Placement Information at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame

Holy Cross College at Notre Dame is renowned for its strong emphasis on holistic student development, preparing graduates for successful careers in a competitive global job market. As a small, Catholic liberal arts college affiliated with the prestigious University of Notre Dame, it offers personalized career support that resonates particularly well with international students, including those from India. With a focus on experiential learning, internships, and robust alumni networks, the college boasts impressive placement outcomes. For Indian students eyeing the next intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), Holy Cross provides tailored guidance to navigate the US job market, including OPT/STEM extensions and cultural integration programs.

Career Services and Support

The Center for Career and Vocation at Holy Cross College serves as the hub for all placement-related activities. This dedicated office offers one-on-one advising, resume workshops, mock interviews, and job search strategies customized for international students. Indian students benefit from specialized sessions on US work visas, such as F-1 to H-1B transitions, and partnerships with Indian alumni who mentor on bridging cultural gaps in professional settings.

• Individual Career Coaching: Personalized plans based on your major, from business and education to sciences and humanities.
• Job Fairs and Networking Events: Annual events connecting students with top employers from Fortune 500 companies, including those with Indian operations like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services.
• Online Resources: Access to Handshake platform for internships and full-time roles, with filters for international-friendly employers.
• Alumni Mentorship Program: Over 5,000 alumni worldwide, including a growing network of Indian graduates in tech, finance, and non-profits.

For the next intake, the center is enhancing its virtual orientation for international students, covering LinkedIn optimization and US resume formats to help you hit the ground running upon arrival.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

Holy Cross College prides itself on high employability rates. According to the latest institutional data (Class of 2023), 92% of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation. For international students, the rate stands at 87%, with many securing roles through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Indian alumni often highlight the college's intimate class sizes (average 15-20 students) as a key factor in building strong recommendation letters and employer connections.

Metric	Overall Graduates	International Students (incl. Indian)
Employment Rate (6 months post-grad)	92%	87%
Average Starting Salary	$55,000 - $65,000 USD	$50,000 - $60,000 USD (OPT roles)
Graduate School Acceptance	15%	20% (many to Notre Dame or Ivy Leagues)
Internship Participation Rate	85%	80% (with CPT support)

These figures are particularly encouraging for Indian students, as the college's location in Indiana offers proximity to Chicago's booming tech and finance hubs, where companies like Google and Deloitte actively recruit. Salaries are competitive, especially when adjusted for cost of living, and many roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship.

Popular Industries and Roles for Graduates

Holy Cross graduates thrive in diverse sectors, with a liberal arts foundation enabling versatility. For Indian students, the emphasis on ethics and leadership aligns well with global opportunities in India-US corridors.

• Business and Finance: Roles like financial analyst or marketing coordinator at firms such as JPMorgan Chase or Ernst & Young. Indian students often leverage this for positions in multinational corporations with Indian ties.
• Education and Non-Profits: Teaching fellows or program coordinators; ideal for those interested in Fulbright scholarships or returning to India for NGO work.
• Healthcare and Sciences: Lab technicians or research assistants; pre-med tracks lead to med schools with high acceptance rates (75% for applicants).
• Technology and IT: Emerging field with internships at Notre Dame's tech ecosystem, preparing for software roles at startups or Indian IT giants' US branches.
• Government and Public Service: Policy analysts; supported by the college's Washington D.C. semester program.

Recent placements include an Indian graduate from the Class of 2022 who secured a data analyst role at Amazon in Seattle via OPT, crediting Holy Cross's interview prep for her success.

Internships and Experiential Learning

Internships are a cornerstone of the Holy Cross experience, with 85% of students completing at least one before graduation. The college facilitates Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 visa holders, allowing paid internships during studies. Partnerships with University of Notre Dame provide access to exclusive opportunities, such as summer placements in New York or Silicon Valley.

1. Application Support: Career advisors help craft applications tailored to US standards, emphasizing transferable skills from Indian education systems.
2. Global Opportunities: Internships abroad or with Indian firms in the US, like Wipro's American operations.
3. Success Stories: Over 70% of interns convert to full-time offers; for Indian students, this pathway eases post-graduation transitions.

For the upcoming intake, register early for the internship fair in September, where international student panels share tips on visa-compliant work experiences.

Special Support for Indian Students

Holy Cross fosters an inclusive environment for Indian students, with an active South Asian Student Association and Diwali celebrations. The International Student Office assists with I-20 extensions, job search visas, and cultural adjustment workshops. Scholarships like the International Merit Award (up to $20,000) reduce financial barriers, allowing focus on career building. Alumni networks in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai offer reverse mentorship for US-India career mobility.

In summary, Holy Cross College equips Indian students with the tools for US career success. With strong placement stats, personalized support, and a nurturing community, it's an ideal launchpad for your American dream. Contact the admissions team today to prepare for the next intake and secure your future.