skill gaps and respond to evolving market demands. For additional insights on efficient educational pathways, consider exploring our guide on quick degrees.

Conclusion

At best, the Gallup Alumni Survey reminds colleges and universities that they are producing, not a product, but a person. It highlights the behavioral influences at play when molding young minds for the future. Strong academic skills are a must. Like how the Lifeaftercollege website puts it, though, satisfaction and happiness should still be placed at the center, instead of the peripheral, of college-after-life measurement. The Gallup study provokes institutions to take a closer look at their existing benchmarks.

The study introduces a new index to measure the best colleges and universities, but in truth, it does not supplant how colleges and universities are measured today. Rather, it adds a new weighted factor, something to give us a bigger picture of how good really, is the college we attended, or more importantly, plan to attend.

For a more interesting read, you may also want to check out our detailed comparison of the differences between a college and a university.

Key Insights

• Impact of College Experience: The Gallup Alumni Survey reveals that positive college experiences, including supportive professors and meaningful internships, are crucial for future workplace engagement and well-being.
• Nonacademic Factors Matter: Unlike traditional rankings, the Gallup Alumni Survey emphasizes the importance of mentorship and inclusive experiences in college over purely academic metrics.
• Work-Life Balance Over Salary: Surveys indicate that many employees prioritize work-life balance and happiness over salary, suggesting that these factors should also be considered when evaluating colleges.
• HR and Hiring: Employers can use insights from the Gallup study to better assess the potential long-term commitment and engagement of job candidates based on their college experiences.
• Institutional Improvement: Colleges and universities have significant opportunities to enhance student outcomes by focusing on supportive and experiential learning environments.
• Student Empowerment: Current and prospective students can use the findings to make informed decisions about their education, advocating for better support and experiential learning opportunities.

FAQ

1. What is the Gallup Alumni Survey?

The Gallup Alumni Survey, previously known as the Gallup-Purdue Index, measures the long-term outcomes of college graduates, focusing on nonacademic factors such as mentorship and experiential learning during their college years.

2. How does the Gallup Alumni Survey differ from traditional college rankings?

Traditional college rankings often emphasize academic metrics like faculty pedigree, research output, and student-faculty ratios. The Gallup Alumni Survey, on the other hand, highlights the importance of supportive relationships and practical experiences in college, such as internships and mentorships, for long-term career satisfaction and engagement.

3. Why are mentorship and internships important according to the Gallup Alumni Survey?

The survey found that students who had mentors who encouraged their goals and dreams or professors who cared about them as individuals were more likely to be engaged at work and satisfied with their lives. Internships that allowed students to apply their learning were also linked to better workplace engagement and overall well-being.

4. How can colleges and universities use the findings of the Gallup Alumni Survey?

Colleges and universities can use these findings to improve their educational programs by fostering supportive relationships between faculty and students and by providing more meaningful internship opportunities. This approach can enhance student satisfaction and better prepare graduates for successful careers.

5. What are some key findings from the Gallup Alumni Survey about the importance of college experiences?

The survey found that graduates who had a professor who cared about them as a person were nearly twice as likely to be engaged at work. Those with mentors encouraging their dreams were more than twice as likely to be engaged. Additionally, graduates from colleges that prepared them well for life were 2.6 times more likely to be engaged at work.

6. How can HR managers benefit from the insights of the Gallup Alumni Survey?

HR managers can use the survey insights to identify candidates who are likely to be more engaged and committed employees based on their college experiences. This can be particularly useful when choosing between candidates with similar academic qualifications.

7. How can students use the Gallup Alumni Survey findings to choose a college?

Students can use the survey findings to select colleges that prioritize student support and experiential learning opportunities. They should look for institutions that provide strong mentorship programs and ample internship opportunities to enhance their college experience and future career prospects.

8. Does the Gallup Alumni Survey suggest that academic metrics are unimportant?

No, the survey does not suggest that academic metrics are unimportant. Instead, it adds a new dimension by highlighting the significance of nonacademic factors in college, such as mentorship and practical experiences, which also contribute to long-term success and satisfaction.

9. Can the Gallup Alumni Survey findings be applied to improve current educational practices?

Yes, educational institutions can apply these findings to reform their practices by emphasizing the importance of faculty-student relationships and integrating more hands-on, experiential learning opportunities into their curricula.

10. What impact does the Gallup Alumni Survey hope to achieve in the field of higher education?

The survey aims to broaden the criteria used to evaluate the quality and impact of colleges and universities. By including nonacademic factors, it hopes to encourage institutions to foster environments that not only excel academically but also support students' personal growth and career readiness.

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• Gallup (2014). Great Jobs, Great Lives. The 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index Report. Washington, DC: Gallup.
• Halpern, D. (2007). The Nature and Nurture of Critical Thinking. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Google Books
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• QS Top Universities (2020, June 10). Methodology. QS World University Rankings.
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